Thermal imaging cameras are taking to the skies over Melbourne’s rail network to improve safety and ensure a more reliable service for passengers.
Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan joined representatives from Victoria Police, PTV and Metro Trains to give an update about joint security arrangements on the public transport network. More than a million eventgoers will use Melbourne’s rail network over the coming months.
Metro Trains have been using helicopters fitted with cameras and thermal imaging devices — and more recently drones — to observe the rail network during events including White Night, New Year’s Eve celebrations and the Spring Racing Carnival.
The cameras help deliver real-time information and intelligence to the train control centre where Metro works alongside police to improve responses to serious network disruptions and incidents.
By using this information Metro can make assessments about what sort of response is required and where and confirm when tracks are clear to get trains moving and passengers on their way.
It is also used as a tool to detect trespassing on the network – as well as incidents of graffiti and criminal damage to rail equipment which all cause disruptions to services.
Intelligence sourced from the cameras is provided to Victoria Police to support on-going investigations.
During major spring events, Metro and Victoria Police will be ensuring the public transport network is running as efficiently and as safely as possible for those who rely on it.
There are more than 9,000 CCTV cameras at stations and in trains, and a dedicated security and surveillance team tracking criminals.
Metro spends $10 million annually to fight graffiti and vandalism on the network.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan
“With Melbourne’s massive events calendar, it’s important to make sure doing everything we can to get people where they need to go, safer and sooner.”
“The use of drones are another tool to better respond to disruptions and catch the criminals who seek to deface our network.”
“This is all about making sure our passengers can get to and from Melbourne’s major events quickly and safely.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020