When Melbourne Sleeps, The Spy Tram Comes Out To Survey
04 December 2019
A specially-equipped tram has been scouring Melbourne’s tram network at night to inform future maintenance and infrastructure works.
The ‘spy tram’, as it’s known, has travelled 500 kilometres surveying the entire Melbourne tram network to collect data on the condition of key tram infrastructure such as tracks, wires and tram stops.
Using state-of-the-art 3D lasers, sensors and cameras, the ‘spy tram’ collects information about the condition of different assets.
This equipment is attached to the top, bottom, front, back, and sides of a B-Class tram, with data mapped accurately using GPS.
Every tiny detail, from the smoothness of the rail, to where foliage like weeds are coming up, is captured and analysed.
With more people using public transport than ever before, planning infrastructure upgrades need to be prioritised better than ever to limit disruption and ensure reliable journeys.
Since 2010, Yarra Trams has used this approach in conjunction with physical inspections to identify and assist in prioritisation of maintenance and renewal works for network infrastructure.
From Lygon Street, to Toorak Road and Plenty Road, the spy tram is vital to ensuring the longevity of Melbourne’s tram network. There have been 25 significant maintenance and renewal works across the network since 2018.
Since 2017, Yarra Trams has been conducting these surveys twice a year, using the latest data capture technology from Europe.
As more data is collected, Yarra Trams will be able to better prioritise works for the next five to 15 years.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Melissa Horne
“We have the largest tram network in the world and we’re using the latest technology to keep it running safely and get passengers where they need to go.”
“More than $81 million is invested in maintaining and upgrading our iconic tram network every year – the Spy Tram plays an important role in making sure we know what needs to be fixed and upgraded.”
Quotes attributable to Yarra Trams CEO Nicolas Gindt
“The team at Yarra Trams work around the clock to ensure our network is in the best condition it can be, to keep Melbourne moving.”
“We are already using the ‘spy tram’ data to help prioritise upcoming works and better plan renewals along every route.”
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Source: Victorian Government - www.premier.vic.gov.au
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