News

Draft mandatory standard for European Train Control System

Through the National Rail Action Plan (NRAP), we’re coordinating the rollout of the European Train Control System (ETCS) across the National Network for Interoperability (NNI).    

This includes developing Australia’s first mandatory technical standard to support interoperable ETCS, so trains can get the full safety and productivity benefits of every network they travel over.  

In 2025, we consulted on the proposed scope of this standard. Feedback from that consultation has informed a draft standard, which will be out for consultation soon.

The draft standard establishes nationally consistent requirements for ETCS trackside and onboard systems on the NNI and aligns with the European Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSI).

We will be seeking feedback on whether the proposed requirements are clear, practical and provide enough prescription for interoperability while still allowing the flexibility for innovation in the future.

Working towards more consistent rolling stock testing

The NTC is leading a National Pathway to coordinate and align rolling stock approval reforms across Australia.

As part of this work, we’re reviewing existing approval processes and looking at ways to help streamline them and develop a more common approach. This includes exploring how rolling stock testing requirements and testing locations could be harmonised to reduce duplication, delays and costs for industry.

In June, we released a discussion paper seeking feedback on the challenges created by different testing arrangements and possible options for a more consistent approach. We received 16 submissions which are available here.

The NTC will be undertaking further targeted consultation with stakeholders to help inform positions and recommendations in the lead up to providing advice back to ministers in 2027.

For more information contact NTC Head of Rail Productivity, Dominic L’Huillier on dlhuillier@ntc.gov.au

Find out more about streamlining rolling stock approvals

Building rail’s cyber security skills

More than 30 rail workers from across Australia recently took part in a pilot cyber security training program developed by the NTC with TAFEcyber and Holmesglen Institute.

The pilot is helping address a growing cyber security skills gap across the rail sector by taking training beyond basic awareness.

Participants worked through real-world rail scenarios, building practical skills and exploring how operational technology and IT teams can work together to keep new systems and services secure without compromising operational needs.

Feedback from the pilot has been incorporated into the final rail cyber security curriculum, developed by TAFEcyber and Holmesglen in collaboration with industry.

The curriculum will be finalised ahead of national delivery through the TAFE network in 2027.

With nationally recognised units of competency, the program will help build a workforce with cyber security skills that can move across state borders and support rail projects wherever they are needed.

Find out more about the cyber security rail skills program here.

Rail has a role to play in meeting Australia’s growing freight task

Australia’s freight task is growing, and rail has an important role to play in meeting that demand.

The National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy forecasts Australia’s domestic freight task to grow by 26 per cent between 2020 and 2050. But expects this growth to be uneven, with road freight projected to increase by around 77 per cent, compared with just 5.7 per cent for rail.

At the recent MegaTrans logistics and supply chain conference in Melbourne, Aaron de Rozario NTC Executive Leader, Regulatory Reform & Emerging Technologies, outlined how national reform can help rail compete more effectively for contestable freight. Through NRAP, we’re working with governments and industry to harmonise standards, improve interoperability and drive greater regulatory consistency across Australia’s rail network.

The goal is simple: make better use of the network we already have and make rail a more competitive option for moving freight.

Read more about Aaron’s presentation here

Making better use of the network we have

Australia’s freight task is growing, but building more infrastructure isn’t the only way to increase capacity.

How we regulate and how well our networks work together also matters.

Speaking at the ITS Global Summit in Melbourne, NTC CEO Michael Hopkins made the case for a more flexible approach to transport regulation that can keep pace with technology and make better use of existing infrastructure.

For rail, that means recognising that not every problem needs a legislative solution. Sometimes the fastest path to change is bringing governments and industry together to agree on common standards, approaches and ways of working.

That is at the heart of the NTC’s rail reform work, from improving interoperability across the national rail network to developing common approaches to digital train control and rolling stock approvals.

Michael also highlighted the role of outcomes-based regulation as technology continues to evolve. The challenge is knowing when to prescribe and when to focus on the outcome that needs to be achieved.

Read more about it here

Join us at the Rail Technology and Interoperability Conference

How do we build a more connected and interoperable rail network?

As new technologies transform the way rail networks operate and are managed, getting the rules, standards and systems working together is increasingly important to improving performance and productivity.

The NTC will contribute to the discussion at Informa’s Rail Technology and Interoperability Conference in Sydney on 20–21 October.

Stephen Lemon, Executive Director, Rail Systems & Operations Reform, will speak on:

• Interoperability in action: The NTC’s role in shaping a connected rail network
• National coordination: Streamlining coordination and control across the rail sector

NTC Chief Executive Officer Michael Hopkins will also join the Trackside Talk, Demystifying standards, regulation and interoperability.

You can register for the conference here