Metro using drones to catch graffiti vandals across Melbourne’s rail network

FIRST ON 3AW

Metro trains are taking to the skies in an attempt to catch graffiti vandals across Melbourne’s rail network.

Metro 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.

They say by using this information they can determine what sort of response is required and confirm when tracks are clear to get trains moving again.

Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan told Tony Jones it demonstrates how technology can be used to help keep the system moving.

“By having helicopters and drones in the sky it feeds live pictures back to the control centre,” she said.

“There is a cost involved, but you have to weight it up against getting people moving.”

Click PLAY below to hear the full interview

Click PLAY below to see the footage

NOW | @JacintaAllanMP in the studio, explaining Metro’s use of drones to catch graffiti vandals across the rail network.

“Being able to use the latest technology will help us to catch vandals and keep trains moving.”

That drone footage is online: https://t.co/bRmMHDwG6U pic.twitter.com/fUtNRogwEC

— 3AW Melbourne (@3AW693) September 23, 2018