Consistent rules and streamlined processes

Australia’s infrastructure and transport ministers have agreed on a long-term plan for streamlining rolling stock approvals and a phased pathway for achieving it. This will make it easier for rail operators to introduce new, safer, and more efficient trains onto our networks.

The National Pathway, developed by the NTC and Transport for New South Wales, initially focuses on aligning the approval processes for freight trains across a small group of core rail infrastructure managers. Once this is achieved it will be adapted and delivered nationally for all rolling stock.

To get involved in the NTC’s program to streamline the rolling stock approvals process contact the team at rollingstock@ntc.gov.au. 

Networks’ varying infrastructure, rules and ways of working has led to the development of different training and assessment procedures. As well as different approval processes for getting new trains onto their network.

It means that workers must be retrained and assessed to work on specific networks. And freight operators need to get their rolling stock re-tested and approved on every network they travel over.

NRAP is bringing together governments, industry, regulators and unions, to develop a set of common operating rules and practices that are recognised across networks. We are also streamlining and simplifying the rolling stock approval process.

More consistent, harmonised rules and processes will:

• reduce the burden on workers
• improve safety
• drive down costs and time lost to training
• make it simpler and easier for workers to move across networks, improving workforce portability and expanding our national rail skills base
• encourage investment in new rolling stock and technologies
   

Australian governments want to get more freight on rail to reduce road congestion, improve safety and help the country reach emissions targets.

To support this, we are working with industry, governments and the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR) to: 

1. create guidance on rolling stock safety assurance
2. pilot a single national application process
3. identify ways to harmonise rolling stock testing requirements and locations.

We’re also developing a mandatory rolling stock standard to lock in interoperability in the approvals process.

A number of other jurisdictions are working to harmonise their own processes with adjoining networks. The NTC is partnering with Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW) to coordinate these projects. Together we have developed a National Pathway that establishes a shared long-term vision for streamlining rolling stock approvals, and a step-by-step pathway for achieving it. 

By developing a simpler, consistent approach to getting trains approved to run on our networks, we can save Australia’s rail industry tens of millions of dollars a year. And encourage operators to invest in new, innovative rolling stock and technologies that produce less carbon emissions.
 

Today rail workers in Australia need to be knowledgeable in up to 12 different rule books, and to maintain competencies across every network on which they operate.

While competencies may share many elements in common, they are not mutually recognised so workers must be retrained in skills they may already possess as they move between jobs and networks.

This includes learning different rules, processes, terminology, hand signals and signage.

Through NRAP, the NTC is working with the Australasian Railway Association (ARA), Rail Industry Safety and Standards Board (RISSB) and industry to develop a set of common operating rules and practices that will help reduce the need for bespoke training.

A line-by-line comparison of nine current rule books has identified rules with the most commonalities. 

These will be prioritised for standardisation.

To help this work, we have identified rail’s top 10 operations and maintenance roles across Australia’s 18 rail networks. And grouped together their most frequently used titles. You can find a copy of the report here.

Comparing the many different roles, responsibilities and rules that exist across rail networks is a huge and complex task. We are examining ways that artificial intelligence tools can be used to hasten the process.  

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We’re also working with industry, the education sector and Industry Skills Australia (ISA) to develop entry level training that is recognised by all networks.

This will:

• reduce training costs
• make it easier for workers to move across network
• help skilled workers from different backgrounds find a job in 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.