Aligning digital technology across networks

Digital signalling systems provide safer, more reliable services that use less fuel and reduce the cost of maintaining older lineside signalling.

It allows trains to run closer together, so more trains can travel on the same route. 

These new systems improve safety, allowing networks to run more trains without building more tracks.

With less trackside infrastructure to maintain, they improve network reliability and make it easier to manage disruptions.   

Digital systems generate data that can be used to improve other network operations, such as timetabling and asset management. 
 

If network owners develop bespoke systems using different technologies, there is a risk the systems won’t work together and the full benefits will be lost.  

To avoid this, the NTC is working with all governments and industry to coordinate the rollout.  

Through NRAP we are helping to make the technologies interoperable and introduced consistently across Australia. This will allow our rail networks to operate as one integrated rail system.

Greater alignment across systems will mean that:

• trains get the maximum safety and productivity benefits of every network they travel over 
• complex and expensive onboard and track-side equipment is not duplicated
• management, maintenance and training costs are reduced
• more trains can run on shared tracks.

Right now, the NTC through NRAP is identifying a technology and signalling pathway across Australia’s major freight and passenger rail lines, starting with the eastern seaboard. 

We’re also establishing a set of common principles that guide the consistent rollout of the systems. And developing cost sharing principles, to guide how interoperability costs and benefits from the rollout are shared fairly. 

Other changes as part of NRAP include:

• the development of new mandatory standards to lock in interoperability of digital systems for the future
• implementing recommended amendments to the Rail Safety National Law (RSNL) which will  require rail transport operators on the NNI to consider national interoperability and have an Interoperability Management Plan (IMP) when planning changes to their railway operations.
   

A coordinated rollout of digital train control systems will:

• improve freight reliability and transit times
• increase punctuality and reliability of passenger services
• reduce training costs and improve worker mobility
• improve safety  
• lower carbon emissions through more efficient train operations
• improve supply chain competition, increasing opportunity for local manufacturers
• avoid conventional lineside signalling costs
• help future proof networks for fast rail.
   

If you'd like to find out more about how we are helping to align digital train control technologies send us an email or subscribe to our monthly newsletter here.

To make a formal submission in response to our discussion papers you can find out more here.