<p>ARMONK, N.Y., Sept. 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Yarra Trams, operator of Melbourne's tram network, has selected IBM (NYSE: IBM) to improve day-to- day tram operations and passenger experience. The IBM software enables Yarra Trams to draw insights from the large volumes of data from its trams and infrastructure to better understand how the tram network is operating. These new insights are helping Yarra Trams increase the efficiency of their network, perform predictive maintenance and offer passengers a better, more reliable tram service.</p><p>(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090416/IBMLOGO )</p><p>With IBM Smarter Infrastructure technology, Yarra Trams has been able to consistently exceed its key performance measurements around tram service and punctuality. In August of this year, service delivery was at 99.13 percent and tram punctuality was at 82.63 percent. To find out more about their story visit the IBM Smarter Planet blog: http://bit.ly/IBMYarra or visit an interactive graphic at: http://ibm.co/18jzRCy .</p><p>Melbourne's tram system is the world's largest with over 250 kilometers of double track and has been in operation for more than 100 years. Eighty percent of trams intermingle with other traffic on shared road space. Every year, nearly 185 million trips are taken on the network, which takes more than 91,000 pieces of equipment to operate and includes trams ranging in age from eight to 74 years of age. Keeping the system running smoothly and on time requires a unique combination of rapid response to service disruption, preventative and predictive maintenance of assets and frequent communication with passengers.</p><p><a href="http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/yarra-trams-keeps-melbourne-tram-network-on-track-with-ibm-224058131.html">Keep reading...</a></p>