One of the largest transit systems in the Americas uses SecurOS® to protect 3 million daily passengers with advanced AI
Moving more than three million passengers across a sprawling urban transit network every single day requires more than just scheduling and maintenance. It requires absolute situational awareness. Operators must manage massive crowds, ensure passenger safety, and keep trains running exactly on time. To meet these demands, the São Paulo Metrô recently took a monumental step forward in operational security and efficiency.
Streamlining Security Throughout the Network
The newly launched Operational Control Center serves as the nerve center for the entire São Paulo Metrô. Located in the Liberdade district, this facility handles every strategic decision for the transit network. Whether managing crowds or responding to unexpected service interruptions, the CCO operators now have complete visibility into the system.
A massive 36-meter-long display featuring 90 high-definition screens dominates the room. This setup provides real-time data from over 5,000 cameras deployed across the stations and railyards. However, the true innovation lies in the software analyzing the video feeds.
Instead of relying on human operators to watch thousands of screens simultaneously, SecurOS® does the heavy lifting. The system automatically analyzes images and triggers alerts for security personnel. This allows operators to focus their attention exactly where it is needed most, multiplying their effectiveness and drastically reducing response times.
AI-Driven Analytics: Beyond Simple Recording
The integration of AI-powered analytics shifts the focus from recording events to actively preventing incidents. SecurOS® offers a comprehensive suite of video analytics designed specifically for complex, high-traffic environments.
One of the most immediate benefits of the new system is the ability to monitor passenger density in real time. The software evaluates the exact number of people waiting on platforms and even estimates how full individual train cars are.
When the system detects an overcrowded station, it alerts operators immediately. Staff can then make quick adjustments, such as deploying an empty train to a heavily congested platform to relieve the bottleneck. Furthermore, synchronized internal clocks measure the precise intervals between trains, ensuring the network runs as smoothly as programmed.
Proactive Threat Detection and Tracking
Security requires the ability to spot anomalies instantly. SecurOS®, for example, includes advanced object tracking and intrusion detection capabilities. If an individual enters a restricted tunnel or maintenance area, the system immediately flags the breach.
SecurOS® also plays a crucial role in public safety. Analytics can automatically detect unaccompanied children wandering stations, abandoned luggage left on platforms, or even missing persons. By identifying these situations early, transit police and medical staff can intervene before a minor issue escalates into a major emergency.
Building on Success: The Line 3-Red Deployment
In addition to opening of the new CCO, ISS technology been previously used to bolster security on the Metrô, including the deployment of our SecurOS® FaceX facial authentication software on Line 3-Red several years back.
Line 3-Red is one of the busiest routes in the system. The initial project integrated roughly 1,400 cameras across 18 transit stations, as well as the Itaquera and Belém railyards. By pairing FaceX with SecurOS® Enterprise and SecurOS® MCC, the Metrô created a highly responsive security environment.
This initial success proved the viability and power of the platform. Based on the robust performance on Line 3-Red, the transit authority decided to expand the system. New cameras and AI analytics are actively being installed across other major routes, including Line 2-Green and Line 1-Blue. Over a 30-month period, the project will bring 55 additional transit stations online, fully integrating them into the new control center.
The Future of Transit Security
The São Paulo Metrô is a critical piece of economic and societal infrastructure for over 21 million residents in the metropolitan region. By embracing the SecurOS® Video Intelligence Platform, the Metrô has set a new standard for transit security across the globe.
This expanded system proves that integrating advanced video analytics with traditional monitoring yields incredible results. Operators can now track objects, recognize faces, monitor crowd comfort, and locate individuals with incredible speed and accuracy.
As transit systems worldwide look for ways to improve safety and operational efficiency, the São Paulo model stands out as a clear success. Upgrading to intelligent video architecture is no longer just an option; it is an essential step in protecting the public and keeping our cities moving safely.
