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ARTC gets $62.3m AusLink funds for better train communications

The Australian Rail Track Corporation will build a fully interoperable and compatible communications system for trains using its interstate and Hunter Valley networks.

The Federal Government-owned corporation will also develop the blueprint for an advanced train management system (ATMS) that will include satellite-based train location technology and in-cab signalling – developments that will enable greater coal train capacity in the Hunter Valley.

Federal transport minister John Anderson said $62.3m of AusLink funds would be spent on rail communications technology on ARTC networks.

This breaks down as $42m for the development of the train communications system and $20.3m for the ATMS blueprint.

“The communications system will be based on Telstra’s code division multiple access (CDMA)technology,” Mr Anderson said.

The technology will provide a single communications medium to replace nine separate communications systems, he said.

Mr Anderson said the ATMS technology would enable more trains to operate on Hunter Valley tracks with a higher level of safety than at present.