Synectics Mobile Systems wins Stagecoach CCTV deal
Camera equipment and telematics specialist Synectics Mobile Systems has signed a new three-year contract with bus giant Stagecoach to supply, install and maintain CCTV solutions on its 8,000-strong fleet of vehicles.
Synectics, which is extending an existing, 10-year-relationship with Stagecoach, says the deal is worth more than £5m over three years. Initially it will see 1,660 new vehicles equipped with CCTV solutions.
The types of vehicles fitted will range from single and double-decker buses from Alexander Dennis and single-deckers from Optare, to coaches from Plaxton and Van Hool, which will support Stagecoach’s growing megabus.com operations.
Stagecoach has been using CCTV on its vehicles since the early 1990s. 
The specification for the new CCTV systems for includes an upgraded DVR (digital video recorder), which Synectics says satisfies the need for higher-quality images and increased storage capacity. The team will be fitting the Timespace V400 (right), a single-box, fully integrated recorder that meets Transport for London (TfL) requirements, offering improved image quality and long recording times.
The first 10 vehicles under the new contract are being equipped by Synectics at Alexander Dennis, Falkirk, in April and are bound for Stagecoach, Ross-on-Wye.
As well as helping to protect staff and customers, Synectics says, CCTV acts as a strong deterrent to antisocial behavior, as well as helping to reduce fraudulent insurance claims. The company cites figures from the Confederation of Passenger Transport UK (CPT), which suggest the UK bus and coach industry spends around three per cent of operating costs each year on insurance and claims. In 2012 this amounted to £93.8m, according to CPT’s cost index.
Jim Crompton, group purchasing manager at Stagecoach UK Bus, said: “Quality and reliability are our main requirements when it comes to CCTV systems on our vehicles. Synectics have a track record of excellent service and offer national coverage with their fleet of service engineers.
“That means they are always at hand – to solve an issue or conduct regular preventative maintenance. CCTV makes our drivers and passengers feel safe and helps us protect our organisation against risks. Synectics continues to be the right partner for us to achieve this.”
Synectics Mobile Systems managing director Jeff Fail added: “We are pleased to have been selected by Stagecoach and look forward to continuing our 10-year partnership, working with them to further improve passenger safety, reduce crime and combat fraudulent insurance claims.”
