Transport for NSW to trial new tech to keep women safe travelling at night

Transport for NSW is set to trial innovative data and technology ideas to improve safety for women travelling on transport at night in Greater Sydney, following the announcement of the winners of the Safety After Dark innovation challenge.

The projects include artificial intelligence in CCTV to automate the detection of threatening behaviours, using datasets and algorithms to create routing that prioritises safety, and a new platform for public safety and assistance.

Minister for Transport Andrew Constance said the ideas would be developed and trialled over the next six months.

“We want all our customers to feel safe on the network and it is not good enough that 9 out of 10 Australian women experience harassment on the street and modify their behaviour in response,” Constance said. “We’re excited to be working with entrepreneurs and universities to implement innovative technology solutions to keep women safe.”

The winners are from the University of Wollongong, data sharing platform She’s a Crowd, safety technology experts Guardian LifeStream and Cardno/UNSW.

Transport for NSW received 44 applications for the Safety After Dark Innovation Challenge and the winners were selected by an expert panel after a virtual pitch event.

“The winners were chosen for their potential to meaningfully address real safety issues, and their ability to use creative and sophisticated new technologies to make a real difference,” explained Constance.

The Innovation Challenge is part of Transport for NSW’s commitment to a new Women’s Safety Charter, co-designed in collaboration with the Greater Sydney Commission and Committee for Sydney.