The Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County (NV) received the go-ahead to record audio conversations along with video surveillance on RTC buses despite objections from the bus drivers’ union.
RTC’s surveillance systems were equipped with audio capabilities since 2009, according to a statement from the Reno/Sparks agency, but the recording feature was not initially activated. RTC sought to introduce audio recordings in 2014 at the request of its contractor MV Transportation, but Teamsters Local 533 objected, claiming that the audio recording violated Nevada’s wiretap laws.
RTC went to court, and last week U.S. district court judge Miranda Du ruled in favor of the RTC. Du’s ruling said that neither drivers nor customers had a right to privacy on public buses. “Now that we have the judgment, MV Transportation has been requested to implement the audio function,” said RTC lawyer Chris Wicker. Link to Associated Press story via Mohave Valley Daily News.
Photo credit: Susan Mara Bregman
