Train and subway system security is of the utmost concern for travelers and workers who utilize this mode of transportation. The safety and security issues have been even more apparent since subways and rail systems were attacked, first in March of 1995 in Tokyo, Japan. Additional subway and rail systems were launched in Britain, twice in July of 2005 and March of 2011 in the capital of Belarus, where 11 were killed and over 120 were injured. The use of security video surveillance in these modes of transportation can work to deter terrorist and criminal activity that might be otherwise perpetrated. Vandalism by misbehaving youths and others has always been a concern of public subway officials, and the use of security surveillance has assisted in causing a reduction in this type of activity.

Terrorist activity has been a major issue for public transportation riders as well as for the officials who operate these systems. The terrorist attacks in Europe in 2005 and 2011, as well as the attack on Japanese subway riders in 1995, have moved those governments to tackle security system problems head on. Since the attacks, the respective governments have enhanced their video surveillance and other security systems and protocols. Additional security cameras have been located in the subway systems as well as train station entrances as well as boarding areas in order to prevent the implementation of any terrorist plans and activities.

Many subway and train travelers have always fallen victim to the occasional purse snatch, wallet lifting or even unfortunate mugging while traveling on the train or subway. Subway and rail systems have beefed up their video security systems on board the train systems which has assisted security personnel with prevention as well as identification of those criminal elements that are involved in this type of activity. This has allowed the subway and train officials to take additional precautions in creating ways to station security officers on board in the areas that are most susceptible to criminal activity.

Far too many boarding areas in subway systems have fallen victim to the common practice of graffiti defacement of walls and in some cases inside the actual train cars. The deployment of additional security systems in subways has had an impact at reducing this practice on subway walls and in the subway tunnels. When subway security personnel see a potential graffiti mural taking form on a wall in the subway, the officials can send officers quickly to prevent further criminal behavior. The cost of gleaning graffiti is reduced and the tax payers and subway travelers benefit as well.

There are many areas in subways, especially in the lower boarding locations, where surveillance cameras are of crucial importance to rail travelers. The goal is two or three-fold, in that the need to protect the traveler from criminal activity is essential, prevention of potential injuries or accidents are a security necessity also. Many of these security video cameras are installed in platform areas where there are visible viewing gaps for security officers, and a security camera can offer the traveler additional real-time protection.