SELECTIVE TRAM DETECTION SYSTEM

The provision of public transport priority is one of the major objectives to be implemented as part of the five year SCRAM (Signal Coordination in Regional Areas of Melbourne) project. A reliable vehicle identification system is a fundamental requirement in the provision of public transport priority. This paper presents the initial selection, evaluation and the final system design of the selective tram detection system in Melbourne. Various detection concepts were examined. They included overhead skate detectors, electromagnetic proximity switches, optical detectors, occupancy level detectors and active and passive transponders. The active transponder type system was found to be most reliable and relatively economical to implement and is readily available. The evaluation results indicate that for all practical purposes the detection zone is the same as the perimeter of the receiver loop antenna. Nearby signal sources can interfere with the receiver. The proximity of tram tracks reduces the sensitivity of the receiver due to coupling between the loop and the tracks. The performance of the detection system is relatively independent of the loop configuration. For a passage mode requirement a two metre loop was recommended whilst for a presence mode requirement a four metre loop was recommended. Because trams can be driven from either end and space is not available near the centre of all tram types, a transmitter is required at each end of every tram. The number of the covering abstract for the conference is TRIS No. 393385. (Author/TRRL)

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  • Supplemental Notes:
    • This paper was presented during the 12th Australian Road Research Board Conference, Hobart, Tasmania, 27-31 August 1984.
  • Corporate Authors:

    ARRB

    Melbourne, Victoria  Australia 
  • Authors:
    • SIN, FYC
  • Publication Date: 1984

Media Info

  • Features: Figures; References;
  • Pagination: p. 150-159
  • Serial:

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Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00393452
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: ARRB
  • Files: ITRD, TRIS, ATRI
  • Created Date: Jun 30 1985 12:00AM