Train refurbishment and security boost
Commuters on Adelaide’s train network will be under unprecedented scrutiny as TransAdelaide boosts security under a $37 million upgrade.
TransAdelaide is installing up to six externally facing CCTV cameras on each of its 3000 and 3100 class trains under a three-year refurbishment project to improve safety and modernise the 70-railcar fleet.
The cameras, equipped with high-definition digital recording, will capture images from the side, front and rear of the railcars.
The cameras are in addition to the existing four internal CCTV units on-board the trains. And in a further beefing up of security, all cameras will be linked to a monitor in the driver’s cabin, enabling the operator to view real-time footage, increasing response times to incidents.
But under the retro-fit program the number of seats on each carriage will be reduced by nine to allow for increased disability access.
The first of the upgraded diesel-electric trains went into service during the week, with all upgrades expected to be completed by 2012.
Among other new features of the trains are:
EMERGENCY call buttons next to doors to allow passengers to speak to the drivers.
NEW passenger information display panels at each end of the railcar and automated audio announcements.
IMPROVED hand straps, seat grips and new bike stow areas with attachment rails.
A NEW digital public address system with better audio.
PUSH-BUTTON automated doors to prevent them being forced open while the train is in motion.
New barriers are also being installed between carriages to allow people to change carriages without leaving the train.
TransAdelaide had permanently locked doors between carriages in April 2007 after a passenger fell to his death from a moving train at Coromandel Valley.
All upgrades are being done by Bombardier Transportation, and have been funded by the State Government.
Transport Minister Patrick Conlon said the refurbished trains would make using public transport more enjoyable and comfortable.
“What we see today is the future of public transport,” he said of the new railcars. TransAdelaide general manager Bob Stobbe said the extra cameras would improve safety and allow drivers to monitor passengers.
“Security and safety is always something people focus on,” he said
