Amtrak will install cameras to monitor its train operators

In another attempt to improve its safety protocol, Amtrak will begin installing inward-facing video cameras on a majority of its Northeast Corridor trains, the company announced Tuesday. The move, to be completed by year's end, comes amid a series of safety measures taken since the May 12 derailment of Amtrak 188, which killed 8 passengers and injured over 200.

The cameras will monitor the activity of engineers while they operate the train, though footage won't be available in real time. Rather, the recordings will have to be downloaded from the train's "black box" should there be a need to view them. Having access to footage of the engineers could help explain any crashes — and would perhaps have helped shed light on why Amtrak 188 increased its speed from 70 mph to 100 mph minutes before derailing.

While engineers may not be thrilled about the development, The National Transportation Safety Board has long advocated for the cameras' installation. "The technology is there and I'm using the technology to ensure better safety," said Amtrak CEO Joseph Boardman on a call with reporters.

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Amtrak hopes to ultimately outfit every train with the cameras — a project that will cost an estimated $6 million.