SYDNEY, Nov. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Australian State of New South Wales (NSW) will tackle overcrowding and limit COVID-19 concerns on Sydney's train network through a new system designed to track when carriages are full and warn passengers ahead of time.
Announcing the system on Tuesday, NSW transport minister Andrew Constance explained that users could opt in to the initiative by registering through the mobile app and receive real time notifications on when their regular services are at a dangerous capacity.
"The new feature is a world leading piece of innovation that uses real-time capacity and predictive data to help customers make better choices while travelling," Constance said.
Case numbers in NSW have been kept to a relative minimum in recent months, with the state recording its third consecutive day of zero local infections on Tuesday.
However public transport services, in particular trains, which regularly become overcrowded during peak periods have been a source of concern for authorities.
Face masks were strongly recommended but not mandatory on Sydney public transport and markers were placed throughout trains and buses to encourage social distancing.
Stepping up the risk-reduction plan, it took three months for Transport NSW to develop the system in conjunction with Amazon Web Services (AWS), Tigerspike and AppJourney.
AWS Director for Public Service in Australia and New Zealand, Iain Rouse said the initiative was a good example of how technology can be utilised to help in the fight against COVID-19.
"We understand the pressure COVID-19 has placed on the transport network and are confident this new feature will make commuting a more safe and comfortable experience for customers," Rouse said. Enditem
