Melbourne’s tram network adopts Trapeze Group’s AVLC technology

One hundred trams running on Melbourne’s historic tram network are set to be equipped with Trapeze Group’s Automated Vehicle Location and Control (AVLC) technology.

Trapeze Group and Yarra Trams have announced a multi-year agreement to deliver the AVM Sustainment Project. This project extends the life of the tram network’s Automatic Vehicle Management (AVM) system, which has been used for more than 30 years, by interfacing it with the new AVLC system.

In-vehicle AVLC technology is due to be installed in 100 of Yarra Trams’ E-class trams, with the replaced units retained as spare equipment for trams still using the older hardware.

The Trapeze AVLC solution provides accurate vehicle tracking to generate a real-time operational view for effective fleet management and on-time performance.

Trapeze Rail Head of Operations, Michael Zink, believes Trapeze Group and Yarra Trams are a natural fit, with more than 150 years of public transport experience between them.

“We are delighted that Yarra Trams has identified Trapeze Group’s AVLC technology as the best long-term solution for its operational strategy to improve customer satisfaction,” Mr Zink said.

“This decision sees Melbourne’s tram operation join leading global cities including London, Zurich, Riyadh, and Singapore where public transport passengers experience the connected journey benefits delivered by Trapeze’s intelligent transport solutions.

“Trapeze and Yarra Trams have worked collaboratively, particularly during the successful proof of concept. As Yarra Trams’ current technology ages, Trapeze will support its critical functionality by sustaining the system while simultaneously creating a reliable platform for future proofing AVLC on the network.”

Melbourne’s tram network is the largest in the world. Every year the fleet of approximately 480 vehicles carries more than 200 million passengers on 27 routes along 250km of double track to nearly 1,700 stops. Yarra Trams has been operated by Keolis Downer, on behalf of the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning, since 2009. Keolis Downer is Australia’s largest multi-modal transport operator.

Trams are an iconic symbol of Melbourne, providing an essential service for residents and tourists in the world’s most liveable city, according to Yarra Trams Chief Executive Officer, Carla Purcell.

“The Yarra Trams AVM Sustainment Project helps ensure our network remains an efficient, sustainable, and reliable way to experience Melbourne’s inner suburbs,” Ms Purcell said.

“As the operator of Melbourne’s tram network, I am proud that Keolis Downer continues to demonstrate our commitment to the network’s future through this project and I welcome Trapeze Group as one of our technology providers.

“By moving forward with the AVM Sustainment Project, we are establishing a strong foundation of proven, state of the art AVLC technology that will help achieve our goals for delivering both a reliable service and great customer experience outcomes for our passengers.”

To learn more about Trapeze Group’s suite of ITS technology solutions please contact our team here to get the conversation started.

About Trapeze Group

Trapeze Group provides enterprise technology solutions built specifically for public transport, with a 50-year history of working with public transport authorities and operators worldwide to deliver long-term value and results. Trapeze has a suite of Intelligent Transport System (ITS) solutions which make managing tram, light rail, ferry, and bus transport networks more effective and powerful. These ITS technologies enable authorities to effectively plan, schedule, operate, and analyse their multimodal networks and transform the ways services are delivered, enhancing the passenger experience. Our dedicated team of ITS industry experts offers end-to-end local support backed by proven global experience in major cities like London, Singapore, and Zurich that shows we are ‘here for the journey’. Trapeze is part of the Modaxo Group, a global collective of technology companies passionate about changing the face of public transportation. Learn more here.

About Yarra Trams

Yarra Trams operates the world’s largest tram network with 250kms of double track, more than 480 trams, 1,680 stops and 5,000+ services a day serving 200+ million trips a year. Melbourne’s trams are 100% offset by solar energy, and tram travel saves ~$97 million in environmental damage annually compared to driving through reduced emissions. Yarra Trams is proudly operated by Keolis Downer, the largest private provider of multimodal public transport in Australia. Our guiding principle is to ‘think like a passenger’. We focus on delivering safe, reliable, clean, and easy-to-use services, and we are committed to increasing the environmental, social, and economic contribution that Melbourne’s tram network makes to the city. Learn more here.