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Streamlining rolling stock approvals process update
As part of NRAP’s commitment to improving productivity and safety across Australia’s rail system, the NTC is leading three reforms to simplify the rolling stock approval processes, making it easier for rolling stock operators to work across multiple networks.
This month we’re providing an overview of progress across these projects and how they contribute to the National Pathway on Rolling Stock Approvals endorsed by infrastructure and transport ministers in August 2025.
1. Clarifying the roles and responsibilities in the approval process
The NTC developed draft safety assurance guidance in November 2025 to clarify the roles and responsibilities of rail infrastructure managers (RIMs) and rolling stock operators (RSOs) in the certification and registration of rolling stock.
The guidance, informed by industry consultation in May 2025, has been provided to the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR), who will undertake further consultation on a draft guideline.
The guidance will help reduce administrative burden and eliminate inefficiencies and duplication of effort for both RIMs and RSOs.
2. Options for harmonising testing requirements and test locations.
The NTC is investigating options for harmonising different rolling stock testing requirements and test locations for recommendations to the Infrastructure and Transport Ministers Meeting.
We recently released a discussion paper seeking stakeholder submissions and feedback on the proposed options.
You can provide feedback to the discussion paper here or email us at rollingstock@ntc.gov.au. Submissions close Friday, 17 July 2026.
A more consistent approach to testing across different RIMs will help reduce time and costs for RSOs and RIMs while providing greater certainty around compliance requirements for RSOs.
Options identified from this project will form part of the National Pathway where they can be actioned and incorporated into a streamlined approval process.
3. Developing and piloting a single registration application form
In July 2025, the NTC formed a Technical Working Group (TWG) to co-design and develop a registration application form for freight wagons and locomotives respectively. The TWG has met 24 times since inception to progress this important national reform.
A freight wagon registration form and accompanying procedure document has been completed and will soon be piloted across a small group. The streamlining of a freight locomotive registration form is progressing concurrently.
Lessons learned from the pilot will feed into the rollout and development of a national application to be developed as part of the National Pathway.
Having a single registration form will mean RSOs need only submit one registration form across participating RIMs reducing the administrative burden.
What is the National Pathway on Rolling Stock Approvals?
In August 2025, ministers endorsed the concept of a National Pathway for streamlining rolling stock approvals which brings together and coordinates existing rolling stock approval reform initiatives being undertaken by various jurisdictions and stakeholders.
The Pathway will be delivered through a staged approach to minimise risk, ensure operational continuity, and to adopt lessons learned: Specifically:
Stage 1 (2026-2027) involves the three NTC led NRAP projects on streamlining rolling stock approvals and working with a small group of rail infrastructure managers (RIMs) and operators on piloting a single application form for freight rolling stock. It also includes undertaking a feasibility study and business case to develop a National Rolling Stock Approvals Registration System to align with National Pathway projects, standards reform and industry best practice.
Stage 2 (2027- 2029) expands participation to all RIMs nationally and broadens scope beyond freight to include passenger. It proposes revising and updating the Certification Standard (AS 7501) and the development of a new rolling stock Registration Standard (AS 7500). Updating these voluntary standards will better align certification and registration practices (approvals) across jurisdictions and reinforce the safety assurance guidance. It also includes starting the process to harmonise interface standards, that is, those standards that define how rolling stock interacts with infrastructure (track, signalling, power and operational systems). Variation in interface standards across jurisdictions creates cost and duplication.
Stage 3 (2029–2030) involves developing a mandatory national standard for rolling stock approvals. This is intended to be a process standard and not a prescriptive technical standard. The standard will codify agreed practices emerging from earlier national pathway stages and ensure a consistent national approach.
The National Pathway work is overseen by a policy governance group called the Rolling Stock Approvals Policy Subgroup chaired by the NTC. The group includes representatives from the Australian Rail Industry Standards Organisation (ARISO), Transport for NSW (TfNSW), Arc Infrastructure, UGL Regional Linx and the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC), with the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR) participating as an observer.
As requested by Ministers, the NTC and TfNSW have developed a detailed work plan for the National Pathway. The work plan details the tasks to be undertaken, interdependencies and projected timeframes for stage of the pathway. The National Pathway work plan is critical to consolidating and embedding the reforms to rolling stock approval processes and maximising their long-term benefits. The work plan will be considered by ministers in late 2026 as part of the next steps for NRAP.
Consistent deployment of rail radio and communications
Another key task of NRAP is to ensure the consistent deployment of European Train Control Technology (ETCS) across Australia’s railways. We’re learning from global deployments and adapting those lessons to Australia.
One important lesson is that signalling technology like ETCS doesn’t exist in isolation. It interacts with a range of other interdependent technologies like train radio and communications systems. These systems are the data links that underpin ETCS and we can’t introduce one without impacting another.
As the older 2G radio networks used by railways near obsolescence and the world transitions toward 5G, there’s a real opportunity - and risk - if networks move in different directions with their radio systems.
That’s why we’re working with governments, railways and radio network managers, as well as the Australasia Railways Association’s telecommunications sub-committee to come up with a roadmap for Australia to replace 4G-based GSM-R radio network with the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS).
FRMCS provides a secure, standardised platform specification that can support many different types of services, so different onboard digital systems can use the same communications bearer. Europe is already transitioning from GSM-R to FRMCS, and Australia is beginning the journey. Queensland’s Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line has signed the nation’s first FRMCS contract, while other east coast networks are actively exploring deployment opportunities.
By coordinating FRMCS architecture and rollout pathways alongside ETCS deployment we can help to ensure that every train can connect seamlessly across every network.