TO: AC Transit Board of Directors
FROM: Jill A. Sprague, General Counsel
SUBJECT: Tempo Platform Camera Use Policy
ACTION ITEM
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
Title
Consider adoption of Board Policy 411 Tempo Platform Camera Use Policy, prescribing the use of Tempo platform cameras.
Body
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE:
Goal - Safe and Secure Operations
Initiative - Infrastructure Modernization
The Tempo Platform Cameras (“Cameras”) are intended to improve the safety and protection of AC Transit passengers and employees while on or approaching Tempo platforms, in addition to protecting District property on platforms.
BUDGETARY/FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no budgetary impact from adopting this Policy.
BACKGROUND/RATIONALE:
The District recently completed its multiyear, $232 million Bus Rapid Transit project (Tempo), the first bus rapid transit project in the East Bay connecting uptown Oakland to the San Leandro Transit Center. The design and construction of Tempo platforms along the corridor includes the installation of four stationary cameras per platform, affixed to the platform canopy or platform pole.
The Tempo Platform Cameras (“Cameras”) are intended to improve the safety and protection of AC Transit passengers and employees while on or approaching Tempo platforms, in addition to protecting District property on platforms, including but not limited to Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs), Communications Interface Cabinets (CIC), and Electrical Interface Cabinets (EIC).
In response to public concerns regarding the use of Camera data and privacy rights, on April 22, 2020, the Board directed the General Counsel to partner with external privacy advocates to develop a Tempo Platform Camera Use Policy. Proposed Board Policy 411 is the product of collaboration with external privacy advocates and internal staff to set forth the permissible uses of Tempo Platform Cameras, the storage and retention of Camera data, and audit and reporting procedures related to requests for access to Camera data.
ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES:
The advantage to adopting Board Policy 411 is to ensure a balance between the use of Tempo Platform Cameras to further the safety of passengers and employees, and privacy concerns related to use of and access to Camera data. There are no disadvantages to adopting Board Policy 411.
ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS:
No alternatives were considered as the Board directed staff to develop this Policy.
PRIOR RELEVANT BOARD ACTION/POLICIES:
Staff Report 20-147
ATTACHMENTS:
1. [DRAFT] Board Policy 411 - Tempo Platform Camera Use Policy
Prepared by:
Jill A. Sprague, General Counsel
In Collaboration with:
Mike Carvalho, Enterprise Network Engineer
Steven Jones, External Affairs Representative
Kerry Jackson, Protective Services Manager
Approved/Reviewed by:
Ahsan Baig, Chief Information Officer
Beverly Greene, Executive Director of External Affairs, Marketing & Communications
Linda A. Nemeroff, District Secretary
Michael A. Hursh, General Manager