In a step forward for Australia’s rail industry, infrastructure and transport ministers have decided on European Train Control Systems (ETCS) as the future technology pathway for National Network for Interoperability (NNI).
It will mean any digital train control and signalling system introduced on the NNI must comply with ETCS mandatory standards.
At a meeting in Melbourne yesterday, ministers also agreed that a new Rail Industry Safety and Standards Board (RISSB) will become the industry-led body for setting technical standards.
Progress on the National Pathway for streamlining rollingstock approvals was endorsed, with ministers supporting a national approach to the procurement of passenger rolling stock to maximise local industry participation, grow manufacturing capability and strengthen supply chain resilience.
Ministers also agreed to consider a package of reform options to implement elements of the National Rail Procurement and Management Strategy, including nationally harmonised standards for manufacturing rolling stock.
The outcomes of the meeting have been welcomed by rail industry bodies RISSB and the Australasian Railway Association.
ARA Chief Executive Caroline Wilkie said the “historic” decision to deliver nationally consistent digital train control and signalling systems will improve productivity and efficiency across the national rail network.
“The ARA has long advocated for greater harmonisation and interoperability in the rail industry and it is pleasing to see meaningful progress being made to deliver a more productive and safer national rail network,” she said.
“This week’s decision ends decades of inconsistency on the national network, which has made it harder for rail operators to move across the country.
“Nationally consistent train control and signalling systems will create seamless connectivity across the network and boost the industry’s productivity and efficiency.
“This is a powerful step forward to improve rail’s competitiveness and ensure it is the transport mode of choice for both passengers and freight customers.”
The ARA also welcomed the endorsement of a national approach to procuring passenger rollingstock to support the growth of manufacturing capability and strengthen supply chain resilience.
The endorsement supports a key plank of the National Rail Procurement and Management Strategy, which aims to simplify procurement and harmonise standards to develop a more globally competitive manufacturing sector in Australia.
“The ARA is pleased to see ITMM’s support for the National Rail Procurement and Management Strategy to build a more productive and efficient rail supply chain,” Wilkie said.
“A nationally consistent approach to procurement will deliver substantial cost savings to both rail suppliers and governments, supporting a sustainable rail manufacturing sector for the future.”
RISSB Chair Dr Gillian Miles said a new, strengthened RISSB will support a more integrated national rail network in the digital age, which includes the mandatory standards for digital train control.
“This is a significant turning point for RISSB as we take on a stronger role in leading the implementation of the national rail standards framework that will focus on greater consistency across the entire network.
“RISSB will continue to work with National Transport Commission (NTC), the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR), Australian governments, RISSB members, public and private operators and other key stakeholders.
“Together, we will build a new RISSB that supports improvements in rail safety and productivity.”
Alan Fedda, Chief Executive Officer of RISSB, added: “Our members have told us that they want RISSB to play a stronger role leading rail standards that will help them meet the challenges of adopting mandatory and harmonised standards.”
