Several new research projects will get underway this year to support the rail industry’s ongoing efforts to improve the operating environment of rail, increase mode share and ensure continued investment in rail infrastructure projects.
The research covers the economic, environmental and social benefits of rail, the impact of road and rail freight access charges, sustainability initiatives, passenger trends and the procurement pipeline outlook.
The projects include updating the Value of Rail 2020 report, an accompanying Future of Rail report, research into passenger trends, rail freight access and a rail procurement pipeline rail market outlook.
Value of Rail report
The ARA’s comprehensive Value of Rail 2020 research report will be updated to ensure industry has the latest data in relation to the economic, environmental, and societal benefits that rail provides Australia, as well as a breakdown for each jurisdiction.
The updated report is by Deloitte, however, Scyne has been engaged to deliver the Future of Rail report, looking at the impact of key trends on the rail industry over the next 15 years. This will include a comprehensive breakdown of rail’s contribution to the economy, the value of passenger rail and freight rail to society (including analysis of the national freight task, with historical and forecast trends, and changes since 2019). The report will also include an overview of the local rail supply chain, including rollingstock manufacturing and maintenance, rail infrastructure construction, and other suppliers.
Future of Rail report
The ARA has commissioned Scyne to deliver a new report on the Future of Rail, looking at the impact of key trends on the rail industry over the next 15 years.
The report will explore a wide range of issues including population growth and demographic changes, technology and automation, transport funding, housing development, the energy transition and more, to determine how these megatrends will impact the industry, and how rail can lead solutions to drive positive economic and community outcomes.
The first phase of the research is now underway, with the project to be completed later this year.
Road/Rail Competitive Neutrality Project
The ARA has been conducting preliminary research into access user charging for both rail and road to understand both current and historic models. The Road/Rail Competitive Neutrality Project has now been scoped and the project will analyse the true extent and impact of differences in access and regulatory imposts for non-bulk road and rail freight. This project will assist with the development of an evidence base to underpin compelling industry advocacy at Commonwealth and state levels.
Market outlook update
The ARA has engaged Oxford Economics Australia to provide a consolidated update to the rail procurement pipeline market outlook. The purpose is to have a more transparent and accessible understanding for the rail pipeline for suppliers and contractors. This report will provide 10 years of historical data and a 10-year outlook for rail construction and maintenance activity by Australian state and territory and at the national level. This updates the 2022 Rail Market Outlook and expands the analysis to include a Major Projects and Programs table which lists cost, status, ‘confidence to proceed’ and timing details of significant construction projects, contracts for rollingstock, and funding for maintenance programs.
Passenger research
The ARA has commissioned new consumer research to assess passenger perceptions of rail transport and identify opportunities to support greater use of rail. The survey builds on similar research completed in 2022, identifying the key issues that promote greater public transport use in our capital cities.
The research has assessed people’s likelihood to use public transport more often as a result of the delivery of new, mega-projects across the country. The ARA will launch the research in the near future.
First Nations engagement
The ARA has engaged Social Traders to complete the First Nations engagement project, in partnership with its delivery partners Akina and Humanize Media. The project has been informed via desktop research, member-wide surveys, interviews with First Nations people and organisations, and impact modelling workshops with key stakeholders.
The second stage of data collection for the project has been completed, and the final draft is under review. The second stage involved additional interviews with First Nations employees, as well as a survey completed by First Nations businesses who have engaged with projects or contracts in the rail sector.
Preparation is underway for the formal launch and publication of the report, in consultation with project sponsors and the ARA’s First Nations Consultation Group. The ARA has commissioned a Ngunawal artist to create a cover artwork for the project, highlighting the role of rail in connection people, places, and opportunity. In anticipation of the launch, the ARA has commenced development of its first Reflect RAP.
Infrastructure net zero
Research to assess the skills requirements to support the infrastructure sector’s transition to net zero is nearing completion. The project maps where infrastructure sector workers need to upskill to support net zero decision making, identifying the roles that can have the greatest impact in supporting decarbonisation.
The project has been led by Infrastructure Australia (IA). The ARA is a sponsor for this project, together with Engineers Australia, IA and a number of state bodies.
Infrastructure Net Zero will identify priority areas of focus to 2030 at its next meeting, with an emphasis on initiatives that can accelerate emissions reductions across the rail sector.
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