Coming soon: Security cameras on every train and every MRT station.

While the main purpose of these "eyes" is to keep a look out for terrorists on Singapore's transport network, they will also have a deterrent effect on other mischief makers out to harm commuters.

Under the Trainborne Video Surveillance System, each train will have a dozen closed-circuit cameras (CCTV), or two per train carriage. Each camera will be in record mode 24/7 and can store up to 28 days of recordings. The cameras will also be built to withstand bomb blasts.

The LTA has high expectations for the surveillance system. It must be able to:

• Detect sudden movements and loud noises in the carriages;
• Alert station staff of such incidents and rank the images in order of importance;
• Operate in poor lighting or when power supply is cut;
• Defy vandals;
• Send out alerts when the cameras are faulty or damaged; and
• Transmit recorded and real-time images. The recordings will be stored at SMRT's operations control centre and be used during investigations.

While the full security system is not yet in place, a few hundred CCTVs have already been installed on selected public buses and MRT trains on the North-South and East-West lines as part of a year-long study. Now, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) is inviting proposals for the complete security system. It is not clear when the LTA will begin work to install the system, but SMRT has been working closely with the LTA on what it required from such a system.

The full system will be installed in SMRT's 106 trains plying the North-South and East-West lines, the 51 MRT stations on those lines, the three train depots and SMRT's operations control centre at its Stamford Road headquarters.

The driverless North-East Line already has cameras on board its 25 trains, and another 2,300 conventional closed-circuit cameras in its MRT and LRT stations.

A report in The Straits Times today said the Government will foot the bill for the system, while SMRT will bear the maintenance costs.

Some welcomed the system for the deterrent effect it would have on both terrorists and mischief makers alike.

Dr Teo Ho Pin, who heads the Government Parliamentary Committee for Home Affairs and Law, said: 'This will not only serve as a strong deterrent against terrorism, but will also boost commuter safety against theft and robberies.'

Dr John Harrison, who coordinates the transport security programme at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies at the Nanyang Technological University, agreed: 'These security cameras will certainly deter criminals and terrorists from attempting an attack. Should any incident occur, the cameras will be critical in finding out what happened and the pictures can be used as evidence.'