New Infrared Technology to Reduce Dwell Times in Sydney
Downer has partnered with the University of Technology Sydney, in collaboration with the Rail Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre, to develop Dwell Track. This technology is an infrared digital imaging system that aims to optimise customer flow and safety on platforms. Wynyard Station was the first to get the new technology.
The Dwell Track trial at Wynyard Station comprises 16 infrared and digital devices. They detect movement without identifying passengers.
Andrew Constance, Minister for Transport and Roads, said:
“This could be a technological solution to a very human problem. Customers often become creatures of habit and wait at the same spot at train platforms, without realising that by moving down the platform they are more likely to board faster and find a less populated carriage.
“The amount of time a train is stationary at a platform while people alight and board is a major factor in whether customers reach their destination on-time.
“Precise mapping of crowd behaviour and what we call ‘train dwell times’ will help us improve systems to manage customers and make sure they get where they need to go.”
Tim Young, Executive General Manager, Downer’s Rollingstock Services, said:
“We’re committed to developing innovative solutions that improve the passenger experience.
“DwellTrack not only provides real-time data to aid decision making but will also provide longer-term insights into dwell management and platform operations.
“This technology is a key example of what collaborative partnerships between industry, university and our customers can achieve.”
railway-news.com
