Sydney Trains has a new team who will be monitoring CCTV and passenger data to reduce crowding on the network.
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance announced the new team, which will encourage physical distancing on the transport network.
“This dedicated team of 80 people will be the ‘eyes and ears’ of the Sydney Trains network. Every day teams will monitor 11,000 CCTV cameras and utilise new real time app technology to monitor patronage numbers and help facilitate physical distancing across the rail network,” he said.
Transport for NSW secretary Rodd Staples said that the new team is in addition to preventative measures on platforms and in carriages.
“Last week we launched the ‘No Dot, No Spot’ campaign to help customers physically distance and there has been an extra 132,000 hours of cleaning since March, with regular deep cleans and hand sanitiser units being rolled at 163 staffed stations,” said Staples.
The NSW government has been encouraging commuters to stay off public transport unless they must use it, and has announced pop-up carparks and cycle lanes to facilitate alternative travel arrangements.
Although patronage levels remain low, there have been some increases as restrictions begin to lift. Trains are limited to carrying 32 per cent of their regular capacity.
Sydney Trains chief customer officer Suzanne Holden said that the new team would trial innovative approaches based on data collected around the network.
“I could not be more proud to lead a team of people who have spent long hours innovating and finding solutions to transport problems we have never experienced in our lifetimes. New features we have created for loading data technology and this new pilot program is setting the standard for the rest of the country.”