Sydney’s metropolitan rail network is facing increasing pressure from population growth and rising demand, while the performance of the network is constrained by ageing signalling and train control systems that limit the frequency and reliability of services. The Digital Systems Program seeks to improve the performance of existing infrastructure by transitioning to digital signalling and train control systems.
This proposal supports an increase in capacity across the Sydney railway network to meet future demand. The proposal aligns with the Australian Government’s Infrastructure Policy Statement, Transport and Infrastructure Net Zero Roadmap and Action Plan and the National Urban Policy, which emphasise the importance of efficient public transport to connect people with jobs and education and lower national emissions.
The National Network for Interoperability (NNI) identifies Australia’s key interstate freight and passenger rail corridors to support harmonisation of operations across jurisdictions. Infrastructure and Transport Ministers have agreed that the European Train Control System (ETCS) is the future technology pathway for the NNI, and that any future digital signalling and train control system introduced on the NNI must comply with mandatory ETCS standards. This requirement applies to all digital signalling upgrades delivered directly on NNI corridors, including upgrades to urban passenger networks where they interface with, or provide access to, the NNI, to ensure interoperability across jurisdictions and support efficient freight and passenger movements.
PROPOSAL DESCRIPTION
The Digital System Program involves replacing current signalling and train control technology on the Sydney Trains network with modern, internationally tested intelligent systems. This includes replacing traditional trackside signalling equipment with ETCS technology and introducing a Traffic Management System to improve the operational efficiency and resilience of the overall network.
These technology systems allow track, train and signalling systems to communicate continuously and would help improve safety and reliability, enabling future capacity and journey time improvements for train passengers. Tranche 1 of the Digital Systems Program is being rolled out on the Sutherland to Cronulla and Erskineville to Bondi Junction lines. Tranche 2 would be progressively delivered on the North Shore, City Circle and Central to Redfern lines, and future tranches of the program are expected to support further rollout of digital signalling and train control technology across the Sydney rail network.
INVESTMENT RECOMMENDATION
The Australian Government should note this proposal as a potential future investment opportunity within the 2-4 year pipeline.
OPPORTUNITIES AND OUTCOMES
This proposal has the potential to:
- Increase the capacity and resilience of the rail network – new signalling and control systems would support more efficient use of existing infrastructure to meet current and future passenger demand.
- Support productivity benefits – more efficient and reliable rail journeys would support delivery of more train services and travel time savings for passengers in Sydney.
- Support liveability, employment and housing growth – efficient and reliable rail travel supports connectivity to jobs, education and services for Sydney’s growing population, supporting housing development around stations.
- Support sustainability outcomes – greater capacity on the existing rail network would encourage more public transport use, easing road congestion pressures and contributing to lower transport emissions.
NEXT STEPS
Proponent to progress planning activities (in line with Infrastructure Australia’s Assessment Framework), for Tranche 2 and future stages of the Digital Systems Program, demonstrating how upgrades would be staged and delivered to optimise the rail network, while ensuring compliance with mandatory ETCS standards for interfaces with the NNI.