Finding the right footage faster withlocation-based search

Most fleet managers know the frustration: an incident happens, you know where it occurred, but you don’t know when or which vehicle was involved. Traditional video management systems force you to guess, clicking through endless clips vehicle by vehicle. It’s a slow, frustrating process, and one that undermines both operational efficiency and public trust.

Location matters

Investigations shouldn’t feel like guesswork. As one of Safety Vision’s application analysts explained, “Without location-based search, reviewing video could take hours. You would play a little bit, see if it was close to the stop in question, and if it wasn’t, move forward another 15 minutes and check again. It required deep knowledge of the route, and it took a long time.”

That kind of process eats up hours and creates gaps in accountability, especially for agencies handling multiple complaints or claims at once. The question is: is there an alternative?

How location-based search works

Location-based search flips the process. Instead of asking which vehicle might have been there, teams can ask which vehicles were there and get answers immediately.

With location-based search, teams can:

⬤ Draw a shape on a map to define the area of interest.

⬤ Narrow the search by time and date.

⬤ Instantly see which units passed through that area and when.

⬤ Playback results immediately or schedule downloads for later.

The result is faster investigations, stronger evidence, and greater confidence in every response.

Why it matters for transit agencies

For agencies under constant pressure to resolve disputes and protect drivers and riders, the difference is tangible.

⬤ Faster resolution: Investigations that once took hours can now be completed in minutes.

⬤ Stronger credibility: Being able to quickly share objective video tied to a location builds public trust.

⬤ Smarter use of staff time: Teams spend less time hunting for files and more time focusing on solutions.

The result shows up not only in operational efficiency but also in public perception. Agencies that respond quickly and confidently with evidence demonstrate accountability and strengthen relationships with their communities.

Choosing the right platform

Not every video management system makes this process easy. Some still rely on outdated, vehicle-first approaches that slow investigations and complicate workflows. Agencies evaluating platforms should look at more than just how video is captured. The real value comes in how quickly and easily it can be accessed when it’s needed most. 

Safety Vision’s SafetyNET™ was designed with this in mind. Along with location-based search, it offers tools like selective camera downloads and remote playback, helping agencies cut through hours of unnecessary video and focus on the evidence that matters. As our application analyst noted, “SafetyNET™ gives everyone the ability to search by location and time instead of guessing vehicle by vehicle. What used to take hours can now be done in minutes.” 

By addressing the realities operators face every day, SafetyNET™ empowers agencies to work faster, with greater confidence, and build safer, more efficient transit systems.

Get the answers you need

The value of video is not just in capturing incidents. It’s in how easily teams can access and use that footage when questions arise. Location-based search addresses one of the biggest frustrations in transit video management, transforming how agencies investigate incidents, respond to claims, and communicate with the public. For agencies where time, accuracy, and accountability are non-negotiable, it’s quickly becoming an essential capability.