The São Paulo Metrô has undertaken a significant enhancement of its security measures by implementing a sophisticated video intelligence system to protect over three million daily passengers.
This advancement aims to improve operational security and efficiency across one of the largest transit networks in the Americas.
Centralised security operations
At the heart of this security upgrade is the newly established Operational Control Center, strategically located in the Liberdade district. This hub is pivotal for making strategic decisions across the transit system, offering operators comprehensive oversight into station activities and the entire rail network.
The control room is equipped with a 36-meter-long display comprising 90 high-definition monitors that present real-time data sourced from more than 5,000 surveillance cameras installed at various stations and railyards.
The real strength of this system lies in the SecurOS® software, which processes these video feeds, ensuring that alerts are sent automatically, thereby enabling security personnel to respond promptly to any incidents.
AI-enhanced video analytics
SecurOS® provides video analytics tools tailored for crowded environments like transit stationsMoving beyond traditional event recording, the integration of AI-driven analytics aims to thwart incidents before they occur. The SecurOS® platform offers a suite of video analytics tools specifically designed for densely populated areas like transit stations.
With this system, operators can monitor passenger densities in real time, assessing platform occupancy and the capacity of train carriages. If overcrowding is detected, immediate alerts allow for swift intervention, such as dispatching additional trains to alleviate congestion and maintain service integrity.
Proactive threat identification
SecurOS® enhances security with capabilities like advanced object tracking and intrusion detection, crucial for spotting unauthorised activities such as individuals entering restricted areas.
The technology also bolsters public safety by identifying unaccompanied children, unattended baggage, and other potential emergencies, allowing for rapid intervention by transit police and medical personnel.
Extending proven solutions
The new security framework builds on prior successes, including the implementation of SecurOS® FaceX facial recognition on the busy Line 3-Red, where approximately 1,400 cameras were initially deployed across 18 stations.
This deployment demonstrated the system's effectiveness, prompting further expansion. Additional cameras and AI features are now being integrated into Lines 2-Green and 1-Blue, with plans to extend the coverage to 55 more stations over the next 30 months.
Setting new standards in transit safety
Serving over 21 million residents, the São Paulo Metrô is a crucial component of the region's infrastructure. By adopting the SecurOS® Video Intelligence Platform, it sets a benchmark for global transit security.
This technological upgrade illustrates the impact of blending advanced video analytics with conventional monitoring methods, enhancing the ability to track objects, recognise individuals, monitor crowd conditions, and ensure the safety of passengers with unmatched precision.
As other transit systems seek to enhance their safety and efficiency, the São Paulo Metrô’s approach serves as a model for innovation and public protection.
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 analysing the video feeds.
Instead of relying on human operators to watch thousands of screens simultaneously, SecurOS® does the heavy lifting. The system automatically analyses 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, synchronised 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, recognise 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.
