České dráhy is rolling out a new CCTV system from Herman

Every day, CityElefant commuter trains carry thousands of passengers. Alongside comfort and reliability, increasing emphasis is therefore being placed on safety and protecting the trains from vandalism.

České dráhy has therefore launched an extensive modernisation of the CCTV systems in its 471 CityElefant series trains. The project aims to help protect passengers, speed up the resolution of incidents and contribute to reducing damage caused by vandalism. Herman is also involved in the supply of the technology.

Modern surveillance for modern transport

Once completed, all 55 CityElefant trainsets will be equipped with the new CCTV system. Each train will provide a comprehensive overview of what is happening both inside and around the train thanks to a network of 42 cameras positioned inside and outside the carriages. The modernisation, worth nearly 88 million crowns, is due to be completed by autumn 2027.

The camera footage will assist in investigating incidents, protecting passengers and cooperating with the security services. Another key benefit is the ability to review incidents retrospectively and provide more effective protection of the operator’s assets.

Vandalism causes millions in damage to transport operators every year

Cameras that monitor parked trains too

A key part of the system is the protection of trains even when they are not in regular service. External cameras remain active even whilst a train is parked, and the system can detect attempts to damage or cover them. This enables a significantly faster response to suspicious incidents.

It is precisely this combination of monitoring, diagnostics and remote surveillance that represents an important step in the long-term fight against vandalism on the railways. The installation of the cameras forms part of the ‘Together for Clean Trains’ programme, which České dráhy is implementing in collaboration with the Central Bohemian Region and the City of Prague.

Herman technology in a demanding railway environment

Railway operations require exceptionally reliable solutions. CCTV systems must operate over the long term in demanding conditions, withstanding vibrations, continuous operation and high demands on the storage and management of recordings.

The EPIS 5.1AKS CCTV system, developed in Modřice near Brno, forms part of the modernisation of the CityElefant trainsets

The technologies developed by Herman are designed specifically for transport applications such as these, where stability, a long service life and reliable operation are crucial. Their deployment on CityElefant trains is yet another example of the use of modern security technologies in everyday public transport.

The modernisation of the CCTV systems on CityElefant trains has also attracted attention outside the railway sector. Video: 42 new cameras per train – Seznam Zprávy

Innovated EPIS 5.1AKS Camera System

Herman introduces a significantly innovated version of its EPIS 5.1AKS-10 camera system, building on the previous EPIS 5.0AKS model. The new generation delivers substantially higher performance, extended configuration options, and enhanced security for handling camera recordings—particularly for public transport vehicles and emergency services.

Significantly more powerful control module

The new EPIS 5.1AKS system is equipped with a far more powerful control module, enabling simultaneous recording from up to 16 cameras. The internal SSD can be selected with a capacity of up to 8 TB, greatly expanding storage space for recordings.

The unit also includes a backup battery that, in the event of a power outage, ensures safe retention of camera data stored in the control unit’s memory.

Enhanced security with an electronic lock

Another innovation is the option to equip the system with an electronic lock based on Dallas chips, used to identify the person performing manual removal of the SSD. This operation is automatically logged in the internal memory of the control unit.

Wide connectivity and configuration options

The control unit can be equipped with the following accessories:

• LCD display unit for monitoring camera views inside the vehicle
• LTE or 5G
• Wi-Fi module (including Wi-Fi 6 standard)
• GNSS – positioning accuracy down to 1.5 m
• Control keypad for camera selection (standalone system)
• Interface for external control of the camera system (onboard computer, control and monitoring center)

Communication is handled by two 1 Gbit/s Ethernet ports, providing both camera system control and connectivity to the vehicle’s internal network. A dedicated RS-485 bus is available for the external control keypad. The status of individual cameras and the control unit itself is indicated by LEDs (16× LEDs – one per camera).

Power-state response and auxiliary control functions

The system includes additional inputs and outputs for controlling connected devices—for example, relays switching heating for external cameras, PoE switch power status (supplying power to the cameras), etc. If the EPC control unit receives information that the vehicle does not have sufficient energy to operate the system, it automatically shuts down the cameras and then itself.

New PoE Ethernet switches

To support camera systems with a higher number of cameras (up to 16), two new switch types with increased PoE performance have been developed. They are suitable for vehicles and other environments using +24 V or +12 V power. The new types are:

• ECU_05LGM-4T-06/24 – 5-port Gigabit switch, 60 W PoE (802.3at), M12 connectors – X-coding
• ECU_08LM-7Tx-12-24 – 8-port switch, 100 Mbit/s, 120 W PoE (2× 60 W), connectors: 7× M12-D and 1× M12-X

Monitoring management

The EPIS 5.1AKS system supports remote monitoring and control, including retrieval of recordings in both online and offline modes, in accordance with the functions described in the KS-BOS system.

“We are currently building up inventory for EPIS 5.1AKS. We focused on reliability and fleet management: recording from up to 16 cameras, audited SSD removal via a Dallas chip, and optional LTE/5G and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity simplify both operation and servicing,” says Ivo Herman.

The new EPIS 4.1 on-board computer

We have developed an updated version of the EPIS 4.0 on-board computer, called EPIS 4.1A, for new public transport projects. The key feature of the on-board computer is a 20% increase in computing power and a significant acceleration in peripheral control, which boosts its performance by up to 10 times compared to the previous EPIS 4.0Cx model. Further improvements to its features are, of course, also included.

Assembly of the new EPIS 4.1A on-board computer for DP Most

The upgraded on-board computer consists of two main components:

• The EPC 4.1Ax control unit, depending on the required model, and
• The EPT 4.x on-board computer terminal, available with display sizes ranging from 7” to 12” (the larger size is suitable for extensive passenger processing with multiple fare options),

Advantages or changes in the new on-board computer:

• A more powerful PC module,
• Use of the proven IJN integrated power supply unit, i.e. output power control, vehicle excitation (timed or on demand via low-power radio communication), single-bit inputs/outputs and more.
• Ability to communicate via voice using data on GSM networks – communication control with a SIP switchboard at the control centre.
• Suitable for digital radio networks, GSM networks and 5G – 1 Gbit/s Ethernet connection
• Innovative radio unit converter (integrated into the on-board computer, thus saving space in the electronics cabinet)
• Innovated output to the EPT terminal – see terminal description
• Option to use excitation frequency via LoRaWAN modules

Basic features of the control unit

Basic features of the industrial PC (full-featured solution):

• Type based on PC architecture with 64-bit architecture
• Quad-core processor – 1.5 GHz with max. power consumption of 9W
• 8 GB RAM – LPDDR4 type
• 1 GB Ethernet, including PoE for the Universal Communication Unit (UCU)
• 1x Ethernet with a vehicle bus speed of 100 Mbit/s.
• Intel graphics (Gen 11) with HDMI/DP and LVDS/eDP interfaces – as selected
• External SSD drive with a minimum capacity of 64 GB and an extended lifespan of at least 61 TBW
• 2x USB 3.1 and USB 2.0
• Linux OS
• Boot time – 45 seconds

Additional features of the on-board control unit:

• At least 1x RS485, 1x RS 232, 1x CAN
• 1x IBIS interface
• 1-bit input – at least 10
• 1-bit output – at least 8
• Vibration 20G / 0–600 Hz
• Extended temperature range from -20 ^°C to +70 °C (for ambient temperatures of -25 °C and below, it heats up for a few seconds using waste heat)

Component control:

• Interface for C-ITS solutions – our universal communication unit (UCU) with V2X communication
• Interface for ticketing control (validators, coin acceptors and ticket dispensers)
• Interface for TETRA radio network control
• Interface for GSM transmission control – control centre (data and voice), BO ticketing, banking servers, payment gateway, connection search engines, etc.
• Interface for controlling Ethernet switches – ECU 08P0.6PA, or ECU 05L-1G
• Control of SAM module unlocking for vehicle systems
• Control of LCDs, external panels, passenger counting, CCTV systems, etc. …
• Option to communicate using the ITxPT protocol
• Automatic or manual point setting
• Control of command receivers for the visually impaired
• Or other peripherals.

EPT 4.xA1-UB terminal

Available with LCD screens ranging from 7” to 12.1” diagonal, featuring a capacitive touchscreen with a hardness rating of H=7. The new driver LCD terminal offers:

• More touch control via the touchscreen, enabling new functions in the on-board computer;
• A USB 2.0 port for updating the on-board computer, with power supply via USB;
• An integrated single microphone for the driver
• Option to integrate a driver’s speaker (depending on terminal installation)
• Option for a split version, i.e. the reader can be routed out of the terminal separately
• Standard features remain, such as a reader for contactless Mifare/Desfire smart cards, which reads the UID from the card, and a Reset button.

Example of in-vehicle wiring

An example of a possible connection of the new on-board computer in OIS (Check-in and Information System) mode to the vehicle’s EPIS 4.1A on-board computer system is shown in the following figure: