Making it easier to get new trains approved
Australia’s 18 separate rail networks have their own registration and approval regime which operators must follow to get permission to run new and modified trains on their networks.
These processes can vary greatly. While the criteria are similar, rail infrastructure managers (RIM) rarely share information or recognise each other’s assessments and often require very different levels of detail.
If a train has to run across multiple networks, it can take months, even years, to get it fully approved. Through the National Rail Action Plan (NRAP) we are working with RIMs, operators and the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR) to remove the complexities and reduce differences between network requirements.
We are doing this by:
- developing guidance to help rail operators and RIMs meet their obligations under the Rail Safety National Law
- piloting a single national application approach to reduce the administrative burden
- investigating ways to harmonise rolling stock testing requirements and locations.
An incentive for investment and innovation
By making it simpler to get trains approved to run on our networks, we can save Australia’s rail industry tens of millions of dollars a year. And encourage operators to invest in new, innovative rolling stock and technology that produce less carbon emissions.
This will pave the way for a better rail system with newer and safer trains that makes rail freight more competitive.
By helping to move a bigger share of freight onto rail, we can:
- reduce congestion on roads
- improve safety
- reduce transport emissions and help Australia reach its net zero emissions targets.
How to participate
If you'd like to express interest in the National Rail Action Plan and program, or ask us a question about our work, send us an email as we'd like to hear from you.
