CTA awards Teleste Corp. security camera contract

The Chicago Transit Authority has awarded a $4.3 million contract to Teleste Corp. of Georgetown, Tex., for the supply of two new types of high-resolution digital security cameras and related equipment.

One type will be installed at all 144 CTA rail stations by 2011. The other will track the location of buses.

Seventeen stations on the Green Line with a high incidence of pickpocketing and other crime will get the first new cameras by the end of this year, said President Richard Rodriguez. "If individuals know their faces are being captured when they walk into our stations, they will think twice about harassing our passengers," Rodriguez said.

The CTA has received $17.9 million from the Department of Homeland Security to strengthen surveillance of rail stations and yards.