LAUREL, Md. – Tower Federal Credit Union finds that remote teller systems installed in November 2003 have exceeded expectations. "Response has been positive with many members now transacting their business at the new remote teller branches regularly," said Tower FCU President/CEO Martin M. Breland. "We went forward with branch expansion plans for our Ellicott City branch and have reduced our operating costs while creating a more secure environment." The Remote Teller System, which is gaining popularity in some credit unions, features walk-up teller units through which live tellers assist members. Tellers and members view one another via closed-circuit television cameras and communicate through a microphone or telephone. Tellers send paperwork and currency through a pneumatic tube back to their member waiting at the screen. According to Tower FCU Branch Manager Peggy Stavely, the new system has helped improve member service since each teller can be assigned to multiple stations and serve more than one member simultaneously. "These stations are not only safer for employees but for members as well. A robber could see how complicated it is to get to a vault or any cash and would walk away," said Tower FCU Ellicott City Assistant Branch Manager Casey Quinn.