Transport for NSW is to trial innovative data and technology ideas to improve the safety for women travelling on public transport at night in Greater Sydney.
The projects, selected through Transport for NSW’s Safety After Dark Innovation Challenge, include artificial intelligence (AI) in CCTV to detect threatening behaviours as well as datasets and algorithms to create routing that prioritises safety, and a new platform for public safety and assistance.
Minister for Transport, Andrew Constance said the ideas would be developed and trialled over the next six months.
“We want all our customers to feel safe on the network and it is not good enough that nine out of 10 Australian women experience harassment on the street and modify their behaviour in response,” Mr Constance said.
“We’re excited to be working with entrepreneurs and universities to implement innovative technology solutions to keep women safe,” he said.
Mr Constance said Transport for NSW received 44 applications for the Safety After Dark Innovation Challenge and the winners were selected by an expert panel after a virtual pitch event.
“The winners were chosen for their potential to meaningfully address real safety issues, and their ability to use creative and sophisticated new technologies to make a real difference,” he said.
He said the winners of the Innovation Challenge were the University of Wollongong; data sharing platform She’s a Crowd; safety technology experts Guardian LifeStream; and the University of NSW in partnership with Cardno.
