Transit Projects

Video cameras on public transit vehicles can:

• Enhance the protection and safety of employees, customers, and the public
• Deter and investigate incidents of vandalism or criminal activity
• Protect Peterborough Transit property and assets
• Support the investigation and resolution of customer complaints and claims
• Act as an investigative tool for incidents involving our vehicles

The use of audio video recording system (AVRS) cameras is very common across the public transit industry. Video cameras on public transit vehicles are effective at improving the safety and security of transit staff, customers and the community.

The operation of the Peterborough Transit video camera system will be in accordance with the City of Peterborough’s Video Recording Policy. 

Video and audio are stored on a secure on-board Digital Video Recorder (DVR) hard drive and can only be accessed by authorized Peterborough Transit and/or City of Peterborough personnel. The collected data will only be used for the purposes described in the City of Peterborough’s Video Recording Policy. The policy identifies who has authorization to access the information.

The audio video recording system (AVRS) is not designed to be monitored in real time. Any data access will be gathered retroactively in compliance with Peterborough Transit’s operational procedures and the City of Peterborough’s Video Recording Policy.

Audio video recording system data will be retained for a period of 72 hours. Video footage that is not downloaded will be overwritten on a rolling basis.

If a request is not made within 72 hours, the data will be overridden.

Data that has been downloaded will be kept for a minimum of one year. In the event of an internal matter, an accident, incident or a claim, the data may be stored for a longer period.  

All requests for recorded audio and video will be managed by authorized Peterborough Transit and/or City of Peterborough staff. External cameras will be primarily used to capture vehicle-pedestrian, and vehicle-vehicle incidents. 

All individuals under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act have the right to access to their video footage. Individuals who are recorded may request any video footage of themselves through the Freedom of Information (FOI) procedure. Requested data will be subject to redaction of all images and/or identifiers of other private individuals (not including Peterborough Transit and/or City of Peterborough employees and emergency responders) would be redacted from the footage before the copy is provided. Please note that in accordance with the Act, fees may be levied.

Decals are posted on all vehicles with cameras.

The camera system will record video and audio on both the inside and outside of buses and accessible vans using multiple cameras. The number of cameras and locations may vary depending on the size and model of the vehicle, but in general will include up to 8 cameras. 

Camera locations and angles will be provided upon request.