Making it easier to get new trains approved
Australia’s nine major rail infrastructure managers each have their own sets of rules and unique approval processes for getting new trains on the network.
These processes can vary greatly. Networks rarely share information or recognise each other’s assessments. And often require very different levels of detail.
This means that an operator working across more than one network needs to navigate a unique approval process for each network on which they operate.
This is a major challenge for operators and the rail industry. Particularly freight operators moving goods between our cities, regions and ports.
It is:
- costly
- duplicates effort
- deters investment in newer, innovative rolling stock.
In some cases, operators still use older and less efficient trains because of the difficulty and time it takes to get new trains approved.
The National Rail Action Plan (NRAP) is streamlining the rolling stock approval process so that it’s simpler to get new trains running.
This will pave the way for a better rail system with newer and safer trains that make rail freight more competitive. It will reduce road congestion and improve safety while also reducing transport emissions.
A simpler rolling stock approval process
Through NRAP, the NTC is working with networks, 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 on safety assurance to help rail operators and rail infrastructure managers 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, through NRAP 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.
