National Rail Action Plan

Ministers have asked the NTC to review existing rolling stock approval processes to help streamline them and develop a more common approach. We know there are major inconsistencies across the industry, and varied approaches are driving up the cost and time it takes to get new rolling stock approved. To help streamline this process and develop a more common approach, we’ve released a consultation paper for industry feedback. 

Read our April newsletter to find out how we're making it easier to get new trains on tracks and using artificial intelligence to harmonise operating rules. 

To keep up to date with what's happening across the program, you can subscribe to our monthly newsletter here. 

Australia’s rail system is made up of 18 rail networks with many different systems, rules and  standards. This drives up the cost of running trains, upgrading networks and attracting skilled workers. It prevents rail from getting the full safety and productivity benefits of new digital train control systems.

The National Rail Action Plan (NRAP) is focussed on getting rail to operate as a single system. This will make our rail network safer and help us get more trains running without building new tracks. Passenger services will be more frequent and reliable,  and rail freight will be more competitive and better able to support local industries and major exports. Rail will play a bigger role in the nation’s economy and also help Australia meet its net zero emissions targets.

Greater alignment and consistency across rail networks will:

• increase the safety and productivity of rail operations
• lower costs
• support workforce mobility
• encourage the uptake of new technology and innovation
• provide opportunities for local manufacturers  
• prepare the sector for decarbonisation and fast rail in the future. 

National Cabinet has recognised the importance of creating a connected rail system by including rail interoperability as one of eight national priorities.

Through NRAP, the NTC is delivering a four-year rail reform program for Australia's transport ministers.

It focuses on five priority areas:  

1. Locking in critical national standards and rules to make rail more competitive
2. Aligning train control and signalling technology  
3. Reducing the regulatory burden on the rail workforce
4. Streamlining rolling stock approval processes  
5. Creating solutions to meet future rail skills demand.

To identify rail corridors where interoperability is a key priority, we have developed the National Network for Interoperability (NNI). The NNI shows the interstate freight and passenger lines that link Australia’s major ports, regions and passenger terminals. An interactive NNI map is live and will be updated regularly.  

NRAP includes a national approach to harmonising rail standards including Australia’s first mandated rail standards to drive interoperability. These will be introduced through changes to Australia's Rail Safety National Law (RSNL). This is significant reform and will change the way rail operates.  

As a first step, rail organisations on the NNI will need to develop an Interoperability Management Plan (IMP) and show they have considered national interoperability when making changes to their network.  

Improving rail interoperability and harmonisation has support from across the rail sector. Rail infrastructure managers (RIMs), operators, suppliers, the Australasian Railway Association (ARA) and all Australian state and territory governments have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC).  

By signing the MoC, they agree to consider national rail interoperability ahead of future network investments and decisions.  

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If you'd like to express interest in the National Rail Action Plan and program, or ask us a question about our work, send us an email as we'd like to hear from you.