Waiting for a tram, crossing a road or catching a bus around Greater Manchester is something millions of people do across the region every day. It is part of everyday life for many, as they use the thousands of roads and complex transport network to get from A to B. But there is a little-known team of people who, for 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, watch over the mammoth operation. The Manchester Evening News was invited inside the huge new control room at Transport for Greater Manchester's headquarters. A hive of activity; hundreds of staff keep a close eye on the region's transport network and make sure everything 'runs like clockwork'. READ MORE The AI camera images shaming motorists on mobile phones or without seatbelts on It's no small feat. A variety of teams, including police, the Travel Safe Partnership, network intelligence, a resilience team and a drone unit among others, operate from the control room. There are over 40 screens, with live, real-time feeds from around 4,000 stationary cameras covering movement on major roads, tram stations, bus stops and busy areas in Manchester city centre and beyond. All new buses are also fitted with hundreds of HD cameras, with trams also fitted out with the surveillance equipment. It's a hub of activity inside the Operation Control Centre (Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News) But the job is more than just keeping an eye on the seamless movement of millions of people and keeping them safe. Specialist equipment allows staff to use mobile phone data to track who is travelling and where from, utilise AI systems and flying drones to improve roads, and collate intricate data to prepare for the future and manage huge influxes of people heading into the city region. In short - there is always somebody watching. An omnipresent team of people working around the clock. As Control Centre Manager Luke Rodger said: "We are a team of hidden angels that nobody knows is there... smoke is coming off our fingers trying to keep our city moving." Intelligence teams track crime incidents across the network to identify trends and how best to target them. The M.E.N was told how incidents involving young people peak in the winter months and after dark. There is a particular focus on this during the festive period, with nine million people expected to attend the city's huge Christmas Markets. There have been 'persistent issues' at Stockport's new interchange and also in Bury . This data can be passed on to partners, including police, for various tactics to be implemented to tackle growing issues. They are even able to tap into mobile phone data, working with BT and EE, to determine which cohorts of people are travelling across Manchester; where they have come from, how old they are and what gender they are. There is a science to it. David Atkin, Analysis and Reporting Manager, said this can be used to 'help improve service delivery for events'. The insights into demographics travelling to the Etihad, Co-op Live and the city centre can help to 'inform service provision' and 'shape customer messaging ahead of future events'. David Atkin, Analysis and Reporting Manager speaks to reporter James Holt (Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News) Congestion, an increasing problem clogging up the roads around Greater Manchester, is a top priority. Between 2012 and 2022, the number of cars on the roads in the region increased by 41 per cent, from 1.06 million to 1.46 million. Aside from live cameras, TfGM have also begun using drones. It follows in the footsteps of Transport for West Midlands, who recently won a National Transport Award for the use of their congestion-busting flying devices. Drone cameras can be used to assess the region's roads (Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News) They are used to give a more accurate, wide-angled view of busy roads and quickly seek the root of the problem. Whether that be queues in entering or leaving a car park, a broken down vehicle or faulty traffic lights, they allow specialist teams to get out on the ground and conduct traffic management procedures to curb the problem. Urban Traffic Control have overseen the rollout of AI and 5G technology. This can be used at smart junctions, which use artificial intelligence to improve traffic signal control efficiency by reducing waiting times at signals, which in turn reduces journey times and cuts pollution. Specialist AI technology is also being rolled out (Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News) David Watts, senior engineer, revealed how specialist cameras identify in real time whether road users are in cars, buses or are walking or cycling. It creates a digital map of people's journeys, and can identify incident hotspots. It also can inform where is best to implement the likes of bus lanes, traffic lights or crossings. In some areas, delays and cancellations are the norm, and inner-city traffic jams have become an accepted part of life. Working with AI traffic monitoring firm VivaCity, TfGM has now installed over 100 camera sensors at junctions across Manchester to gain deeper travel data insights into the city. There are over 4,000 cameras across the region's network (Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News) While existing sensors are able to detect when an object moves across them, the cohort of new cameras uses AI and machine learning to identify the exact type of object, such as a bike, car, lorry, or pedestrian, and then communicate with each other via a 5G network. The AI capabilities don't stop there. The Ma nchester Evening News revealed in September new AI cameras that can detect whether drivers are on their mobile phone or not wearing a seat belt were being rolled out on highways across Greater Manchester. It forms as part of the region's 'Vision Zero' initiative - which aims to eliminate road death and life-changing injury by 2040, with 50 per cent reduction by the end of the decade. A recent trial of the new technology revealed how a total of 3,205 drivers or passengers were caught out on Greater Manchester roads over a five-week period using their phones or failing to wear a seatbelt. The 'Heads Up' technology captures footage of passing vehicles, which is then run through artificial intelligence (AI) to detect whether drivers are breaking the law. It is then examined by a human to confirm that the software is correct, and that an offence has been committed. Shaming CCTV images of drivers on mobile phones behind the wheel and without seatbelts on have been released (Image: Acusensus/AECOM) During the deployment, the system recorded 812 drivers using mobile phones behind the wheel, and 2,393 incidents of people not wearing seatbelts in cars. Elsewhere, a technological road model is assessed by the Transport Planning teams. Software essentially mimics the way Greater Manchester's 6,000 miles of roads are used - creating a predictive image of how motorists use the roads and how this could change in the future. The data is collated to provide recommendations on planning applications, advising local authorities and changes to road layouts, bus lanes and crossings. The Christmas Markets is just one operation that takes months of planning. Ben Cookson, senior control centre manager, revealed how a dedicated channel is set up for the festive period for transport teams and emergency crews to communicate with one another. The wall of screens providing real-time updates from cameras in the control room (Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News) Specialist shifts are introduced to keep 'a close eye on city congestion' - making sure trams and buses are running on time to transport over nine million extra people visiting the area. It also gives teams the ability to keep an eye on people travelling into the city from Greater Manchester boroughs and beyond, with incidents more likely and stations and services much busier than normal. Teams even have control over all traffic signals. They don't just go from red to green at repeated intervals. At peak times when there are queues of traffic, the press of a button can keep lights on red or green for longer and keep traffic moving. They too have connections with the 999 emergency network and can send alerts about roadworks and road closures for incidents or repairs, diverting bus routes and notifying motorists about real-time alerts. Cameras at interchanges and stations are in place for the purpose of recording crime and safety. "We monitor the entire network," Ben explained. "From traffic signals, to the Metrolink , safety and security on buses and our interchanges. "We can use it to manage disruptions. We have access to over 4,000 cameras across Greater Manchester. We monitor it constantly to see the impact around the network. The busy corridors into Manchester are the key areas of focus. When something goes wrong, it all comes into here." That is why, on busy weekends with major events happening across the city, action is taken in advance to make sure the movement of people can remain as seamless as possible. TfGM regularly issue public updates about increased frequency in services and alternate timetables. The latest of these was issued on Wednesday (November 20) ahead of the following weekend, warning of two football games coinciding with major events at the Co-op Live Arena. And despite the regeneration of the bus network, Stagecoach and Go North West teams work together alongside the Bee Network teams. Looking over the wall of live camera screens, Steven Delaney and his team regularly assess the punctuality of services and make real-time changes. There are frustrations when bus services around the region are delayed - but they don't go unnoticed. It's a 24 hour operation at the TfGM headquarters (Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News) Live updates into the control room show how ahead or behind the hundreds of services are running. They too can change the frequency of traffic lights, divert routes and liaise directly with drivers on the ground, in real-time, to resolve incidents within a matter of minutes. During the M.E.N's visit, a man was hit by a car along Chester Road in Stretford . A lane closure, causing congestion and delays to buses using the busy route, are instantly identified. Updates are provided to travellers on social media and by the Bee Network apps. "We have access to thousands of cameras, all in live time," Steven said. "We can see where there are regular problems at busy junctions or routes and can see any impacts on buses, to relay that information to the public." TfGM said: "The Operational Control Centre (OCC) is the incident management centre for TfGM and plays a key tactical command role in the day to day operations and delivery of the Bee Network. Their main responsibility is to ensure our networks are safe and reliable, and that our public transport offering provides people with access to work or leisure opportunities, helping Greater Manchester to thrive. "With all incidents the OCC aim to minimise the impact on customers travelling across our networks, ensuring they have access to clear travel advice and where necessary we can support passengers by activating ticket acceptance on alternative transport modes such as buses or trams. "On average the OCC deal with around 300 disruptive incidents across our network every week as well supporting major events, such as the Christmas markets, to ensure that our customers have a positive experience which will help us grow patronage and provide an integrated transport network that supports the long term economic growth across our region."Canada’s chief of the defence staff says multiple global threats and military needs keep her up at night, but her top priority is boosting the number of people in the Canadian Armed Forces. Speaking to Mercedes Stephenson at the Halifax International Security Forum in an interview that aired Sunday on The West Block , Gen. Jennie Carignan said she’s pushing for recruitment to exceed 10 per cent of the military’s end-of-year goal if that target is met ahead of time, with an overall objective of returning to “full strength” in five years. “If we get close to the end of the year and we are at target, we’re not going to stop,” she said. “If we can go above, we will.” She added steps have been taken to streamline the recruiting process, and that work needs to be done to properly train those new recruits quickly and get them into service. The Department of National Defence says the Canadian Armed Forces is roughly 16,500 members short of its authorized target strength outlined in the updated defence policy. That’s added to concerns regarding Canada’s military readiness that has earned criticism from NATO allies, particularly the United States, as Canada continues to miss NATO’s benchmark of spending at least two per cent of GDP on defence. Ottawa says it plans to reach that target by 2032 and has already taken several steps to boost spending and procurement to meet its NATO commitments, yet concerns remain about whether the government’s plan is feasible. Beyond personnel, Carignan said she’s also prioritizing security and defence of the Arctic, where both Russia and China have encroached on Canada’s sovereignty. In contrast to previous years, Carignan said the deepening bond between Moscow and Beijing has led to more collaboration between the two counties. “We used to see presence from both of them, but now they come in, whether it’s through joint exercises or joint patrols, whether it’s via maritime ways or in the air as well,” she said. She added Russian and Chinese research vessels that are “constantly” navigating the Arctic are also gathering intelligence. Carignan said more investment is needed to modernize and expand existing detection capabilities in the Arctic. Although the government has committed billions of dollars to over-the-horizon radar systems in the North, she said procurement needs to be sped up to urgently get those systems in place. Incoming U.S. president-elect Donald Trump is expected to put pressure on allies to step up its defence spending and burden-sharing, which could put Canada in the crosshairs. But Carignan said she’s focused on maintaining Canadian sovereignty in a way that proves the country’s seriousness on defence to the U.S. “I am very seized with our responsibilities,” she said. “This is a key priority and definitely where we concentrate a lot of our efforts.” She said any potential settlement to the war in Ukraine — including a negotiated deal that gives Russia some of the land it has occupied since its invasion in 2022 — “is not going to modify” Canada’s efforts to reinforce its brigade in Latvia, which is scheduled to be fully operational by 2026. The brigade is a key part of NATO’s eastern defensive line in Europe. “We will need to look at our own involvement and contribution to Ukraine’s stability going into the future,” she said. “So, of course, we’re going to be watching and monitoring and adapting with the information that will be coming, that’s for sure.”dealer buckshot roulette 。

Economists are closely monitoring the situation, analyzing the impact of the falling oil prices on various sectors of the economy. While lower fuel costs can stimulate consumer spending and reduce production expenses for businesses, they can also have far-reaching consequences for oil-producing countries and energy-related industries.Pep Guardiola admits the buck stops with him as Manchester City bid to arrest their dramatic slump in form. The champions crashed to a fifth straight defeat in all competitions – something not experienced by the club in more than 18 years – as they were thrashed 4-0 by Tottenham at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday. The loss, which was also a third in succession in the Premier League and shattered a 52-game unbeaten home run, damaged the club’s hopes of winning an unprecedented fifth title in a row. It is the worst run of Guardiola’s glittering managerial career and the City boss, who extended his contract until 2027 last week, is determined to turn the situation around. The Catalan said: “When we start to lose I say to the people I have to find a way, I have to. It’s my duty, my responsibility, to find a way to be more consistent, that our game will be better and win games. “This is what we have to do.” City have been hampered by injuries to key players in recent weeks, particularly by the absence of Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder Rodri, who has been sidelined for the remainder of the season. Problems have emerged at both ends of the field with a lack of clean sheets – just five in 19 outings this term – and a shortage of goals being scored on occasions, like Saturday, when the prolific Erling Haaland has an off-day. Guardiola said: “We don’t expect to lose important players but it’s happened and you have to find a way. We have to find other abilities. “I don’t think we didn’t create enough chances. We created a lot of chances, clear ones at 0-0, 0-1, 0-2. “Of course we want a lot of players to score but it’s happened now. “I know at the Etihad when we are there and we score goals our momentum is there, but now we are not solid enough. That is the truth. “In both sides normally we are solid but we concede the goals. Now in both sides we are not good enough. “In these situations, what do you have do to? Keep going my friends, keep going. “We have done it in the past – not in terms of results being as bad as now – but we have done it and we face the situation and move forward.”Fraudsters Shift Tactics to Customers, Challenging Financial Institutions to Innovate

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Ranchi: Expressing gratitude to the people for greeting him on his electoral success, JMM leader Hemant Soren on Sunday urged those coming to meet him to gift him books, not flower bouquets. Soren’s JMM-led alliance stormed to power in Jharkhand for a second consecutive term on Saturday, winning 56 seats in the 81-member assembly, despite an all-out blitz by the BJP-led NDA, which managed only 24 seats. “My heartfelt thanks to everyone for the good wishes I am receiving from across the country. Like 2019, I would again request everyone that if you are coming to meet me, then instead of a ‘bouquet’, give me a ‘book’,” he posted on X. “While I was in jail, I got a lot of time to read the books that you all gifted me. Thank you to everyone for this,” he added. पूरे देश से मिल रही शुभकामनाओं के लिए सभी का हृदय से धन्यवाद। 2019 की तरह पुनः सभी से अनुरोध करूंगा कि अगर आप मुझसे मिलने आ रहे हैं तो "बुके" की जगह "बुक" अर्थात किताब दें। जेल में रहने के दौरान आप सबके द्वारा उपहार स्वरूप दी गई किताबों को पढ़ने का काफ़ी समय मिला, इसके लिए... Soren will take oath as the chief minister on November 28, and till then he will be the acting CM. In 2019, Soren had made the same request to the people and shared photos of a bunch of bouquets given to him, saying he felt bad when he couldn’t take care of the flowers.