{"id":108742,"date":"2024-08-16T10:21:39","date_gmt":"2024-08-16T00:21:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.railexpress.com.au\/?p=117143"},"modified":"2024-08-16T10:21:39","modified_gmt":"2024-08-16T00:21:39","slug":"a-tipping-point-for-greater-rail-interoperability","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/?p=108742","title":{"rendered":"A tipping point for greater rail interoperability"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Image\/Informa<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As digital drives rail\u2019s biggest transformation in 100 years, recommended changes to National Rail Safety<\/a> Laws will open the way for benefits to be felt across the nation.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The introduction of electricity powered trains on urban railways was a game changer for rail last century, providing faster, more reliable services that moved more people and goods.<\/p>\n

Today digital technologies, including the rollout of European Train Control Systems (ETCS), have opened opportunities for a similar step change. They have the ability to improve rail\u2019s capability and competitiveness by making our networks safer, simpler and more efficient.<\/p>\n

But the full benefits will only be achieved if the technologies can ‘talk’ to each other so Australia\u2019s 18 separate networks operate like one integrated system.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s well recognised that there will be significant operational and safety risks if the new train control and signalling systems deployed aren\u2019t interoperable,\u201d National Transport Commission (NTC), CEO Michael Hopkins told the Connect Rail conference in Sydney recently.<\/p>\n

\u201cAustralia\u2019s infrastructure and transport ministers have been very clear, that we must do everything we can to avoid a \u2018digital break of gauge\u2019 on their watch.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhich is why they have tasked the NTC with a program of rail reform that represents the biggest change since electrification.\u201d<\/p>\n

Twenty-five years ago, as the National Road Transport Commission, the NTC introduced the first set of national road rules. These were adopted by all states and territories making driving across the country easier and safer.<\/p>\n

\u201cToday we\u2019re doing the same for rail,\u201d said Hopkins.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe timing of this is critical, with the roll-out of digital train control technologies happening at pace in Sydney and Brisbane.\u201d<\/p>\n

Through the National Rail Action Plan (NRAP), the NTC is working with industry, regulators and governments to identify a pathway of interoperable technologies across Australia\u2019s major freight and passenger networks. Starting with a focus on the eastern seaboard.<\/p>\n

It is also developing common principles so digital train control technologies are rolled out in a consistent way.<\/p>\n

These principles will ensure networks adopt proven systems that manage all risks and hazards, adopt common standards, are affordable and easy for operators to fit and drivers to use.<\/p>\n

\u201cEach state is at a different stage in this journey, and different network requirements create unique challenges,\u201d Hopkins said.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut if states start to bespoke their own version of ETCS, it will lead to interoperability concerns and the full benefit of the technologies won\u2019t be realised.\u201d<\/p>\n

A framework for change<\/strong><\/p>\n

There is confidence is growing in the sector\u2019s ability to build an integrated rail system across major urban and freight routes. And recommended changes to Australia\u2019s Rail Safety National Law (RSNL) will provide the legislative environment to make it happen.<\/p>\n

Under the current co-regulatory regime, rail infrastructure managers and operators must meet performance requirements to operate safely. As a result, they frequently use bespoke standards for their specific systems, processes and technologies. These are often incompatible with the systems, processes and technologies of other networks.<\/p>\n

Recommendations in the recent RSNL report<\/a> include a more proactive role for the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR) \u00a0in achieving rail interoperability.<\/p>\n

The recommendations would compel network decision-makers to:<\/p>\n