Yarra Trams in Melbourne Transforms Depot Safety with Laser Bird Control Technology

Location	Yarra Tram, Melbourne, Australia
Application context	Tram Depots
Problem definition	Hygiene issues, infrastructure damage, and increased cleaning and maintenance costs
Bird species	Pigeons and Myna bird
Bird behavior	Birds roosting and nesting
Time of the year with bird problems	All year round
Time of the day with bird problems	All day long
Number of systems	2 x AVIX Autonomic Mark II units were used in the trial, and now more systems are being implemented
In use since	2023
Bird number prior to installation of the system	Over 100
Bird reduction after the system has been installed	70 – 90%

Beaming Success: How Yarra Trams Reduced Birds by 90% Without Harm

Birds roosting in tram depots have long created significant challenges for Yarra Trams, operated by Keolis Downer in Melbourne, Australia. Nesting materials, feathers, and droppings not only pose health and safety risks but also lead to infrastructure damage and drive up cleaning and maintenance costs.

To address the issue, Yarra Trams began a trial in 2023 of a forward-thinking and humane solution: the installation of two AVIX Autonomic Bird Deterrent Lasers, supplied by Bird Beam Australia, trusted partner of Bird Control Group.

Spanning a 250-kilometre network, every Yarra Trams depot faces persistent bird activity. Traditional deterrents offered limited success, and at one site, the damage caused by nesting birds highlighted the need for a more effective, long-term approach.

The AVIX Autonomic system offers just that. Using focused beams of light, the laser creates moving optical illusions that birds perceive as physical threats – described by experts as a “sparkling broomstick.” These illusions tap into birds’ heightened visual sensitivity, naturally deterring them without harm. The system operates autonomously, sweeping programmed areas day and night to keep birds at bay.

Already trusted in airports, farms, and industrial facilities, the AVIX laser provides a sustainable, non-invasive alternative to conventional bird control. The technology is also recognized by the World Wildlife Fund and BirdLife Australia for its ethical, environmentally friendly design.

Initial results at Yarra Trams include:
– Between 70 – 90% reduction in bird activity in treated areas
– Improved hygiene and cleanliness across depots
– Lower cleaning and maintenance costs
– Safer working environment for staff

The system is fully programmable and adaptable, making it easy to deploy in specific high-risk areas.

Encouraged by the success of the trial, Yarra Trams is now expanding the installation of this innovative bird control technology across other depots. Early results also position AVIX lasers as a potential model for urban transit systems worldwide, with interest already coming from cities like Dubai.

This initiative reflects Yarra Trams’ commitment to innovation, sustainability, and workplace safety, setting a new standard in humane bird management for public transport infrastructure.

‘’This cutting-edge, humane solution has helped us create a safer, cleaner, and more cost-effective workplace. The AVIX system operates autonomously, day and night, and is fully programmable to suit specific areas. Recognised by BirdLife Australia, it’s not only effective but also environmentally responsible.

This rollout is part of our broader commitment to innovation and sustainability in public transport – and it’s setting a new standard for urban infrastructure around the world.”

Yarra Trams – Keolis Downer Melbourne