Axis cameras secure new Sydney trains

The Waratah's 626 carriages (78 trains) are expected to be progressively introduced into passenger service from late 2010, as part of the New South Wales Public Private Partnership (PPP) project between RailCorp and Reliance Rail.

The Waratah is being designed, manufactured and delivered by the Downer EDI Rail (DEDIR) - Hitachi Joint Venture, on behalf of Reliance Rail.

Axis Communications will supply 7,000 209MFD-R network cameras, through distribution partner Pacific Communications, as part of a subcontract between DEDIR - Hitachi JV and the international electronics and systems group Thales.

"These cameras are designed specifically for transport," Wai King Wong, Axis Communications Country Manager, Australia and New Zealand, said.

"They are very slim, very light and are designed to withstand prolonged and vigorous vibrations."

Each train will have 98 networked IP cameras, ensuring that the full length and breadth of each carriage can be monitored to provide enhanced security and safety for commuters.

The palm-sized Axis 209MFD-R network cameras have been specifically designed for mass transit and are flat, discreet and tamper resistant.

The cameras also utilise progressive scan technology which provides full resolution of moving objects with no distortion.

"Flexibility is one of the strengths of the IP solution, which also provides multiple lens options," Wai King Wong said.

Designed specifically for handling vibrations, humidity, dust and temperature fluctuations that are typical of mass transit vehicles, the cameras are connected via Power over Ethernet (PoE) using the train's communication network, which eliminates the need for separate power cables.