A specially-equipped tram has been scouring Melbourne’s night network to help plan for future maintenance and infrastructure works.
The Minister for Public Transport said the tram dubbed the ‘spy tram’ had travelled 500 kilometres surveying the entire Melbourne tram network to collect data on the condition of key infrastructure such as tracks, wires and tram stops.
The Minister, Melissa Horne said the tram used state-of-the-art 3D lasers, sensors and cameras to collect 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,” Ms Horne said.
“Every tiny detail, from the smoothness of the rail, to where foliage like weeds are coming up, is captured and analysed,” she said.
“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.”
Ms Horne said Yarra Trams had used the approach in conjunction with physical inspections, to identify and assist in prioritisation of maintenance and renewal works.
Chief Executive for Yarra Trams, Nicolas Gindt said that as more data was collected, Yarra Trams would be able to better prioritise works for the next five to 15 years.
