Renfe has completed the first phase of its Renfe Smart Security Station (RS3) project, installing AI-powered video surveillance systems in 415 commuter rail stations across Spain. The initiative, funded by NextGenerationEU as part of the EU Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan, represents a EUR 25.8 million investment to modernise security infrastructure and improve passenger safety.
The second phase of the RS3 project will begin in March 2025, expanding the system to 182 additional stations. Once completed in mid-2026, a total of 597 stations across Spain’s 12 commuter rail (Cercanías and Rodalies) networks will be equipped with advanced security technology. The second phase will involve a further EUR 6.5 million investment, also backed by NextGenerationEU funding.
The RS3 project aims to digitalise and modernise security systems at railway stations, including:
- Anti-intrusion systems and access control
- CCTV cameras and recording systems
- Network management and system centralisation
These upgrades will enhance remote monitoring capabilities, allowing Renfe’s 24-hour Security Centres to respond to incidents more efficiently. The improvements provide passengers with a greater sense of security while replacing outdated security systems.
AI-powered real-time monitoring
The new system anonymously collects and processes thousands of data points from CCTV cameras, using artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to monitor station activity. The AI-driven system can detect:
- Crowding and capacity levels to adjust staffing needs in real time
- Access control fraud, such as fare evasion
- Falls on platforms or tracks
- Fires and vandalism, including graffiti and damaged station furniture
- Fights and assaults, triggering real-time alerts for security teams
Once analysed, video data is deleted within milliseconds, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations.
A step towards predictive security
By leveraging AI-powered video analytics and real-time surveillance, Renfe aims to transform its stations into predictive security environments. This initiative aligns with the company’s goal of improving passenger experience and operational efficiency.
To develop and implement these solutions, Renfe collaborates with leading image analytics and AI technology firms, including Infinity Neural and Imotion Analytics—the latter being one of the startups accelerated through Renfe’s TrenLab innovation programme.
9,000 cameras
By the end of the second phase, the project will have:
- Installed more than 9,000 IP cameras
- Deployed 600+ CCTV recorders and video analytics servers
- Enabled real-time analysis of video feeds from over 6,000 cameras
All this data will be accessible through a centralised control panel, improving real-time insights into the operation of commuter rail services.
The RS3 project is part of Spain’s broader efforts to improve public transport, increase reliability, and attract more passengers from private cars. By enhancing security, ensuring punctuality, and improving service frequency, Renfe aims to make rail travel a more attractive and dependable option for commuters.
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