CINCINNATI - Metro is now completing the installation of state-of-the-art digital camera systems on 67 additional buses.

In all, 313 of Metro's 430 buses feature the new security camera systems, at a total cost of about $2.1 million. The installation program, which began in October 2001, has been funded by federal and state grants, with some local funding. All new buses Metro receives will have camera systems.

There are four cameras and an audio recording system on each bus. The cameras are installed in the following locations:

· One at the front of the bus by the front door

· Two covering middle and back of bus

· One looking out the front window

The camera systems are completely automatic. Each digital image is encrypted for security, date- and time-stamped, and tamperproof.

"Safety has always been our most important goal," said Metro General Manager Paul Jablonski. "The new camera systems provide an extra measure of security on our buses."

The camera systems are manufactured by Safety Vision of Houston, Texas.

Metro is a non-profit public service of the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority, providing almost 25 million rides per year in Greater Cincinnati.