Transport for NSW (TfNSW) has awarded a $16 million contract for the role of Systems Integrator for the Digital Systems Program for Sydney, a core element of “More Trains, More Services”.
Network Rail Consulting’s Australian subsidiary will deliver major systems upgrades across the Sydney Trains’ network over the next decade.
The Digital Systems Program will replace existing signalling and train control systems with modern, internationally proven intelligent technology to enable more trains on track and therefore a higher frequency of reliable services for Sydney Trains’ customers.
Network Rail Consulting, in combination with partners Acmena, The Go-Ahead Group and Ineco, will be a key partner in delivering and integrating the Digital Systems Program on to the Sydney Trains’ network.
The Digital Systems Program consists of three main elements:
- Replacing trackside signalling equipment with the latest ETCS Level 2 technology
- Implementing Automatic Train Operation (ATO), which will be used to assist drivers — who will still remain in control — and provide faster and more consistent journey times
- Introducing a Traffic Management System (TMS) for more effective incident management and service regulation across the network
Network Rail Consulting’s Global Managing Director, Nigel Ash, said, “Having been involved in the development of the Digital Systems Program in various forms over the last five years, we’re delighted to have the opportunity to continue our support to TfNSW on this next exciting phase.
“Our team has a unique combination of Australian, Spanish and UK expertise in the latest digital rail technology, and we are delighted to be working alongside our international partners to provide world class expertise to TfNSW.”
As Systems Integrator, Network Rail Consulting and the partners will be responsible for the definition and management of technical, operational and program integration issues.
It will also work collaboratively with TfNSW, Sydney Trains and suppliers of the new technologies to achieve the program milestones and, importantly, to realise the full safety and service benefits for Sydney Trains, NSW TrainLink, and other freight and passenger operators and customers.
In June 2018, the NSW Government announced an $880 million investment in technology improvements to modernise the Sydney Trains network, including the development of Digital Systems.
Digital Systems will be delivered in stages with services coming online progressively from the early 2020s.
