Interoperability goals and actions
Goal: improved harmonisation of rail operating rules and work standards.
Completed actions:
- RISSB finalised and published the National Rules Framework in February 2020.
- RISSB surveyed rail operators about differences in rail operating rules. The result of this action was prioritisation of ten rules that would be relatively easy to harmonise and deliver high value.
Action underway
- RISSB is currently leading work to rewrite the Australian Network Rules and Procedures. Two of the ten rules prioritised have been rewritten.
Goal: assessment of the costs and benefits for interoperable system roll-out options.
Completed action:
- The ARTC led the development of a business case for the Advanced Train Management System, a digital train management solution, through the Freight on Rail Group. The business case was completed in late 2020. This work led to additional funding for the Advanced Train Management System.
Goal: national interoperable communications-based control systems.
Completed action:
- A strategy to roll out an interoperable control system based on an investigation of technological options was undertaken. This has led to ongoing work by the NTC to develop an Interoperability Framework to support a greater role for rail in moving passengers and freight across the country.