LAS VEGAS (KTNV) – If you or someone you know rides a bus, safety may be a concern.
Now, new AI-based weapons detection software is being installed at transit facilities, bus stations and RTC buildings across the valley.
I wanted to learn more about this cutting-edge technology and its impact on passenger and staff safety.
I spoke with Gary Farley, who heads to the Bonneville Transit Center every day to catch a bus. He tells her that he’s been worried lately about his daily commute.
“Right now, it’s not safe at all to ride this,” he explained. “One day, there was a person on the bus with a gun. Someone got into an argument and someone pulled out a gun and it all started.”
In an effort to improve safety, the Southern Nevada Regional Transportation Commission is partnering with ZeroEyes, a security services company, to install the new software.
RTC Director of Safety and Security Operations Tom Atteberry says the AI-based software detects weapons using your existing cameras.
When a weapon is detected, images are sent to its operations center, which is staffed by trained law enforcement veterans. Alerts are sent to local authorities and RTC staff within seconds. Atteberry says the software recently detected this toy gun and alerted them within seconds.
Southern Nevada RTC
“There’s a fine line between not infringing on someone’s right when they have the right to carry a firearm and someone acting illegally and going to do something nefarious with a firearm,” Atteberry said.
He adds that they have also added a panic button system for drivers to speed up emergency responses.
Kiara Marland has been a bus driver for two years and says the newly implemented safety technology is a big relief. She told me that, from fights to angry passengers, she never knows what to expect.
“Every day I have to question my safety, especially in the cemetery,” he explained. “It’s a dangerous job if you’re not aware of your surroundings. It can go left very quickly.”
The RTC’s move is another step to improve safety and ensure attractions like Farley don’t have to question their safety.
“Will my life end on this day or will it end this time?” Farley said. “There’s a lot of chaos on the bus.”
Can Learn more about RTC services here..
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