The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway in southern Louisiana is comprised of two parallel bridges regarded as the most expansive in the world. The longer of the two bridges runs 23.87 miles. Clearly, a bridge system of this magnitude is quite difficult to monitor, but a recently installed $1.3 million surveillance camera system is helping to change that.

One of the fastest growing markets for IP surveillance technology is public transportation. Buses, subways, transit depots and stations have been targets for vandalism, theft and violence for many years. Analog CCTV systems were installed in many cities with a mild degree of success, but their cumbersome equipment and limited technological capabilities made them an ineffective security solution.

You've seen the commercials - the insurance spokesman describes a staged accident, where a car abruptly pulls in front of another car and immediately brakes - often resulting in a rear-end accident which is almost always the fault of the innocent driver.

If you live in a city or large town, chances are you've seen their footage on the news or noticed them on the freeway - traffic surveillance cameras are commonplace now on major arteries. In the United States, nearly every state has a dedicated arm of their department of transportation which maintains and monitors surveillance cameras on major roads, interstates, freeways and highways.

Many public transit systems across the country are turning to video surveillance as a way to increase safety for passengers and drivers. Such is the case in Summit County, Colo. where county commissioners are moving forward on a proposed project that will result in the installation of digital surveillance equipment on all Summit Stage buses.

It's becoming more and more common to find security cameras aboard public modes of transportation such as buses and subway trains. These cameras work to protect drivers and passengers and to deter criminal activity and disorderly conduct. The Port Authority in Pittsburgh, Penn. has outfitted many of its buses with multiple surveillance cameras for those very reasons.

In a long-delayed move, commuter parking lots in Clarkstown, NY will soon be equipped with CCTV security cameras. The installation will begin this summer. Currently cameras watch over the Nanuet train station, but an additional 8 cameras are set to be installed at the Exit 14 park-and-ride lot along Route 59. The cameras will serve to provide peace-of-mind for drivers concerned about their vehicles as well as their personal safety.

A recent report from Frost & Sullivan North American Video Surveillance Software Markets has predicted that revenue from IP video will grow a staggering 70% in the next seven years - from $139.76 million in 2006 to $826.7 million in 2013. One of the catalysts behind this amazing growth? Schools.

TriMet, the public transportation authority for the Portland, OR metropolitan area, was recently awarded a $560,000 grant from the Transportation Safety Administration for the purpose of improving its CCTV infrastructure on the MAX (Metropolitan Area Express) light rail system.

The city of Moorpark, in Ventura County, Cal. will soon outfit its Metrolink station with six digital cameras aimed at preventing tagging, vandalism, and other crimes in the station as well as its parking areas. The train station has proven to be a popular target for graffiti artists who find its architectural design -- which includes elevated sidewalks, a large blank wall and benches -- irresistible.

School buses in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana will have a new flair come September. No, it's not snazzy new seats or a bold departure from the ubiquitous yellow paint job, but a system of video surveillance cameras.

He said, she said...it's one of the oldest paradoxes of all time. How can two disparate opinions regarding the same issue be resolved? For hundred of years, it was a decision founded on trust, but in recent years, security cameras and video surveillance have been helpful arbiters when these issues arise. Officials at Trimet, Portland OR's public transit bureau, have come to painfully understand this dilemma in the past week.

The Channel Tunnel (commonly called the "Chunnel"), an undersea tunnel connecting England and France, been called one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Completed in 1994, the 50km (31 mile) tunnel is used extensively by freight and passenger trains. Surveillance is an important security tool for ensuring that trains move efficiently and safely.

Usually, when parking a car in a lot at a mall, you get the standard security reminder: hide your belongings, lock your car, take your valuables with you. These are thought to be the best way to prevent break-ins, car theft, and expensive repair for things like broken windows. However, a rash of unusual crimes around the Washington, D.C. metro area has made parking lot security officials think twice about the standard precautions.

Red light cameras have become a great fundraising tool for cities and municipalities everywhere. Tickets for light-runners help police forces focus on serious crimes and not minor traffic infractions. Australian police have taken this principle and expanded it to include freeways and byways in New South Wales - this time using cameras designed to capture license plate numbers.

Visualize this scenario: You're sitting in bumper to bumper traffic in the Oldsmobile you inherited from your grandpa. The windows are rolled down because the air conditioning gave out years ago. A wall of heat encompasses you, and the cassette deck is jammed, stuck playing on a constant loop the Muppets tape you popped into the player two weeks ago for ironic purposes. You look to your left and to your dismay a Mazda Miata zips by with its top down revealing a lone rider, the driver, who's singing Phil Collins' "Another Day in Paradise" at the top of his lungs. You hear just enough for it to stick in your head, then raise your fist to the roof in a fit of rage. Sound familiar? Wait, are you telling me YOU are one of those people who illegally sneaks into the carpool lane in order to bypass hours of traffic each day? Well my friend, your day of reckoning may be just around the S-curve, thanks to a group of UK scientists who have developed a roadside surveillance camera that can actually calculate the number of people inside a moving vehicle. That's right. Welcome to the slow lane.

Parallel parking for the first time is never easy - there's the careful initial alignment, and the tricky backwards steering and fingers-crossed reversing into the spot. Hopefully, if all goes as planned, the maneuver will be over soon. However, we all know that these things don't always go as planned - and sometimes, an attempt at parallel parking ends in a gut-wrenching crunch. This is how driving has been for years - a game of chance - a game that many auto makers are trying to change.

Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice has ordered that Blackwater convoys transporting private contractors, supplies and weapons around Iraq be monitored by video surveillance after several controversial incidents involving Blackwater contractors in Iraq.

The Bay Area Rapid Transit system (BART), which serves riders throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, has big plans for a major video surveillance overhaul aimed at protecting riders from everyday crime as well as the threat of terrorism. State-of-the-art security cameras will be placed in stations, along tracks, in all trains and parking lots, and throughout other BART facilities. While the transit system has an existing surveillance network, the new one will be far more comprehensive and will feature cutting-edge technology including IP cameras and sophisticated software capable of video analytics.

TriMet's MAX light rail service, which transports riders throughout Portland, Oregon, and its surrounding areas, has come under fire because of the delayed installation of security cameras at the Gresham Central Transit Center. Currently, Gresham is the only city in the area that doesn't have security cameras monitoring its MAX line. While plans are in the works to install at least eight cameras at Gresham Central, the area continues to suffer from high crime rates.

Using funds from the Department of Homeland Security, the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) will soon upgrade its surveillance equipment at select stations to include video analytics, or "exception detection," as they're calling it. Exception detection systems use sophisticated software to detect suspicious activities such as unattended packages, dubious individuals, and other potential threats.

47 light-rail stations in the Sacramento Regional Transit District are now monitored by a combination of fixed megapixel cameras and PTZ security cameras. The new surveillance system provides police and security personnel with real-time video feeds of activity in and around the stations.

North County, California didn't cut corners when it came to security for its new Sprinter rail line, which is expected to start transporting travelers between Escondido and Oceanside next month. Security cameras will closely monitor all 15 stations along the line, as well as parking lots, rails, and train cars. Video images are sent to 48-screen control room located in the Sprinter operations center in Escondido.

There are a number of factors which help make the case for video surveillance on buses and other forms of public transportation. Security cameras can protect passengers and drivers from acts of violence. They can prove useful in identifying criminal suspects, and they can serve as deterrents to inappropriate behavior. In San Francisco, recently released surveillance footage highlights another benefit of video security on buses - monitoring driver behavior. The videos, which shed light on driver misconduct within the city's Muni bus system, include instances of accidents, injuries, threats, and insults.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is working on a project that will enable emergency responders to access video streams from highway traffic cameras in real time. The DOT would transmit the video feeds to a central, web-based source, making the live footage viewable over the Internet. Once in place, the new system will provide responders with the ability to see what's going on along I-95 so they can move faster and dispatch the proper personnel and equipment in cases of emergency.

Surveillance from a TriMet bus in Portland, Oregon is the last time that anyone saw Heidi Anderson - and her family hopes that this glimpse of the 37 year old woman can help find her and bring her home. Anderson has been missing for nearly two weeks.

Norwegian State Railways is poised for a large-scale surveillance project that involves installing Axis IP cameras in its passenger trains. Axis 209FD-R network cameras will be deployed in railcars, while Axis 221 cameras will provide views in front and behind each train. The system will help to enhance security for passengers and employees as they travel by rail.

San Diego's Metropolitan Transit System is poised to roll out an expanded system of onboard security cameras for its buses and trolleys. The aim is to equip all buses and trolleys with surveillance cameras and digital video recorders within the next two years. A federal grant will pay for the cameras as well as the installation.

p>In Windsor, Canada, all 216 of the licensed cabs there will contain an on-board surveilance camera by the end of August 2008. Driving a taxi is one of the most dangerous jobs available-- dangerous enough, even, to justify insurance hikes and make it onto top ten lists of "most dangerous jobs." Canadian officials hope the cameras will deter crime and prevent violent attacks, and while the cameras have been the source of some controversy, a survey conducted by the local Windsor cabbie union found that
70 percent of cabbies favor the cameras over dividers and emergency push buttons.

Railway stations across Japan are expanding their video surveillance systems as anti-terrorist measures are imposed leading up to this summer's G-8 summit in Hokkaido. Tokyo Metro, which has already expanded its surveillance efforts to include 2,800 security cameras in 161 train stations, plans on increasing that number to 5,700 cameras by 2011.

Mentioning a "burnout" can mean many things - your friend from high school who spends his days playing video games in his parents' basement, or what your blender did when you got a little too excited about making gazpacho. In Christchurch, New Zealand, however, officials are happier about stopping a different kind of burnout with roadside surveillance cameras.

MOBOTIX is always on the cutting edge when it comes to high-resolution IP cameras. The company's latest venture is a series of network cameras engineered specifically for verifying license plates, not just during the day, but also at night. The MOBOTIX M12 LPF IP cameras feature a long pass filter that, when used with an Infra-Red illuminator, allows for the ability to capture and verify license plate numbers on moving vehicles at night.

Network camera leader Axis Communications is strengthening its presence in the Russian market by setting up a local office in Moscow. The company sees a good deal of potential in providing video surveillance for new construction, retail, and transportation, as evidenced by the recent installation of Axis network cameras throughout the Moscow Metro system.

Sony network cameras are playing a key role in securing Barcelona's massive Line 9 railway. Line 9 presents some difficult security challenges, considering 90 million passengers ride the rail line each year. In order to provide comprehensive surveillance of this sprawling railway, a whopping 2,937 Sony SNC-CS50P network cameras have been installed across 48km of track.

SkyTrain stations serving riders throughout British Columbia are now being monitored by a digital IP-based surveillance system. The new system gives police officers the ability to view footage remotely, and quickly retrieve images that might be useful for tracking down suspects, while offering valuable visual evidence of any noteworthy activity.

EST Buses, based near Bridgend, South Wales, has installed Axis network cameras to provide comprehensive video surveillance for its bus service. Each bus will be equipped with three Axis 209FD-R IP cameras. One camera looks out through the windshield to capture the driver's view, another monitors the front door and driver's area, while the third camera provides a view of the length of the bus' interior.

Arizona's Page Municipal Airport recently upgraded its video surveillance system to better protect the 60,000 tourists expected to pass through its gates this year. The new airport surveillance system features IP cameras operating over a wireless mesh network. The network also supports access control and a connection to a remote command center accessible to local-area police.

Amtrak has announced that it will deploy the Cisco Video Surveillance System to monitor its maintenance yards in Los Angeles and Oakland. The Cisco Video Surveillance System is part of Cisco's Physical Security Solution, and operates over an IP network infrastructure to allow remote video monitoring and real-time investigation, incident response, and resolution.

ABI Research has released a new report that showcases some of the other areas where video surveillance can help both the retail and transportation sectors beyond just security. While security cameras are now commonplace in transportation areas such as airports, train stations, subways and buses, some of the overlooked benefits of these cameras include their ability to document accidents, gauge commuter travel patterns, and even disprove false injury claims.

Barcelona's TMB transportation system has installed a system of Sony network cameras to monitor its Horta bus station. The new IP-based surveillance system replaces an old analog CCTV system, and offers a number of benefits including remote video monitoring, scalability, more flexible installation, and higher image quality.

Swiss Railways (SBB) has decided to use IP network cameras to increase the level of security in the Zurich S-Bahn. A key requirement of the surveillance project is that the solution is completely IP-based and can easily integrate into the train system's existing IP/Ethernet networks. As a result the railway has opted to use PTZ network cameras from Axis Communications for the installations. 115 double-decker shuttle trains will be equipped with Axis 209MFD-R network cameras.

The Carcassonne airport, located in Cathar country in the south of France, has installed a new video surveillance system featuring Axis network cameras to help ensure passenger safety. The airport serves 8 regular low-cost airlines and is also open to international traffic. The influx of passengers coming through the airport is growing each year. That along with new safety regulations imposed by the French Civil Aviation authorities made the decision to upgrade to an IP-based video surveillance system an easy one to make.

Sony network cameras are helping to increase video security for multiple forms of public transit in Barcelona. Transports Metropolitan de Barcelona, a public company that manages the bus network, metro line, and other transportation options throughout the city, recently upgraded the video surveillance installation at its Horta bus depot from analog to an IP-based system. The new video security solution incorporates Sony SNC-RZ30P network cameras and Sony RealShot Manager IP video software.

Taxi cabs and buses, with their ever revolving door of customers, are often places where extra security is needed. The Vivotek FD7130 network camera provides added safety measures for rugged vehicular applications. The flat and compact dome FD7130 network camera is a complete mobile surveillance solution helping to deter violence, prevent robberies, and protect passengers and drivers.

Axis Communications will be supplying IP network cameras for a new video surveillance system monitoring Sydney's Waratah train fleet. This is a huge installation, expected to feature about 7,000 Axis network cameras. The first phase of the project will begin in Fall 2009. Axis 209MFD-R network cameras will be installed in each train. The 209MFD-R is specifically designed for use in mass transit vehicles. It has a flat discreet design, and is built to resist vibrations, dust, temperature fluctuations, and tampering.

Arecont Vision recently unveiled a new lineup of IP network cameras featuring Megaflash technology in 1.3, 2, 3 or 5 megapixel formats. These compact IP cameras are designed to capture detailed images with megapixel resolution, and come equipped with a high-speed shutter that's synchronized with an external strobe light for extremely effective license plate recognition. They're ideal for intelligent transportation system applications, and can capture clear images of vehicles moving up to 100 miles per hour.

The Metro Area Transit (MAT) system in Omaha, Nebraska is not only getting a new fleet of buses this year, but also a full set of surveillance cameras for each vehicle. Five strategically placed security cameras will be installed in each bus to provide comprehensive monitoring.

Ethiopia's Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (EAE) is leaping into the digital surveillance age with a new IP-based system featuring network cameras and video management tools from Pelco. Already the most advanced airport in the region, EAE will now be monitored by a cutting-edge surveillance system featuring over 300 cameras, including 260 Pelco Spectra IV IP cameras, with the Endura system handling monitoring and digital video recording.

Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas, featuring 2,700 guest cabins and enough space to accommodate 6,300 passengers and 2,160 crew members, is believed to be the world's largest cruise ship. (I'm curious to know how it stacks up against the Titanic.) Providing an effective video surveillance solution for this massive vessel posed quite a challenge. To tackle the large-scale project, planners worked out a sophisticated IP surveillance network that incorporates IP cameras, devices, wireless access points and networking equipment from Cisco.

Axis Communications is involved in a large-scale bus surveillance project in Prague. The deployment features 3.500 Axis 209FD-R network cameras monitoring the interior of each vehicle in the city's fleet of public transit buses. The cameras will improve passenger and driver security, and will also provide visual evidence to help solve crimes such as vandalism and theft.

Vivotek is rolling out a pair of compact IP mini dome cameras designed for mobile surveillance applications in locations such as buses, trains, and other transportation vehicles. The Vivotek MD7530 offers VGA resolution, while the MD560 features a 2-megapixel CMOS sensor. Both camera models are IP67-rated to withstand shock, vibration, humidity, dust and changes in temperature.

In New York City, where millions of people ride the subway each day, video surveillance is playing a key role in keeping crime to a minimum. Currently there are 3100 cameras installed in New York's subway stations, and the city intends to add another 1000 cameras by the end of the year.

Milestone Systems XProtect Enterprise video management software is taking center stage in the video surveillance operations of Bulgaria's Varna and Burgas airports. Each airport has installed several hundred Axis IP network cameras along with IBM servers all operating on a Cisco network infrastructure. Both surveillance solutions are using Milestone software to access cameras and manage airport surveillance footage.

As public transportation security concerns have increased in recent years, mobile surveillance systems have become increasingly popular for many varieties of public transit systems including buses, taxi cabs, light rail, trains, and subways. To alleviate rising security concerns, VideoSurveillance.com recently created two new Mobile Surveillance Systems that help deter criminal activity and inappropriate behavior, increase safety by helping drivers focus on their jobs, and provide law enforcement officials with crucial evidence in the event of a criminal investigation.

Coventry Airport, located in the heart of the English midlands, prides itself on keeping operating costs low to pass those savings along to passengers. Although their infrastructure doesn’t boast as many amenities as other airports, one area they don’t skimp on is security. As the highest priority for the facility, Coventry Airport selected a system of 26 Mobotix IP cameras to monitor the airport’s day-to-day operations.

For Freightliner, one of the leading intermodal rail freight operators in the UK, improving security and streamlining surveillance efficiency were top priorities when it came time to choose an IP system to replace their outdated analog surveillance infrastructure. Axis rose to the challenge, and Freightliner selected a variety of IP cameras from the manufacturer to place at strategic locations around their Manchester terminal.

With security threats increasing, transportation video surveillance systems are routinely being used to create a safer and more secure environment for passengers and mass transit employees. Public transit systems like buses, taxis, subways, trains, and airports are all benefiting from expanding surveillance technology capabilities that make implementing an IP camera system easy.

Faced with an outdated system, the Phuket International Airport undertook a project to increase security by providing better monitoring on the taxiway connecting runways to the terminal and other airport facilities. Four Vivotek IP8332 day/night H.264 bullet cameras were installed at strategic locations on the taxiway and by the boarding gates. The cameras are supported by Vivotek’s video management software ST7501.

We are now offering two new Axis cameras that are specially designed for installing in buses, trains and other transportation vehicles. Featuring a compact and flat design, the Axis M3133-R and the Axis M3114-R are mini domes with weatherproof IP67-rated housing. These rugged cameras can even withstand being immersed in water temporarily.