AusRAIL

Bryan Nye wraps up AusRAIL PLUS 2011

2012-01-11T16:48:00.000+11:00

Another AusRAIL goes past but not without Bryan Nye, the CEO of the Australasian Railway Association giving us the key messages, highlights and feedback from the members.

5000 rail industry professionals gathered at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre last month, for three days of knowledge sharing, networking and business development at AusRAIL PLUS 2011.

The biggest AusRAIL event to-date welcomed 1000 conference attendees, 5000 unique exhibition visitors and 345 exhibiting companies, all under the roof of 15000sqm of exhibition floor space over three days.

The RTAA Yellow Tie Dinner catered for over 1100 guests while over 800 guests dined and networked at the Gala Dinner where the ARA Annual Rail Industry Awards for Excellence were announced.

Bryan Nye wraps it up at AusRAIL PLUS 2011 below.

How do you dry 300 umbrellas?

2011-12-01T11:17:00.008+11:00

It was forecasted to rain on the few days that AusRAIL PLUS 2011 was on. However, the weather gods were kind to us 2.5 days out of the 3 full AusRAIL days. Alas, towards the end of the AusRAIL Gala Dinner, it started to pour when everyone was leaving.

But not to fear - as a genius on Team AusRAIL had a great idea to hire umbrellas if we needed to.

And lo and behold, 300 umbrellas were provided to shield our dinner guests to the train station and to the cab stand!

A few photos taken during the rain...

And... the answer to the question...

(photos courtesy of Hire An Umbrella)

Well done Team AusRAIL and thank you very much Hire An Umbrella!

Channel Ten Brisbane covers AusRAIL PLUS 2011

2011-11-29T12:11:00.002+11:00

One of the topics discussed at AusRAIL PLUS 2011 was the future of transport, led by the release of Siemens latest research paper entitled ‘Picture the Future’.

This video is a courtesy of Channel Ten network - www.ten.com.au

AusRAIL PLUS 2011 in the news

2011-11-28T10:47:00.003+11:00

AusRAIL PLUS 2011 was very successful with the plenary sessions filled with announcements of changes about many items, for example the restructure at QR National, the launch of the TrackSafe Foundation and Siemens asking us to picture the future of rail with them. AusRAIL PLUS 2011 also became a central event to launch products and services by UGL and GE Transportation amongst others.

To give you a gist of some of the key releases at AusRAIL PLUS 2011, here they are in the news:

AusRAIL conference themes 'timely reminders' to industry

Keeping our people safe

Momentum builds for high-speed rail

Australian rail industry launches TrackSafe Foundation

TrackSAFE Foundation to address rail safety challenges

Australia celebrates National Rail Day

UK talent heads to Brisbane for AusRAIL

UGL & GE Transportation celebrate Australian launch of PowerHaul Series locomotive

UGL and GE launch new narrow-gauge PowerHaul at AusRail

Australasian Railway Association, visitors invited to witness future of rail

Queensland Rail chief executive Paul Scurrah quits to work for QR National

QR National announces structural reform

Leighton and Swietelsky launch track maintenance JV

Public Transport Authority Adopts Mincom’s Next-Generation Solution for Enterprise Asset Management and Enterprise Resource Planning

Were you at AusRAIL PLUS 2011? Share your experience with us!

Public Transport Authority Adopts Mincom’s Next-Generation Solution for Enterprise Asset Management and Enterprise Resource Planning

2011-11-23T11:51:00.002+11:00

Public transport provider continues to support reliability, safety and productivity of its buses, ferries and trains with Mincom Ellipse 8 solution for asset, work management and field enablement.

Mincom Transit Forum, AusRAIL Plus 2011, Brisbane, Australia — Mincom, now part of ABB and a leading global provider of software and services to asset-intensive industries, today announced a significant new contract with the Public Transport Authority (PTA) of Western Australia.

Under the agreement, Mincom will support a substantial upgrade of the asset-management processes of the PTA, which provides integrated road, rail and ferry services in the greater metropolitan area of Perth (the State capital), as well as rail and coach services throughout regional Western Australia.

By upgrading to Mincom Ellipse 8, one of the industry’s most modern, mobile-enabled Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions for asset-intensive businesses, the PTA can optimize its asset-management processes, which will help to minimize asset failures and improve productivity.

Mincom Ellipse 8 will also integrate with PTA’s Geographical Information System (GIS), delivering full geospatial visibility of its assets and significantly enhancing decision-making capabilities. By geo-tagging assets and events in order to detect patterns and dispatch resources, conditions observed in the field can be quickly and reliably shared, enabling the organization to respond more quickly to delays and interruptions, and bring services back online quickly.

“With thousands of people relying on our assets every day to get them to their destinations safely, it is essential we adopt powerful asset-management technology based on modern best practices,” said Kevin Kirk, executive director, finance and contracts at the PTA. “Upgrading to Mincom Ellipse 8 enables us to further improve our administrative processes, capital spending and project budgeting by consolidating data to achieve a single source of information about our assets.”

The PTA’s asset-management processes will be further enhanced through its adoption of the Mincom Mobility field-enablement solution, which extends asset management and business processes into the field, where the work is being performed. By implementing mobile applications, such as Mincom Mobile Inspector and Mobile Worker, as well as the Mincom Permit to Work safety solution, PTA can connect its asset maintenance workers directly to critical business systems in the field using mobile devices such as laptops, tablets and PDAs.

“With more than 30 years of experience serving asset-intensive industries, Mincom understands the critical nature of transit businesses responsible for managing many different types of assets across multiple modes of transport – from fixed assets and equipment to buses, ferries, trains and railway infrastructure,” said John Moran, Mincom’s regional vice president of public infrastructure. “We’re pleased to expand upon our 20-year partnership with the PTA to ensure the agency continues to leverage best practices, maximizing the value of its assets while ensuring the safety of its passengers and workers.”

Mincom Ellipse is one of the most comprehensive EAM and ERP solutions designed expressly for industries with asset-intensive operating environments, such as transportation. Mincom Ellipse provides companies in asset-heavy industries with a fully integrated and mobile-enabled suite of business-critical applications that improves return on assets, while also addressing the challenges inherent in remote and geographically dispersed operations that distinguish these industries from corporate-office environments.

Source: Mincom

National rail safety body

2011-11-23T10:36:00.002+11:00

Plans to form a new national rail safety body are being discussed in Brisbane.

Discussions are taking place at the AusRail PLUS conference being held at Brisbane’s Convention Centre.

Brian Nye is CEO of the Australasian Railway Association and joined the program to talk on the issue.

Listen to the audio file here.

Source: ABC Brisbane

UGL and GE Transportation launch PowerHaul Series Locomotive at AusRAIL PLUS 2011

2011-11-23T10:04:00.003+11:00

UGL and GE Transportation Celebrate the Australian Launch of the PowerHaul Series Locomotive at AusRail

Sydney: UGL Limited (ASX: UGL) and GE Transportation, a unit of General Electric
Company (NYSE: GE), today introduced its new PowerHaul Series locomotive
(PH37ACmai) at AusRail Plus 2011 in Brisbane, Australia. AusRail is the largest rail
exhibition in the southern hemisphere attracting more than 4,000 attendees and over 300
exhibitors.

The 3700HP AC locomotive is designed to be UGL and GE’s most fuel-efficient and
emissions capable diesel-electric freight locomotive. The locomotive’s technical specification
will meet both heavy haul and high speed freight requirements across the Queensland and
Western Australian narrow gauge rail networks.

UGL Managing Director & CEO Richard Leupen said: “We have undertaken significant
investment, along with GE, to develop a narrow gauge locomotive product that represents a
considerable advancement in locomotive power technology. The PowerHaul Series
locomotive will provide customers with substantial improvements in haulage capability,
emissions, fuel-efficiency, power and reliability.”

“Even before the announcement of the carbon tax in Australia, meeting emissions
requirements was a critical consideration in the locomotive design process and was driven
by the increasing focus of emissions and new regulatory requirements from other parts of
the world” added Mr Leupen.

The PowerHaul Series has been designed to meet the emissions requirements stipulated by
EU Stage IIIA and can be adapted to meet Stage IIIB. The PowerHaul Series reduces CO2
emissions by up to 6% compared to current operating fleet averages. The locomotive can
also deliver a 6% reduction in fuel consumption compared to current operating fleet
averages in its class.

GE Transportation has successfully delivered PowerHaul Series locomotives to the UK for
Freightliner who labelled it the Class 70. The UK version of the PowerHaul is somewhat
different in appearance to the PH37ACmai to be built by UGL in their Australian based
manufacturing facilities, though the technology employed “under the skin” is the same. The
deployment of the Class 70 has enabled Freightliner to haul longer trains with quicker
running times for both coal and intermodal freight operations in the UK.

The PowerHaul Series will be the second locomotive available to the Australian rail market
from UGL’s portfolio of freight rolling stock products to be GE ecomagination qualified.

William (Mickey) Kovacs, GE Transportation’s Managing Director ANZ & Asia Pacific,
explains: “Ecomagination is a GE-wide commitment to developing technology designed to
help customers satisfy environmental challenges, to maximize performance and reduce
cost.”

“GE has developed a wide variety of rail-specific, environmentally capable technologies
which are ecomagination qualified and available through UGL in Australia. These include
among others the Evolution Series locomotive, and now, the PowerHaul Series locomotive.”

Since 2008, UGL and GE have delivered close to seventy advanced heavy haul Evolution
Series locomotives to Rio Tinto Iron Ore who recently ordered an additional thirteen to
support its mining operations in Australia’s Pilbara region.

Mr Leupen said: “The introduction of the PowerHaul Series locomotive is another example of
UGL’s commitment to provide customers with cleaner, more efficient rail technologies in the
Australian resources and freight industries and is testament to our longstanding partnership
with GE which provides customers with access to the latest technological advancements.

Rolling stock specialists join Aurecon

2011-11-23T08:33:00.003+11:00

22 November 2011 - Aurecon, has appointed Chris Hoskin and Ahsan Khan to help develop its rolling stock capability across Australia, New Zealand, Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

Aurecon’s Transport Services Leader, David Ness said, “Aurecon has one of the largest and most experienced rail design teams in Australia and a very strong and proven capability designing and supporting the delivery of major fixed rail infrastructure. Developing our rolling stock capability strengthens our service offering in the rail market and allows us to provide our clients with total, integrated rail engineering capability.”

Chris Hoskin has a broad range of experience in vehicle procurement, product design and development. He works actively with customers and has led new train procurement evaluation teams, and design projects, both in the modern and heritage rail industry. He holds particular expertise in passenger rolling stock strategy and redesign and holds extensive global rail experience having worked on rail projects in Asia Pacific, the UK, Europe and the USA.

“Chris’ experience on high profile procurement projects such as Waratah, Matangi and Auckland’s new EMU (Electric Multiple Unit) projects, as well as Transport for NSW, RailCorp 2040, Western Express, and Queensland Rail Traveltrain strategy development projects will bring additional depth of expertise to Aurecon’s team and clients,” said Ness.

Chris is also a Chartered Engineer and Honorary Secretary of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers in New South Wales.

“Ahsan Khan will bring experience in heavy haul rolling stock engineering including project and contract management, rolling stock asset creation and acquisition. He also has experience in regulatory and energy efficiency opportunity laws, assisting clients with energy assessments, opportunity identification and detailed opportunity analysis,” said Ness.

Equipped with a Bachelor of Science and a Masters of Engineering Sciences, Ahsan has spent over six years working within the Queensland rail industry which included major build projects such as acquisition of 5020 and 4400 class locomotives.

“I am excited to further my career with a renowned engineering consultancy and look forward to harnessing and developing my skills to provide rail solutions to Aurecon clients,” said Khan.

Aurecon has a multi-disciplinary and highly skilled team contributing to the efficient movement of freight, goods and people across Australia and globally dedicated to the challenge of moving rail forward and into the future.

“I am looking forward to working with the Aurecon team, to lead and develop the Rolling Stock capability further, engaging with clients, and working alongside them to provide first class solutions to their problems,” said Hoskin.

Downer Bombardier secures contract with Western Australia's Public Transport Authority

2011-11-22T11:56:00.002+11:00

Exciting news - Read the full article here.

Counting down to AusRAIL PLUS 2011

2011-11-18T12:19:00.002+11:00

AusRAIL PLUS 2011 commences next Tuesday 22nd Nov at Brisbane's Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Themed Innovation and Customer Relations, AusRAIL PLUS 2011 will be the largest AusRAIL held to date.
- 100 senior and technical rail executives addressing the conference agenda
- Over 330 exhibiting companies filling 15000sqm of the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
- Over 1000 representatives from across the rail spectrum attending the conference
- Over 3000 trade visitors moving through the exhibition hall

During the three days, speakers from all over the world will deliver presentations on cutting edge developments in customer relations and the very latest innovations essential to the future of rail including:

- Technology and IT
- Engineering
- Signalling and communications
- Environment and sustainability
- Below rail infrastructure and maintenance
- Rolling stock
- R&D
- Safety
- Supply and manufacturing

Highlights of AusRAIL PLUS 2011 include:
- Rail Suppliers CEO Forum
- AusRAIL PLUS 2011 exhibition with over 300 companies
- ARAs AusRAIL PLUS Gala Dinner
- RTAAs AusRAIL PLUS Yellow Tie Dinner

A few quick links:
AusRAIL PLUS 2011 Official Website.

To download the latest AusRAIL PLUS 2011 program (filling in a form required).

To register for AusRAIL PLUS 2011.

To register for a free visitor pass to the exhibition.

To view the exhibition floorplan and exhibitors list.

To view AusRAIL PLUS 2011 Functions.

Subscribe to the AusRAIL e-newsletter.

AusRAIL PLUS 2011 on social media:
AusRAIL on Twitter: @AusRAIL
Follow updates and happenings of AusRAIL with this Twitter hashtag: #AusRAIL

AusRAIL blog: http://ausrail.blogspot.com

AusRAIL’s official group on Linkedin: http://www.ausrail.com/linkedin

If you’d like to contact us for more information, please leave a comment here, email us at ausrail@informa.com.au or call us at +612 9080 4307.

We hope to see you there!

Kind regards
Tim Bostridge
General Manager
AusRAIL PLUS 2011

Exclusive: ARTC CEO John Fullerton talks about AusRAIL PLUS 2011

2011-11-14T10:28:00.003+11:00

John Fullerton, CEO of the Australian Rail Track Corporation joins us this morning. John will be part of the CEO Forum at AusRAIL PLUS 2011 happening on the 22nd to the 24th of November in Brisbane.

1. You have been the head of the ARTC now for 7 months, what do you feel the main challenges are for the future of rail freight in Australia?
2. One of the main themes of AusRAIL PLUS 2011 is Customer Relations - how do you think the Australian rail industry is perceived by the main users of long distance logistics services?
3. What do see as the main challenges rail operators face in driving greater utilisation of rail services in Australia, and how do they better emphasise the benefits of rail to potential customers?
4. The other main theme of AusRAIL PLUS this year is Innovation -- do you believe the industry has a big enough focus on innovation or do you think that there needs to be a greater emphasis on researching the future of rail freight to enable the industry to better plan for that future?
5. Finally AusRAIL PLUS 2011 in Brisbane is set to be the biggest AusRAIL we have seen to date, what do you hope the main outcomes will be from the event?

AusRAIL PLUS 2011 functions

2011-10-31T13:36:00.003+11:00

Just 4 weeks to go till AusRAIL PLUS 2011. We're super busy here at AusRAIL central, we're excited and we're counting down to it!

To keep you guys updated on the social functions that we have for you:

AusRAIL PLUS 2011 Conference Welcome Reception
When: Monday 21st November 2011 | 4:30pm-6.30pm
Where: At the delegate conference registration area outside Exhibition Hall 1
Dress: Smart casual
Available to: Conference delegates and speakers only

The Welcome Reception is your chance to register early for AusRAIL and beat the queues that inevitably form on the morning of the first day. If you are based in Brisbane or are just arriving early, come down to the Convention Centre, pick up your conference material and enjoy a relaxed drink with your peers. Attendance at this function is highly recommended for a stress free first morning at AusRAIL the next day!

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AusRAIL PLUS 2011 Exhibition Networking Drinks
When: Tuesday 22nd November 2011 | 5.30pm-7.30pm
Where: Exhibition Hall, Brisbane Convention Exhibition Centre
Dress: Business attire
Available to: Conference delegates, speakers, exhibition stand staff and VIPs

The largest function held at AusRAIL the Exhibition Networking Drinks sees 2000 rail industry representatives congregate on the exhibition floor for two hours of networking and to properly soak up the variety of stands and companies on display. Starting straight after the conclusion of Day One’s conference sessions it’s a great place to start the evening and confirm your dinner plans for later!

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AusRAIL PLUS 2011 RTAA Yellow Tie Dinner *we have tseen the tie and scarf design and it looks great!*
When: Wednesday 23rd November 2011 | 7:00pm-11:00pm (Pre-dinner drinks to be served 6.30pm - 7.00pm)
Where: The Plaza Ballroom, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
Dress: Business attire (no need to wear a tie, as you will be given a yellow tie (for the men) or scarf (for the ladies) on arrival)

The traditional Yellow Tie Dinner is held every two years during the larger AusRAIL PLUS. A unique social gathering where each attendee receives a yellow tie or scarf there is as much discussion about what the design will be this year in the build up to the event, as there is on the night itself. Known as the industries talk-fest and the larger of the two AusRAIL dinners, you’re the odd one out if you’re not there.

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AusRAIL PLUS 2011 Gala Dinner
When: Thursday 24th November 2011 | 7:00pm - 11:00pm
Where: Ascot Enclosure Lawn, Eagle Farm Racecourse
Dress: Black tie

The rail industry’s night of glamour, the black tie Gala Dinner is the traditional close to AusRAIL. A fantastic evening which sees the presentation of the industry awards of excellence, this year it will begin in the heart of Brisbane on a specially chartered train which departs from South Bank, calls at Central and then whisks delegates off to Eagle Farm for dinner under the stars in a purpose build clear roofed marquee.

To get more info about AusRAIL functions, go to the AusRAIL PLUS 2011 Functions page!

A glimpse of how last year's AusRAIL went!

Also, a quick reminder that if you're tweeting about AusRAIL, the official event hashtag is #AusRAIL!

AusRAIL talks to Downer Rail and UGL Limited!

2011-09-21T08:55:00.002+10:00

We had the opportunity to interview Andy Summers, Chief Executive of UGL Infrastructure and UGL Rail and Peter Borden, Chief Executive Officer of Downer Rail who are part of the CEO Forum on Day 3 of AusRAIL PLUS 2011 in Brisbane this November!

1. Gentlemen, you will all be contributing to the Rail Suppliers CEO Forum being held as part of the AusRAIL PLUS 2011 conference agenda, the theme of the panel is "Two years on - what progress?" and is designed to look at how the industry has moved forward since the first panel was held in Adelaide in 2009, what do you feel will be the main areas being discussed?

To Downer:
2. Peter, on the 1st July the first of the new Waratah trains rolled into service on the Sydney network, what benefits will commuters begin to see as the rest of the trains come online?

To UGL Limited:
3. Andy, UGL Rail have recently been awarded a number of contracts for the delivery and maintenance of locomotives and rail cars in Australia, the Oscar project that has now been expanded by RailCorp three times has been very successful, what are the key elements of the way this project has been managed that have contributed to its success?

To all:
4. AusRAIL PLUS 2011 is now just 5 months away, your companies are all fantastic supporters of the event, what are you hoping will be the main outcomes for both your company and the industry this year?

If you'd like more information, get the full program here: http://bit.ly/SendmetheAusRAILbrochurenow

Contact: +61 2 9080 4307
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ausrail (#AusRAIL)
Linkedin: www.ausrail.com/linkedin

AusRAIL PLUS 2011 Brochure launched!

2011-09-05T10:17:00.003+10:00

AusRAIL PLUS 2011 brochure is out and ready to be downloaded!

Do you have your copy yet?

If you don't, you can download the AusRAIL PLUS 2011 here.

We endeavour to keep you connected to AusRAIL and its attendees whole year round.

Connect with us in the AusRAIL group on Linkedin.
Follow and join the #AusRAIL conversation on Twitter @AusRAIL.

"A lucrative market is just one of the many reasons [we exhibit at AusRAIL]," says Chinese exhibitor

2011-07-28T16:54:00.003+10:00

AusRAIL is now a truly global event, and there is rapidly growing interest in the Australian rail market from China. One of the major suppliers from the Chinese market is Zhuzhou CSR Times Electric Co Ltd, who exhibited at AusRAIL 2010 and will return again with a greater presence at AusRAIL PLUS 2011. The following interview was recorded during the 2010 exhibition in Perth, and examines some of the key motivations behind their presence at the event, the benefits to Australia of the increased competition Chinese companies can provide, and their plans to build on their experiences at AusRAIL 2010.

Transcript:
Hello Mr Jiang, welcome to AusRAIL 2010. So this is your first time exhibiting at AusRAIL?
Yes.

How are you finding AusRAIL 2010 so far?
It’s going very well. The exhibition is very organised and orderly. We can see that AusRAIL is an internationally highly attended event. We feel that our involvement at AusRAIL 2010 is a definite must – it’s just a shame that we hadn’t gotten onboard earlier!

Could you introduce us to the products that you brought here today?
Of course. I would like to introduce our parent company CSR and our subdivision Zhuzhou CSR Times Electric – TEC. CSR is the largest manufacturer for rail locomotives in China and TEC is the largest manufacturer for rail locomotive transmission systems. Our products range includes national railway locomotives, electric locomotives, diesel locomotives, high-speed EMU and the metro. We also designed and manufactured the 380km/hr EMU which is in full business operation at the moment in China. The products we brought to the exhibition today are mainly parts from the control systems of diesel locomotives, because we think they would be suited to the demand of the Australian market, where diesel locomotives play a major role. The performance and quality of our products are widely recognised in China and we have attractive prices and excellent customer service to match.

You’ve come a long way from China. Would you say it’s because of the lucrative Australian market?
Well, a lucrative market is just one of the many reasons. China has been an open market for sometime: Alstom, Siemens, Bombardier, GE, EMD… the majority of the big international players have been involved in the railway development in China. Having grown up in such diverse business environment, we feel that CSR and TEC too should expand to our international market. We hope to put a strong foothold in the Australian market – this will not only be beneficial to CSR and TEC as we are expanding our customer base, it will also be beneficial to the Australian market as there will be even more diversity and choice.

Would you recommend your industry peers in China to come to Australia to exhibit at future AusRAIL events?
We definitely will. In fact, we’ve been recommended in the past. Two years ago, CSR came to AusRAIL with a small team. Our feedback wasn’t as good as we hoped, perhaps due to the fact that people didn’t know much about Chinese organisations back then. Our goal this year is to introduce ourselves to the Australian market. Next year we will have an even bigger exhibition stand – seven to eight times bigger – where we will showcase many more of our products, eventually building a solid foundation for the future for us in Australia. And I’m sure other Chinese organisations will follow suit too. Where else is better to do this than at AusRAIL – a high quality showcasing platform in the Australian open market?

The time has come for high speed rail in Australia

2011-07-13T10:44:00.001+10:00

In the lead up to AusRAIL PLUS 2011, Bryan Nye, CEO of the Australasian Railway Association (ARA), talks about the reality of high speed rail in Australia and the importance of the passengers as customers.

1. AusRAIL PLUS 2011 is just 5 months away and is shaping up to be the biggest AusRAIL PLUS the industry has seen. Do you feel the growth of the event mirrors the trajectory of the rail industry in Australia over the past few years?
• We're going to go through a new golden age for rail.
• In the last 2 years, employment in the rail industry has increased by 9%
• Every week there an extra million tons of iron ore being exported out of Australia which requires a new train set a week, a new rolling stock and track.
• Passenger networks are reaching capacity at every city on the east and west coast.
• Growth rate is pushing the industry to its limits.

2. The theme of the program this year is 'Innovation and Customer Relations', how did you decide the theme for the agenda this year and why are those areas so important to address in 2011?
• We know we have an aged rolling stock fleet capacity on freight networks and passenger networks. We have to look at doing things differently.
• We're aware that we're at capacity on the freight network.
• We have to look at doing things differently- to sweat the assets and improve performance.
• New electronics and signaling systems are things we need to adapt quickly.
• People aren't passengers they're customers with particular needs.
• We are a customer based industry.

3. One of the key areas Australia is looking likely to innovate in over the coming decade is High Speed Rail, China is innovating in this field at an incredible rate but recent questions have emerged about the speeds that can be realized safely on their network, what can Australia learn from their experiences and do you feel that by the time it becomes a reality here these obstacles will have been overcome?
• There is a lot of focus on China but in Japan they're building 500km per hour new maglev to go between Toyko and Osaka.
• The Spanish, Italian and French all say they're trialing new trains at 400km per hour.
• The way of the future, particularly for long distance passenger travelling
• Nothing more needs between the east coast capitals than a high speed rail network
• People are surprised we have the 3rd busiest air corridor in the world between Sydney and Melbourne- we need as we go into a carbon Australia economy we have petroleum product shortages looming in the future. We need an alternative.
• The time has come for high speed rail in Australia.

4. Realising the value of the customer is essential in any industry, do you think the rail industry realizes the true value of their customers or can they improve in this area?
• The rail industry has a long tradition, been in Australia for 150years
• In the past the schedule was more important than the customer.
• Engineering focus things, such as getting the train out and back on time, how it ran- were incredibly important.
• All of a sudden the government is aware we're there to service the community.
• Customers will be the great focus of every rail operator in Australia in the future.

5. What can people expect to gain from attending AusRAIL PLUS this year?
• It's the peak conference for rail industry in Australia
• It brings in the key speakers- all the CEOS attend and provide their honest impressions and challenges facing them.
• Exciting presentations talking about how other industries are focused on innovation, how other people dealt with customers in other industry
• If you want to learn, be informed and know where the industry is going and be part of it, you have to go to AusRAIL.

What do you think of what Bryan said?

Exclusive from AusRAIL 2010: Rio Tinto's Jack Sato on the future growth of Australia's iron ore railways

2011-07-05T09:46:00.001+10:00

We interviewed Jack Sato, Managing Director, Pilbara Infrastructure & Robe River Mining, Rio Tinto at AusRAIL 2010:

1.You are addressing AusRAIL about the future growth of Australia's iron ore railways -- what can you tell us about their development and your thoughts on future trends?
2. How important is rail to the re-ignited mining boom and do you feel it's importance will increase as new projects come online?
3. AusRAIL 2010 is the first time the event has come to Perth, does that reflect the rising importance of rail within the region and how important is an event like this to raising the profile of your work in WA?

Latest news brought to you by Rail Express

2011-05-26T11:56:00.002+10:00

A quick note that Rail Express is the Official Magazine of AusRAIL.

High-speed sustainability
Opponents of high-speed rail (HSR) have been given a boost by news reports filtering out of China that the HSR... Click to read more.

Helping customers make the modal shift to rail
Pacific National spoke with Rail Express about the strong growth in Australia's intermodal rail freight and why... Click to read more.

Feds fulfil pledge to deliver Inland Rail Link
The Federal Government has acted on its election promise of delivering the long-awaited Inland Rail Link... Click to read more.

Comments welcome!

Exclusive interview with Bruce Griffiths

2011-05-26T11:48:00.002+10:00

Launched in our latest AusRAIL e-newsletter, the exclusive interview with Bruce Griffiths, Rail Suppliers Advocate, Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research at AusRAIL 2010.

1. What do you feel are the main challenges ahead for the Australian Rail industry as we move into the next decade?
2. You recently led a trade delegation to the InnoTrans conference in Germany to help promote Australia's advanced manufacturing capabilities in Europe, to identify supply chain opportunities and attract investment. How important are such delegations to the industry and what did you take away from the trip?
3. You are now one year into your role as Rail Suppliers Advocate, it was first announced at AusRAIL PLUS 2009, how do you feel the industry has moved forward since your appointment?
4. What do you think AusRAIL can do for the rail industry?

If you'd like more information on AusRAIL PLUS 2011, leave a comment here or contact us via the following:
Website: http://www.ausrail.com
Contact: +61 2 9080 4307
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ausrail

High Speed Rail - How feasible is this for Sydney?

2011-03-18T08:58:00.001+11:00

Do you think this could ever happen? What is needed to make it happen? What can the rail industry do?

We have a hot discussion happening in Linkedin re this topic. Join in on the discussion here.

Or alternatively, leave your comments here!

Announcing theme for AusRAIL PLUS 2011

2011-03-03T10:15:00.001+11:00

If you are planning on submitting a paper for AusRAIL PLUS 2011, please do so soon, as there is only one day left until the deadline.

Please submit your 400–600 word abstract by 4th March 2011. You can send it via email to ausrail@informa.com.au.

The conference theme for this year is Innovation and Customer Relations. Your paper can address either element of this theme or both if it is appropriate.

To download the Call for Paper Form, please click here.

Let us know if you have any questions!

You can also connect to us via Twitter - @AusRAIL - follow us to keep updated on the latest development of AusRAIL PLUS 2011 and rail industry news if you're on Twitter and haven't already!

Australia's biggest Thomas the Tank Engine event returns

2010-12-21T10:26:00.002+11:00

Thomas the Tank Engine and The Fat Controller will bring their tales of discovery, adventure and friendship ‘downunder’ to The Workshops Rail Museum’s for Australia’s biggest Thomas event from 26 December 2010 to 30 January 2011.

Day out with Thomas 2011 will see the world’s favourite little blue engine and his friends including Edward, Donald and Douglas, Annie, Clarabel and Lady visit The Workshops Rail Museum’s popular annual event, now in its eighth year.

For more information, click here.

John Holland to manage NSW regional rail

2010-12-21T10:26:00.001+11:00

John Holland has been selected as the preferred proponent to manage the Country Regional Network (CRN) by the NSW Government’s Country Rail Infrastructure Authority.

John Holland group managing director Glenn Palin said the contract represents a strategic expansion into railway asset maintenance for the company.

“[It] the first part of our broader push toward the establishment of a comprehensive transport asset maintenance business across a range of infrastructure and transport classes,” Palin said.

John Holland executive general manager rail Karl Mociak said in addition to being Australia’s largest rail construction contractor, the CRN contract now establishes John Holland as Australia’s largest private railway asset management company.

“The further development of our systems and expertise in railway asset management through this contract will provide a foundation on which to broaden our service offering to include train operation and control services, which will be offered to private and public sector clients across Australia and abroad,” Mociak said.

The 10-year contract is worth $1.5bn and involves the operation, management, maintenance and upgrade of country railway lines across NSW, including 2700km of operational freight and passenger lines and 3100km of non-operational lines.

John Holland will deliver the full scope of railway asset management services under the contract, including network operations, signalling, structures and major periodic maintenance.

The 10-year CRN contract will commence in the field late in 2011 and will run through 2021. A directly employed John Holland workforce in excess of 400 will be created to deliver the full scope of works.

Story courtesy of Rail Express

GWI completes FreightLink acquisition

2010-12-21T10:24:00.000+11:00

After having been put up for sale three times by receivers KordaMentha, the Adelaide-Darwin railway has finally been sold, with American rail operator Genesee & Wyoming buying the assets of FreightLink for $334m.

Genesee & Wyoming Australia managing director Bert Easthope said the completion of the FreightLink acquisition heralds a “new era” for rail in South Australia and the Northern Territory.

“The railroad is a strategic asset in the development of the mining industry in SA and the NT. We welcome the opportunity to support and invest in the future growth of our customers,” Easthope said.

Receivers were appointed in November 2008 after FreightLink was unable to obtain all of the required consents for a voluntary sale of the railway, with reported debts in excess of $500m.

Heavy debts incurred during construction meant the 1420km line had been running at a loss. The railway cost $1.2bn to construct, with $475m of this coming from state and federal government funds. Approximately half of FreightLink’s $900m investment into the railway was debt.

Buyers had failed to come forward twice, though KordaMentha said this was because of issues related to the Global Financial Crisis such as funding availability.

Accounting for 90% of freight between Adelaide and Darwin, FreightLink currently has three major rail haulage contracts with AusMinerals, OM Holdings and Territory Resources. It operates 24 bulk trains a week between mine sites and the Port of Darwin and carries in excess of 3m tonnes of bulk freight, 800,000 tonnes of intermodal freight and 70,000 tonnes of bulk liquids per year.

Story courtesy of Rail Express

AusRAIL PLUS 2011 Call for Papers

2010-12-17T15:49:00.004+11:00

AusRAIL PLUS 2011 will be on an even bigger scale – with a three-day conference, a trade exhibition with over 500 exhibitors, the Yellow Tie Dinner and the Gala Dinner – it promises to be the biggest AusRAIL PLUS ever.

The AusRAIL PLUS 2011 Call for Papers is now open. If you would like to submit an abstract to be considered for the 2011 agenda, please download the Call for Papers form here for more information. With over 30 technical papers to feature on the AusRAIL PLUS agenda, you have a great chance of showcasing your latest research. The committee will be looking for the papers that examine the most up-to-date technical innovations across the rail industry so make sure your proposed paper pushes the boundaries in your chosen field.

Interested in sponsorship or exhibiting at AusRAIL PLUS 2011? Click here for more information.

What a turnout at AusRAIL 2010!

2010-12-17T15:49:00.003+11:00

Over 1800 rail industry professionals gathered at the Perth Convention Exhibition Centre last month, for two days of knowledge sharing, networking and business development at AusRAIL 2010.

With a strong speaker line-up of 72 leading industry experts, the conference saw over 820 delegates in just two days. Running alongside the conference was the AusRAIL 2010 trade exhibition, which showcased 82 regional, national and international exhibitors’ latest products and technologies for the rail sector, while 1600+ visitors browsed through their exhibition stands.

The Gala Dinner hosted by Downer on the evening of Day Two catered for over 850 guests, where the winners of the ARA Annual Rail Industry Awards for Excellence were announced. The evening was brought to its climax with the performance of a chamber orchestra – the Western Rail Players.

See AusRAIL 2010 highlights in picture here.

Beat the crowd at AusRAIL 2010!

2010-11-04T12:21:00.006+11:00

In Perth the night before AusRAIL 2010?

Some of you may arrive in Perth the night before AusRAIL 2010 and some of you may want to enjoy breakfast on the morning of Day 1 of AusRAIL 2010 and not have to worry about registering on time or standing in one of the long queues waiting for your turn to be registered.

So we have organised the ability for you to register pre-conference.
Date: Monday 22nd November 2010
Time: 4pm - 6pm

Come and see the AusRAIL team in the main foyer of the Perth Convention Exhibition Centre to collect your badge, and skip the queues the following morning!

Looking forward to seeing you there!

www.ausrail.com

QR to ride iron ore boom

2010-11-02T12:30:00.001+11:00

The soon-to-be-floated QR National says it will increase its exposure to iron ore's fortunes, with a subsidiary investing in new locomotives.

QR said its bulk freight subsidiary ARG would spend more than $35 million in locomotives to be used in its iron ore business.

Iron ore was a strong growth area for the company, QR chief executive Lance Hockridge said on Monday.

"We are well placed to grow as we supply iron ore export markets that are benefiting from strong Asian demand, particularly from China and India," he said in a statement.

Click here for the direct link to the article.

Aus spikes again for Rail Europe

2010-10-29T10:03:00.003+11:00

Rail Europe has again lauded Australia for outstripping its global growth as the rail marketing company announced two further deals that it said would benefit the local industry.

Figures released yesterday showed revenue from Australia leapt 63% to 30 million Euros in 2010 (A$42.2m). Globally, sales increased 41%.

Rail Europe chief executive Pierre-Stephane Austi, in Australia to meet key partners, pointed to increased distribution networks, marketing and improving technology as key drivers for the increase.

New deals struck with ATOC, the British rail system and RENFE, the Spanish rail network will see Australian agents given access to additional fares not previously available and generate further revenue opportunities , he added.

“This will particularly effect point to point tickets in the UK. In some cases this is a discount of up to 70% off the regular fare,” Austi said, adding that Australia was now a mature market with more repeat customers.

But executives warned it would be hard to replicate the growth next year. The 2010 figures were to some extent inflated coming off the back of a challenging 2009.
“We would be pleased with 10% growth in 2011,” said Rail Europe Australasia manager, Richard Leonard.

He added that all its Australia general sales agents - Rail Plus, CIT, Infinity Rail and Rail Tickets – had experienced similar growth patterns.

Rail Europe is jointly owned by the Swiss and French rail networks.

Why are governments so taken with high speed rail?

2010-10-29T10:03:00.001+11:00

First off, there's the 'green' vote – 'greenhouse gas' emissions can be up to 90% lower than flying. It makes economic sense too – better transport links mean a more mobile, productive workforce, which makes life cheaper for companies. And rail schemes are also big employers. The Beijing-Shanghai link alone employs 110,000 workers.

In the US, $8bn of stimulus funds has been set aside for high speed rail projects. A $2.7bn project in Florida is set to open in 2015, and a Los Angeles-to-San Francisco link costing upwards of $40bn should open in 2020. And on Tuesday 28 September, Amtrak unveiled a $117bn, 30-year vision for a high speed rail line linking the entire East Coast.

Political grandstanding by the Republicans may cause problems for some of these projects. But the US is just one of many countries looking at high-speed rail. Here in Britain, construction on a line linking London to the cities of Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds is due to start in 2015. And projects are also underway in Spain, Italy, South Korea and India.

How China took the lead in high speed rail

2010-10-29T10:00:00.003+11:00

The Shanghai train is a 'Maglev', short for 'magnetic levitation'. It actually floats just above the track. Magnets propel it forward silently and the lack of friction allows it to reach phenomenal speeds.

Ironically, the world's first commercial Maglev ran from Birmingham International to Birmingham airport back in 1984. But the UK let the technology slip through its fingers. The route was dismantled in 1995 and replaced by a bus.

Meanwhile, Beijing has eagerly sucked up all the cutting-edge rail technology it can find. When it announced its plans back in 2004, the companies that came forward to bid for the biggest rail contracts in history were a who's who of rail technology: Bombardier (Canada), Siemens (Germany), Alstom (France) and Kawasaki Heavy Industries (Japan).

In the competition for contracts, the companies agreed to onerous terms and conditions. Production had to occur in China, and they had to agree to 'technology transfers', effectively helping to set up their own cheap Chinese competitors. Beijing has a word for this acquisitive process: 'digesting'.

Six years later, high speed rail companies are now having to compete with the Chinese rivals they created. Two Chinese manufacturers, CSR and CNR, are already among the world's top four train makers, as the chart below shows.

These companies are now snapping at each other's heels to land contracts world wide. We're about to see the biggest expansion of rail since the days of the Wild West. Billions of dollars are being pumped into high-speed rail projects worldwide, from Bologna, to Argentina, to California. It could be one of the most lucrative investment themes of the decade.

The next big investment theme – high speed rail

2010-10-29T09:54:00.000+11:00

To the average British rail commuter, the notion of sleek, efficient, high speed trains seems laughable. Just finding a train that can get you from point A to point B at somewhere near the promised time is an achievement. Doing it without bankrupting yourself is another thing altogether.

High-speed rail links are a dream that's been promised to the British commuter by various governments for years. Yet it never seems to come true.

But the outlook for commuters elsewhere in the world is far more promising. While you were slogging your way in and out of work yesterday, China was unveiling the fastest train line in the world.

And this isn't some bold but ultimately doomed 'prestige' project like Concorde. It's merely the latest addition to an already extensive network of high-speed rail links.

Indeed, I reckon high speed rail could be one of the most important investment themes of the next few years. Here's why.

The world's fastest train runs between Shanghai Pudong International Airport and the city outskirts. As it glides along the track, LED screens in the carriages show the speed tick up to as much as 431km an hour (that's 268 miles per hour). A return journey costs £7.50. That's less than the price of a peak-time London Underground ticket.

By contrast, one of Britain's high-speed trains, the Virgin Pendolino, travels from Birmingham to London at about 200km an hour (or 125 miles an hour).

When it comes to high speed rail, China is thinking big. By 2020, all major cities in China will be connected by trains that run at 350km an hour. Beijing is investing $300 billion upfront. The World Bank described the project as "the biggest single planned program of passenger-rail investment there has ever been in one country".

The rest of the world is now playing catch up. Billions of dollars are being poured into high speed rail – and just a handful of companies are equipped to scoop it up.

Click for article source.

Wellard awarded Queensland Rail tender

2010-10-29T09:47:00.002+11:00

Wellard Technologies has been awarded the tender to install and test wireless technology for a Wi-Fi trial of Queensland Rail’s Brisbane passenger train network.

Under the terms of the contract, Wellard will conduct an initial Wi-Fi test on board one carriage of a Queensland Rail City Network train to map the coverage capabilities of the vast network.

Wellard was one of three companies, in addition to Dimension Data and Fujitstu, shortlisted for the project back in June.

At this time, Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said the project's primary focus was to provide wireless coverage to city trains, to allow streaming coverage of onboard CCTV cameras and ultimately additional benefits to passengers including WiFi access.

"The priority for us is to have the network set up, and streaming CCTV implemented,” Nolan says.

Wellard, which has offices in Brisbane and Perth, has previously worked for the Queensland Government to design and deploy control technologies to improve throughput at the Dalrymple Bay Export Coal Terminal.

Communications Technologies Manager Damian Bryant (pictured) says Wellard has been through a rigorous tender process before being awarded the Queensland Rail contract.

“The combination of the leading edge and robust technology Wellard Technologies could offer and the company’s history of performance and delivery were integral in securing the contract,” Bryant says.

He anticipates Wellard’s nomination as the preferred vendor for the Queensland Rail contract will generate additional business development opportunities for the business.

Wellard will deploy technology from Nomad Digital to run the trial.

Australian market continues to grow: Rail Europe

2010-10-29T09:45:00.001+11:00

Rail Europe CEO, Pierre-Stephane Austi was in Sydney yesterday to celebrate the fact that more Australians are travelling by train in Europe than ever before.

Rail Europe sales are up 63 per cent in Australia, while global sales have also increased by 41 per cent.

“We attribute these extremely pleasing results in Australia to our distribution networks, marketing initiatives and advanced technology that have allowed more clients access to cheaper fares and the advantages of ticketing in Australia,” says Mr Austi.

“We believe that the Australian market will continue to grow – especially with the strength of the Australian dollar combined with the ease of booking and access to the fantastic range of fares that we can offer,” said Richard Leonard, Rail Europe Manager Australasia.

“[Travellers] are shifting more and more from air to rail."

Click for article source.

Asciano bids for WA rail task

2010-09-08T16:36:00.000+10:00

Asciano is among the bidders vying for CBH’s rail contract in Western Australia, which is currently operated by QR National subsidiary Australian Railroad Group (ARG). A spokesperson for CBH told Rail Express that this is the first time the mineral resources cooperative has undertaken a tender process for WA’s rail task.

“Our aim with the tender was to encourage rail operators to provide proposals that were innovative and intended to drive efficiencies in the supply chain, based on the geographical locations of the narrow and standard gauge networks in WA,” the spokesperson said. CBH is reprtedly aiming to increase the rail freight delivery from 50-70%.

The tender has been split into three packages and CBH expects to finalise the process by the end of the year. It has received significant interest both locally and internationally, the spokesperson said.

A spokesperson for Asciano told Rail Express that it is pitching for all three parcels.

“These types of contract wins are important for Asciano as they provide good returns for the company and satisfy benchmark returns, but we will be careful to focus on contracts where we can manage growth,” the spokesperson said.

Rail services for grain in WA were traditionally run by government-owned Westrail, but the company's privatisation in 2000 saw the split of above and below rail assets, with QR National buying the rolling stock and Babcock and Brown the track, now managed through its subsidiary WestNet Rail.

The CBH spokesperson said since privatisation there has been a “steady decrease” in rail performance both in rail operations and track conditions, with performance dropping significantly in the past few years.

“CBH, on behalf of its grain grower members, has taken the step to tender the rail operations task for the first time in WA history in an attempt to correct this decline in performance and create greater efficiencies for all users of WA’s grain supply chains,” the spokesperson said.

“It is the best interest of all players in the WA grain industry that as much grain moves to port, using the least cost pathway. By opening up this tender process, our aim is to maximise the use of rail so that it is the most efficient mode of transport for carting and these efficiencies are reflected in both transport capacity and cost of the task.”

Direct link to the article here.

Greens to push for high-speed rail link

2010-08-25T15:24:00.001+10:00

The State Greens candidate at Saturday's Senate election, Lee Rhiannon, says she will push to have the New South Wales south east included in a high-speed rail link between Newcastle and Melbourne.

The service is a key issue for the party, and may become a reality when the Greens assume the balance of power in the Upper House next year.

Ms Rhiannon says the final route for the train has not been determined, but towns on the Monaro and far south coast are set to benefit.

She says the environmental impact of building the line would be minimal, compared to the long-term benefits.

"Being able to cut those numbers of flights and get more people onto trains clearly has a huge environmental benefit," Ms Rhiannon said.

"Now certainly, the actual building of the line, we acknowledge would have some local environmental impact, and that would need to be assessed in terms of how we can reduce that.

"So it's one of those situations where we need to balance out the benefits."

Although Ms Rhiannon was a candidate in last Saturday's Senate election, the poll is yet to be declared by the Australian Electoral Office.

The direct link to the article here.

In the loop with AusRAIL

2010-08-10T09:23:00.002+10:00

We've been busy keeping everyone in the loop with the AusRAIL program release, social functions, sponsors and exhibitors news and everything else that is AusRAIL related!

If you want to get in on the action, follow us on Twitter @AusRAIL - or alternatively, click here www.twitter.com/AusRAIL

We're also on Linkedin, discussing the latest hot topic in the rail industry. Click here to be teleported to the Linkedin AusRAIL group.

Join the conversation and network with the people who were and will be at AusRAIL!

China to Fund High-Speed Rail in the United States?

2010-07-22T11:18:00.003+10:00

It is clear that China is willing to invest good money in high-speed rail and transit projects in its own country and abroad. It must see such transportation as an important solution to 21st century challenges.

While the US has committed several billion dollars for high-speed rail across the nation, it is still far behind China and Europe in this field. And many wonder if private and public entities in the US will even be able to fund the projects President Obama put $8 billion towards earlier this year. One solution, if that is the case, might be to borrow money from China.

“If U.S. companies aren’t able to provide adequate private sector support for construction programs, and if neither the federal government nor states themselves are able to develop infrastructure banks to advance such funding, foreign aid could be a realistic possibility,” Yonah writes.

“This could be seen as a significant let-down for Americans used to thinking that we should be able to fund our infrastructure using our own funds. But the opportunity for expanded global trade could be an excellent opportunity for improvements in the U.S.; there’s no reason to be worried about direct investment from abroad if it makes possible the construction of resources that we couldn’t otherwise build.”

I think this is excellent commentary. It would be great if we could fund high-speed rail projects in the US with US money, but if US companies and government can’t get the job done, getting money for these critical infrastructure projects elsewhere is better than not. High-speed rail is a good public investment and I think it is very important for future economic vitality in the US.

China spents billions on intercontinental HSR

2010-07-22T11:15:00.001+10:00

China Development Bank recently agreed to loan the Argentinian government $10 billion for new railway and metro construction.

China has become a major source of funds for countries around the world, acting essentially as an alternative or competitor to the World Bank. It has been increasing its spending in Africa (much more than other countries). And it is looking to fund much of an intercontinental high-speed rail network it and others are planning, “the largest infrastructure project in history.”

China seems to have a direct interest in Argentinian farmland, a good reason for it to help improve transportation to and from this farmland in a very cost-efficient way (through better rail lines).

“Thanks to talks between Presidents Cristina Fernández de Kirchner and Hu Jintao, Argentina will receive $4.35 billion to renovate three freight railroad lines, including $1.85 billion to improve conditions on the Belgrano Line, which links the country to Bolivia and is an important link for the nation’s agricultural producers,” Yonah Freemark of the TransportPolitic writes.

But $4 billion for improvement of the Buenos Aires Subway and creation of a 4-corridor Metro in Cordoba don’t seem to offer any direct economic benefit to China. Yonah conjectures that Argentina must have agreed to give China some preferential trade treatment for this.

The Argentinian government has also committed to give a 15% match to the loans they receive.

Photo courtesy of http://cleantechnica.com.

More AusRAIL PLUS 2009 exclusive interviews!

2010-07-13T14:12:00.003+10:00

Watch our interview with Alan Burns, Partner at Strategic Connections Group, as he talked about new approaches to improving safety at level crossings recommended by recent inquiries and how governments have responded to these recommendations. He also discussed what he believes governments and the rail industry should adopt.

***

Watch our interview with Ken Bagget, Technical Director - Rail of AECOM as he talked about why underground metro systems are gaining favour within Australia and the key factors in designing a successful underground system. He also described the technical challenges that he has faced in Brisbane that other cities can learn from and how underground networks can integrate with overground networks.

***

Watch our interview with Ray Grigg, Australian Automobile Association and Vice President of RAASA, as he discussed how road and rail can complement each other in the future. He also gave some examples of this coordination that we can use as best practice.

The Rail Plan: Where? How? Why?

2010-07-13T14:03:00.002+10:00

AusRAIL 2010
23rd – 24th November 2010, Perth Convention Exhibition Centre
The Rail Plan: Where? How? Why?
www.ausrail.com

AusRAIL is a central point in the rail industry calendar. The 2010 two-day conference provides a forum for senior executives to discuss policy, investment and the latest technological developments in the rail sector.

The official brochure is due out shortly. In the meantime, here are some of the highlights of the conference.

The popular CEO Forum ensures that all the major rail operators are involved in the debate at AusRAIL. This year the panel will include:

• David Marchant, CEO, ARTC and Chairman, Australasian Railway Association
• Mark Rowsthorn, CEO and MD, Asciano
• Rob Mason, CEO, RailCorp
• Rob Barnett, CEO, V/Line
• Lance Hockridge, CEO, QR National
• Paul Scurrah, CEO, Queensland Rail
• Tony Braxton-Smith, CEO, Great Southern Rail
• Paul Larsen, CEO, WestNet Rail
• John Fullerton, CEO, FreightLink
• Mark Burgess, Acting CEO, PTA WA
• Jim Quinn, CEO, Kiwi Rail
• Andrew Lezala, CEO, Metro Trains Melbourne
• Rod Hooke, Acting CEO, TransAdelaide

You will hear insightful presentations from:
• Jack Sato, Managing Director, Pilbara Infrastructure & Robe River Mining, Rio Tinto. Jack will present on ‘The iron ore railways future growth update.’
• Lance Hockridge, CEO, QR National. Lance will discuss ‘QR National – on track for future?’
• Bruce Griffiths, Rail Suppliers Advocate, Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research. Bruce will talk about ‘Rail suppliers - challenges ahead for the industry.’
• State Ministerial Address will be given by The Hon Simon O'Brien MLC, Minister for Transport; Disability Services WA

Request the full brochure to be sent to you as soon as it is published.

AusRAIL 2010 will also see the introduction of a Rail Constructors’ Panel. This will give you a fresh and comprehensive insight into major rail infrastructure projects currently underway and looks set to provide lively debate.

Make AusRAIL 2010 work for you. Be sure you take advantage of all it offers:
• Hear first-hand how the Federal Government is helping advance rail prosperity
• Ask your questions at the road and rail discussion panel
• Debate the current and future direction for rail
• Understand current and projected developments in rail
• Hear from Australasia’s rail CEOs
• Get technical updates in your specialist field from national and international experts
• Learn from strategies on managing the challenges of capacity, climate change and culture from international rail CEOs
• Build up your peer network & forge new relationships with top level decision makers – come to the Exhibition Network Drinks and the AusRAIL Gala Dinner
• Take inspiration from cutting edge technological developments
• Visit the exhibition to talk face-to-face with key rail industry suppliers

To register for the conference, click here!

Downer introduces a new green, fuel-efficient locomotive to Australia

2010-05-15T11:24:00.002+10:00

Downer EDI Limited (Downer) today announced an agreement between its Rail division and National Railway Equipment Company (NREC) to offer NREC’s N-ViroMotive multi-engine locomotive to the Australian market.

Downer Rail CEO, Guy Wannop said as the sole NREC representative in Australia, the N-ViroMotive locomotive complemented and further extended Downer’s existing stable of heavy-haul and longrange locomotives which are manufactured in conjunction with technology partner Electro Motive Diesel.

“The new locomotives provide significant improvements over existing light axle load locomotives currently operating in Australia, including increased efficiency and reductions in emissions, noise, fuel usage and maintenance costs,” Mr Wannop said.

“N-ViroMotive is a, low-axle load locomotive that is highly versatile and will enhance the efficiency of fleets for many Australian operators.

“In addition to the delivery of N-ViroMotive locomotives, Downer offers full maintenance support of the multi-engine locomotives to its clients,” Mr Wannop said.

Commonly called ‘The Utility’ as a result of its flexibility and environmental and operational efficiencies, the N-ViroMotive is manufactured by NREC in the United States to an Australian specification.

The multi-engine technology allows power units to operate at the point of, or close to, their peak efficiency and to be shut off if they are not required, thus conserving energy.

The locomotives are designed for low axle load applications in the range of 15 tonne to 19 tonne and are designed to fit both the QR and WestNet clearance gauges.

The versatility of the multi-engine design allows the locomotives to have a power unit removed for lower axle-load track requirements and, with a bogie change switch from narrow to standard gauge, a single locomotive can be used in different seasonal or functional applications as required.

The President of NREC, Lawrence Beal said Downer was selected as the Australian distributor following a significant strategic research and investment program in the local supply of NREC products.

“Our strategic global approach to our customers is to supply low-cost responsive options in locomotive delivery and will, I believe, blend well with Downer’s proven reputation for delivering quality products and value-add services to the Australian rail industry,” Mr Beal said.

Developed in 2007, there are now more than 300 N-ViroMotive locomotives in service around the world.

What are the best examples of urban rail projects in Australia?

2010-05-14T12:21:00.001+10:00

This article gave some interesting views and insights on urban rail and how such projects can contribute postively to the local community and urban sustainability.

Urban rail and the sustainability challenge
(Rail Express, 28th April 2010)
By Jane Scanlon, Senior sustainability consultant at Manidis Roberts.

The majority of interviewees believed that the urban rail sector could do more in the area of sustainability and that a key barrier to achieving urban rail project sustainability outcomes was a lack of definition of what sustainability actually means for an urban rail project. Despite this lack of definition, interviewees discussed a number of key attributes of a sustainable urban rail project – attributes which can be separated into the “macro-level” and the “project-level”.

http://www.railexpress.com.au/archive/2010/march/march-31-2010/top-stories/urban-rail-and-the-sustainability-challenge-2013-part-one

The discussion is hot on our Linkedin group - click here to have your say!

New Waratah Central to Sydney's Transport Future

2010-05-03T11:34:00.000+10:00

Downer EDI Ltd (Downer) today confirmed the manufacture of the first six Waratah train sets is well underway, and looks forward to the delivery of the first full set into service in late 2010.
Downer CEO, Geoff Knox said the prototype test train arrived at Sydney’s Central Station this
morning, having successfully commenced network testing on the Hunter network during the past
week.

“We are very pleased with the results of initial testing on the Hunter network. This marks a significant milestone for the project,” Mr Knox said.

“We are now into the production process and look forward to delivering the first eight-car train to RailCorp later this year. We remain committed to the delivery of 78 trains into service by the end of 2013.

“The fleet of 78 Waratah trains will be in service on the Sydney network for a minimum of 30 years and the prototype testing is part of our commitment to delivering and maintaining a safe and reliable fleet that will provide passengers with greater comfort and service,” Mr Knox said.

Join AusRAIL on Linkedin!

2010-04-28T15:25:00.002+10:00

Keep the conversation going.

AusRAIL believes that the rail community should be connected at all times. Thus, we have created a group in Linkedin and invites everyone to be part of the conversation and keep you in touch with other rail professionals.

This is an easy way for you to build upon the connections you made at AusRAIL, to communicate with and learn from the rest of the rail community.

Feel free to post relevant questions and discussions in the AusRAIL Linkedin forum and use it for your benefit.

Just click on this link here and get connected today!

Till next time,
The AusRAIL team

Rail industry is booming but national rail plan still needed

2010-04-15T10:57:00.001+10:00

In the lead up to AusRAIL 2010 - themed "The Rail Plan: Where? How? Why?" - Bryan Nye, CEO of the Australasian Railway Association (ARA), says the rail industry is on the rise but a national transport plan still needs to be taken to government.

Mr Nye says that keeping rail matters on the agenda of all political parties is top priority this year.

As the Australian rail industry continues to boom, Mr Nye says the level of investment in rail is accelerating and the industry needs to quickly adapt to this growth:

"It will accelerate and the challenge for us in the rail industry is to meet that demand, and have the number of people in place, the right schools in place, because that demand will continue to increase."

A national transportation plan a challenge for Australia But despite a booming industry, a national transportation plan remains to be put forward to the government.

"One of the challenges Australia has is that it doesn't have a national transport plan, it doesn't have a national plan for moving people," says Mr Nye.

To tackle this, the ARA have suggested they will develop a national plan and sell, as well as ask, other industry groups to commit to the plan.

Mr Nye says they will use this national plan as a "vehicle" to take the industry further.

High-speed rail needed to help with congestion Mr Nye welcomes the introduction of high-speed rail and says the problem of congestion in Australia's busiest cities as well as the issue of separating passenger and freight lines needs to be considered in adopting a high-speed rail system.

"You got to know that the air travel between Sydney and Melbourne is the fourth busiest corridor in the world . . . And then the other issue is that we've got to get some of the passenger and freight lines separated. So we really need a whole new look at it," he says.

"Today they're building them [high-speed rail] in China - 12 in China. They're building them in a number of countries around the world. The technology is a lot cheaper, a lot easier to adopt. And so it is time in Australia."

As an election year, Mr Nye says the ARA plans to influence the agendas of all political parties to include rail and public transport. The ARA intends to pursue the creation of the national rail regulator and ensure that what has been agreed with COAG is actually implemented.

AusRAIL is a two-day convention for rail industry professionals to discuss issues and debates shaping the community. It will be held in Perth at the Perth Convention Exhibition Centre from 23rd - 24th November 2010.

Find out more about what AusRAIL 2010 has to offer you at www.ausrail.com

AusRAIL PLUS 2009 exclusive interviews!

2010-04-15T10:52:00.001+10:00

David George, CEO, CRC for Rail Innovation talks about the projects and research that will help take the Australian rail sector forward. The CRC sessions at AusRAIL PLUS 2009 came at an exciting time as they foreshadowed the research to be published shortly on high speed rail and its applicability in the Australian context. Watch the interview with David George to find out more.

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Watch our interview with Pete Lawson, Product Manager Evolution Series Locomotives, GE Transportation - alliance partner to United Group Rail as he talks about how locomotives are a critical element for moving the economy of the world, from iron ore to automotive parts. Find out more about his thoughts on how locomotives are a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to move freight from a to b.

AusRAIL website's makeover!

2010-04-07T10:01:00.003+10:00

Launching the new look of AusRAIL.com - see screenshot below!

Tell us what you think of the new look - comments welcome!

Asciano secures $150m rail contract

2010-03-29T09:38:00.002+11:00

Freight deals point to a lively economy and a number of projects are coming to fruition in WA. This is one of the reasons that AusRAIL 2010 is heading to Perth this year.

Ports and rail operator Asciano has won a $150m rail deal to haul freight over the next seven years for Sadleirs Transport.
Australian-Maritime-College

Asicano’s Pacific National division will transport rail vans for Sadleirs between Melbourne and Perth, adding to a similar service it provides for the freight forwarding company between Sydney and Perth.

Under the deal, Pacific National will provide interstate rail haulage for all Sadleirs services to 2017.

Asciano said the emergence of positive trends in volumes signalled that the worst of the global economic crunch was over.

Sadleirs managing director Ian Cook said the his firm believed rail would increase its market share over the other freight transport modes.

"Sadleirs is entering a new growth phase with redevelopment of its Kewdale, WA, rail freight terminal and the construction of a new rail freight terminal in Spotswood, Victoria, both due for completion later this year," Mr Cook said.

The article above is taken from Lloyd's List DCN. Direct link to the article here.

Industry bid for QR a stunt: Fraser

2010-03-15T13:04:00.001+11:00

A fierce debate over the future of Queensland's bulk haulage tracks has intensified at the weekend with the state's treasurer, Andrew Fraser, accusing the coal industry of undermining the controversial infrastructure sell-off.

As the coal industry today prepared to meet with union representatives on details of the plan to privatise parts of QR, there were also reports that mining companies were preparing to table a bid that would trump the $3bn figure the Queensland Government had expected earn from the sale.

But Mr Fraser accused mining giants of pretending to be united so as to thwart efforts to sell the below and above-rail assets.

Mr Fraser told the Australian Financial Review that coal producers had no intention of seriously competing for QR's below-rail assets, rejecting calls for the state government to show the rail group's financial statements ahead of a bid.

The mining companies have rejected fiercely the state government plan for the QR business to be vertically-integrated, proposing instead that the below-rail business be sold separately.

Former New South Wales premier Nick Greiner is acting on behalf of a consortium of the state's 14 top coal producers ahead of an initial public offering expected in October or November.

The consortium wrote to Queensland premier Anna Bligh last week requesting a meeting and urging industry engagement.

Direct link to the article here.

Rail tops industry confidence meter: survey

2010-03-14T11:37:00.001+11:00

The rail sector has emerged as the most optimistic about its sustainability in 2010, although there are signs some global transport companies have seen light at the end of the metaphorical tunnel.
Rail tops industry confidence meter: survey

Recession-resistant: Rail seen as an appropriate target for investment
Australian-Maritime-College

A study commissioned by global legal firm Norton Rose found that 68% of those surveyed from the rail sector expected an upturn in business over the next 12 months.

Aviation was the most pessimistic with almost half of the respondents from that sector not expecting a turnaround for another two to three years.

More than three-quarters of those surveyed from shipping expected consolidation in the sector.

While the data was gathered late last year, the predictions of consolidations or collapses within shipping might not be far from the mark, Harry Theochari, the head of transport at Norton Rose, said.

While banks had typically been patient with debt-heavy companies since global markets fell in 2008, the future of some remained uncertain.

"In the next few weeks, other things will become apparent," Mr Theochari told Lloyd’s List DCN during a visit to Sydney.

"Problems will emerge in several very large, well-established organisations which are simply running out of money."

Mr Theochari said passenger transport appeared to be a major factor in the rail industry’s comparatively optimistic view of for the year, given commuters were actually more likely to catch public transport in a recession than in buoyant times.

However, the need for more rail freight infrastructure – an issue Australia was presently grappling with – appeared a global trend that many governments were now supporting.

“Rail was the most optimistic – it’s the only mode where people said that now was a good time to invest,” Mr Theochari said.

"On the other side of the coin is the airline industry – they really need a good dose of valium.

"Most people were hugely depressed."

Nevertheless, Mr Theochari said that "everyone saw light at the end of the tunnel".

The research data – from a survey of 961 individuals across aviation, rail and shipping – found that 80% saw the rail industry as the most insulated from global economic turmoil.

Almost 80% did not expect available bank debt to return to pre-crisis levels within three years.

State intervention for struggling sectors of the transport industry would best be made in the form of new infrastructure as opposed to bailing out individual operators, the survey found.

Direct link to article here.

Industry boss hits back

2010-03-14T11:34:00.002+11:00

A MINING industry leader has hit back at Member for Rockhampton Robert Schwarten’s claim coal companies have been “bludging off taxpayers”.

Queensland Resources Council boss Michael Roche said the government had reaped billions of dollars in royalties from mining companies, which were clearly paying their way.

Mr Roche said Mr Schwarten’s comment and a similar swipe from Premier Anna Bligh that taxpayers were subsidising the transport arrangements of the coal companies came from a government under pressure.

However an unapologetic Mr Schwarten yesterday stood by his comment and slammed Mr Roche for saying Central Queensland communities weren’t getting their share of the wealth.

“I find it remarkable that after 11 years in power, the State Government is conceding that it has effectively misled the electorate,” Mr Roche said.

“In the Parliament and in the media, both the Premier and Deputy Premier have in the recent past made it clear that that the coal industry pays for all infrastructures built on its behalf by government-owned corporations.

“These subsidy claims represent an extraordinary reaction to a request from the coal industry for the government to examine an alternative offer to buy the Central Queensland coal track network.

“Surely it is in the interests of Queensland taxpayers to have on the table an alternative offer from the coal industry, which may not only produce an attractive short-term return to the state but also deliver a superior long-term result in improving the performance of the export supply chain.

“The dividend for taxpayers from an efficient export supply chain is more coal royalties funding more hospital beds, more teachers and more police.”

Mr Schwarten, who made his bludging comment on the 4RO radio station, said the money to fund rail infrastructure to support the mines had been borrowed on the taxpayers’ account.

“The coal industry was established in Queensland around the rail industry,” Mr Schwarten said.

“The coal industry has not borrowed this money, it has been on our account.

“Every dollar that goes towards this is another dollar the government has to borrow for rail infrastructure and not money that could be going to schools and so on.”

He said with the government losing its triple-A credit rating its interest rate repayment had increased, furthering the burden on the taxpayer.

Mr Schwarten said of the $1.5 billion total royalties paid this financial year, infrastructure spending in the Fitzroy region was $2.6 billion.

“That’s before one teacher, one nurse or one disability service worker is paid in the region,” he said.

Direct link to article here.

China to build high-speed rail link to Europe

2010-03-14T11:29:00.005+11:00

THE journey from London to Beijing by rail could take just two days under a Chinese plan to build an international network for trains that can travel almost as fast as aircraft.

Three networks are planned, with the Britain to China route to be extended to Singapore, and built within a decade.

Passengers on a second route would travel to the north of China and through Russia and on to Germany, where the network would join the European railway system.

A third network would extend south through Vietnam, Thailand, Burma and Malaysia, the London newspaper The Daily Telegraph reports. The trains are expected to travel at more than 320 km/h.

''We are aiming for the trains to run almost as fast as aeroplanes,'' a member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering said.

Last year China unveiled the world's fastest train, the Harmony Express, which can reach 350 km/h.

High-speed rail networks exist in Japan and Europe, but not in Australia.

The chief executive of the research group CRC for Rail Innovation, David George, said high-speed rail was a well-established technology and it was time Australia had an in-depth look at using it.

The chief executive of the Australasian Railway Association, Bryan Nye, said Australia already had the market for Asian-style high-speed rail, especially in the Melbourne-Sydney-Brisbane corridor. He said China recently tested a train at 380 km/h and had made a 1000-kilometre journey in two hours 50 minutes.

''If we could get a Sydney-Melbourne trip to three hours, or just under, it would be worthwhile and competitive,'' he said.

David George agreed. ''By the time you've gone to the airport and struggled through the traffic, booked in advance and then sat around, a three-hour journey between Sydney and Melbourne or Sydney and Brisbane starts to look very attractive.''

He said high-speed rail was not just a technology for First World countries.

''Poland, Saudi Arabia, Morocco are seriously looking at, or introducing high-speed rail.''

Australia needed to build extra rail capacity, he said.

''[Our] urban rail networks and many of [our] freight networks need extra capacity.''

A high-speed rail system could be ''transformational'' in terms of its impact, he said.

Direct link to article here.

The AusRAIL Experience - Sponsors and Exhibitors Perspective

2010-02-05T14:08:00.002+11:00

With over 200 exhibitors and 3500 visitors, AusRAIL PLUS 2009 sponsors and exhibitors share their experience of being a part of the biggest rail conference and exhibition in Australia. Featured sponsors include Downer EDi, Bombardier, Lockheed Martin, United Group Rail, Laing O'Rourke, AECOM, John Holland, UK Trade & Investment and Alstom Transport. Featured exhibitors include Ansaldo STS, Alcoa Fastening Systems, Siemens, ABB Group, Red Zone Protection, Faiveley, RT Health and many more.

AusRAIL PLUS 2009 - The Highlights!

2010-02-05T14:01:00.004+11:00

Conference attendance was equal to that of AusRAIL PLUS 2007 with 1000 senior executives participating in the conference over the three days, despite the difficult economic conditions and the event being held away from the 'big three east coast cities' for the first time.

The AusRAIL exhibition received an average of 2500 visitors through it on each of the three days. Exhibitors commented on the quality of the visitors in attendance. The visitors and delegates were reported to spend far more time at the show amongst the exhibitors than they have in all previous AusRAIL years.

Australian rail ‘catches the eye’ of UK companies

2010-01-14T08:48:00.002+11:00

The Federal Government’s unprecedented investment in Australian rail has aroused international commercial interest in the industry, opening up plenty of businesses opportunities for UK companies, according to British consul-general Stuart Gill.

Revealing that UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) – the business development arm of the British Government – has specialists engaged in a broad scoping mission of the Australian rail industry to ensure they are feeding into all the opportunities within our rail sector here, Gill said that Australia’s huge infrastructure and stimulus packages have “caught the eye” of UKTI.
“Australia's continuing outstanding economic track record has raised its profile as a destination for UK companies ... ” Gill said.

“Rail is an important part of the broader economic relationship between the UK and Australia..
“We are two economies who are going through, and have been going through the GFC. At the beginning of last financial year we were expecting a tough time in trade and investment but actually we’ve never been busier. Most of our staff in Australia at the UKTI who do work for British companies who want to export to Australia and Australian companies who want to export to the UK have been going gang busters.

“On the export front, the exchange rate has helped but that’s not the whole story, Australia has dodged the recessionary bullet and that’s a sign of real strength …

Gill said that UK companies can offer real expertise in the rail industry and in turn, their investment in the Australian economy can mean more jobs, better rail facilities for Australians, and the opportunity for UK and Australian rail companies to build lasting partnerships.
With climate change one of the biggest single issues facing the world today and Australia focused on finding solutions to environmental and congestion problems, Gill believes that rail and urban transport systems will continue to play a vital role in these challenges.

“The UK is at the forefront of groundbreaking developments in sustainable rail,” he said.
“For example, Bombardier manufactures one in every five rail vehicles worldwide. The UK company's twin commitments to continuous improvement and sustainability are reflected in its product portfolio. "Bombardier's new Green trains, the next generation TURBOSTAR fleet are notably environmentally friendly, lighter, with reduced CO2 emissions and lower fuel consumption and made from over 90 per cent recyclable material.”

With Australia’s urban population predicted to rise significantly over the coming decades, and at the same time, freight transport expected to double by 2020, Gill said the UK was also keen to take advantage of opportunities in both of these areas.

“Rail in Australia has long played a secondary role to road, so we’re excited to see that rail is now remerging as a vital mode of transport,” he said.

The recent AusRAIL PLUS conference held in Adelaide gave UKTI the chance to meet key powerbrokers and leaders in the rail industry and explore opportunities in what it sees as a "rapidly developing" market for rail.

The 14 diverse companies in the UKTI group reported a range of successes, and intend to encourage yet more businesses in the UK to consider Australia as a prime market in these times of financial uncertainty.

Leading Yorkshire-based rail safety company Zonegreen joined forces with Andrew Engineering, an Australian agent at the AusRAIL PLUS exhibition.

“This is an exciting time for the Australian rail industry and there is huge interest in Zonegreen's products. There's significant potential for improved safety and efficiency within Australia's growing number of traincare depots, and we are now well placed to assist in that process,” Zonegreen's technical director, Christian Fletcher said.

Another UK company, LPA Group, a specialist provider of electro-mechanical, lighting and electronic solutions into the rail industry told Rail Express that attending the conference had opened up potential commercial opportunities.

Sales director Paul Curtis said the Australian rail industry was small in comparison to the UK, and because of this, Australian manufacturing companies did not always have enough demand to specialise wholly in rail. Curtis felt there were ample opportunity for companies such as LPA Group to offer the experience and expertise that may be lacking here.

While the majority of Australian rail companies are profitable enterprises trading in highly competitive domestic and international markets, the Australian rail market has been described by industry commentators as “being subject to seasonal fluctuations and generally very small in the global heavy engineering manufacturing industry”.

Issues such as low levels of productivity, declining research and development and emerging skill shortages have the potential to crucially affect competitiveness and require attention.
If Australian rail is to safeguard its future development, increasing international commercial interest could prove valuable.

Direct link to the Rail Express article here.
Image courtesy of UKTI.

BV AIRS Attends AUSRAIL 2009

2010-01-04T09:39:00.002+11:00

Bureau Veritas Asset Integrity and Reliability Services (BV AIRS) featured a stand at the AUSRAIL 2009 exhibition held from 17- 19, November 2009 at the Adelaide Convention Centre.

Bureau Veritas Asset Integrity and Reliability Services (BV AIRS) featured a stand at the AUSRAIL 2009 exhibition held from 17- 19, November 2009 at the Adelaide Convention Centre.

AUSRAIL is a railway management forum, designed to facilitate discussion of the broader management aspects of running railways in the modern political and economic environment, including capital investment, maintenance and strategy, which brings in senior railway executives from all over Australia.

The strategy of BV-AIRS' attendance at the AUSRAIL 09 convention was to acquaint senior level railway management and contract maintenance service providers to the railway industry, with Bureau Veritas' experience in the industry and their strengths in compliance testing and certification. Bureau Veritas is recognised as a world leader in inspection, training, certification and quality assurance systems, and individual railway networks are now requiring experts to check infrastructure and rollingstock – all of which needs to be backed up with certificates of competence.

AUSRAIL was well attended this year and the stand attracted a significant number of potential business leads and enquiries. Representing BV AIRS at AUSRAIL were Mark Heady (Manager Rail Industry Products), Simon Mortimore (Business Development Officer for Specialised NDT Technology), Adam Van Dyke (Manager Technology and Innovation Centre), Monty Luke (Adelaide Branch Manager) and Simon Harris (Laboratory Manager - Thebarton.)

As part of the exhibition, BV AIRS displayed its "Shaftest" technology for testing railway rollingstock axles, some failed draft gear components from a train inspected recently and also the Fairclough Corporation designed "Handwave" unit, designed to place the same testing technology used in advanced ultrasonic rail test cars onto a portable "trolley based" platform. BV-AIRS has proposed using this type of equipment to carry out testing on short sections of railway track such as turnouts and crossovers in busy Metropolitan rail systems. These displays generated significant interest among rail staff.

For further information around Bureau Veritas’ rail services, please contact Mark on 0438 094920, or via email mark.heady@au.bureauveritas.com.

Building UK-Australian partnerships at AusRAIL Plus 2009

2010-01-04T09:38:00.002+11:00

14 UK rail companies took part in Adelaide's AusRAIL Plus in November, and came away with plenty of business and new Australian partners.

The conference and exhibition, from 17-19 November, gave the UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) trade mission the chance to explore opportunities in the rapidly developing Australian market, and meet key powerbrokers and leaders in the rail industry.

The companies in the diverse UKTI group reported a range of successes, and intend to encourage yet more businesses in the UK to consider Australia as a prime market in these times of financial uncertainty.

Leading Yorkshire-based rail safety company Zonegreen joined forces with Andrew Engineering, an Australian agent, at the exhibition.

Zonegreen's Technical Director, Christian Fletcher, said: "This is an exciting time for the Australian rail industry and there is huge interest in Zonegreen's products. There's significant potential for improved safety and efficiency within Australia's growing number of traincare depots, and we are now well placed to assist in that process."

British Consul-General to Victoria, Stuart Gill, said in his keynote address to delegates at AusRAIL Plus:

"Rail is an important part of the broader economic relationship between the UK and Australia. At the beginning of the last financial year we were expecting a tough time in trade and investment but actually we've never been busier."

"The Australian Government's Nation Building package offers a wide range of companies, from the UK and elsewhere, a vast array of business opportunities. It also means the best UK and Australian rail companies can work together and build lasting partnerships."

For further information, contact Anna Bathgate: anna.bathgate@fco.gov.uk

2009 Chairman's Award - Ken Kwong

2010-01-04T09:19:00.003+11:00

Photo courtesy of Rail Gallery

Associate Professor Ken Kwong is the 2009 winner of the IRSE Australasia Chairman's Award. The award was presented at the AusRail Plus 2009 Gala Dinner.

The IRSE Australasia Chairman, John Aitken, said:

Of the best leaders;
when their task is accomplished, their work is done;
the people all remark: “we have done it ourselves”.

Lao-Tzu BC 600

"It was Rockhampton, July 2005. The launch of the Postgraduate Diploma in Railway Signalling. The culmination of several years of discussion and development in the first Rail CRC.

"Some very driven members of the IRSE had met with a person from Central Queensland University who was to become one of the most influential people in the railway industry in this country. And one of the least known. A leader who sees success when the people all remark 'we have done it ourselves'.

"Ladies and gentlemen, Associate Professsor Ken Kwong is that leader. A dedicated academic and teacher: one who goes the extra mile in every area. A person who really cares about teaching and about learning.

"Associate Professor Ken Kwong has worked in the electronics and control industry and has moved from that practical base to teaching and leadership roles in universities. Ken has lectured extensively and has led the development and delivery of RailCRC postgraduate courses.

"Through Ken's influence I became the principal author of the communications course (CPD7). It was only through that experience that I came to understand Ken’s dedication and the magnitude of his contribution.

"Encouragement. Mentoring. Discipline. Enthusiasm.

"In this room tonight there are graduates who have been encouraged, nagged, inspired and enlightened by Ken. There are current students in the course who have not yet realised quite what is happening to them. Twenty years from now we will see the full fruits of his labour.

"The postgraduate diplomas and degrees from Central Queensland University stem from Ken’s unstinting work and sustained enthusiasm. Certainly many other people have been involved but they have been lead by this invisible leader, even when they thought they were leading themselves.

"Tonight let us honour and thank Associate Professor Ken Kwong for his contribution to the railway industry in Australia."

Track Australia at AusRail Plus

2010-01-04T08:59:00.001+11:00

Track Australia successful exhibition at AusRail Plus

Track Australia took the opportunity to present its services to the Australian rail industry at the AusRail Plus in Adelaide from 17-19 November 2009. Hubert Rhomberg (CEO Rhomberg Group) and Oswald Ortner (COO Rhomberg Rail) supported the local Track Australia representatives headed by Garry Thuer (Managing Director) and Michael Match (Manager Business Development).

More than 1,000 industry members attended the event which had a schedule of activities run-ning over three consecutive days and over 2,000 visitors attended the exhibition per day. Twen-ty plenary sessions brought together top-flight industry decision makers who spoke on a number of issues critical to the industry including the long-term view for Australian rail; locomotives of the future; raising capital for rail projects; and the Sydney freight rail corridor; to name a few.

One of the stand-out themes of AusRAIL PLUS was the introduction of high speed rail (HS) to Australia which was well received by Track Australia representatives as its parent company Rhomberg Rail is the leading company in building high-speed track slab systems in continental Europe.

Track Australia’s joint stand with Delkor Rail was very well acknowledged by the visitors so that existing contacts could be developed further and new contacts with possible future clients and business partners were made.

You can read the original article here.

Australian debut for UK rail safety experts

2009-11-26T11:04:00.003+11:00

Leading UK-based rail safety company Zonegreen has joined forces with an Australian agent to launch its products into the rapidly developing Australian market.

Zonegreen - a world leader in the application of electronic control systems and depot personnel safety - will be working with Andrew Engineering, a long established Australian company based in West Heidelberg, near Melbourne.

With Zonegreen's groundbreaking products and Andrew Engineering's expert knowledge of the Australian rail industry, the two companies will address gaps in the market that have emerged as a result of the industry's rapid expansion and the development of long distance passenger rail links.

The partnership will offer Australian rail operators better access to safety expertise. In particular, products such as Zonegreen's SMART™ Depot Personnel Protection System (DPPS), which has revolutionised safety at numerous UK traincare depots — including a new Eurostar engineering depot in London — as well as depots in Ireland and Dubai.

"Historically there has been limited requirement for systems such as the DPPS so there's nothing comparable in Australia at present," said Zonegreen's Managing Director Tony Hague. "But that is changing fast, and we are looking forward to working with Andrew Engineering to bring Zonegreen products to the Australian market."

Zonegreen attended AusRail Plus 2009 in Adelaide last week, as part of the UK Trade & Investment rail mission. The company's presence attracted widespread interest, and marked Zonegreen's entry into the Australian market.

Technical Director Christian Fletcher, who attended the exhibition, said: "This is an exciting time for the Australian rail industry and there is huge interest in Zonegreen's products. There's significant potential for improved safety and efficiency within Australia's growing number of traincare depots, and we are now well placed to assist in that process."

The exhibition was attended by UK Trade & Investment and rail professionals from across the Southern Hemisphere and beyond.

For further information, go to www.zonegreen.co.uk or contact anna.bathgate@fco.gov.uk

On track for golden age of rail

2009-11-25T15:49:00.002+11:00

Australia's rail industry is about to enter a "golden age" with $36.4 billion invested last year - more than double the previous year's investment.

But suppliers told Adelaide's AusRail Plus conference yesterday the industry faces new challenges in the rise of Chinese manufacturing and solving the challenge of infrastructure differences between state systems.

"The product that will come out of China is as good as any we produce in the world and significantly more cost effective," United Group Rail chief executive Dean Jenkins said.

Downer EDI Rail chief executive Guy Wannop said the lower cost of Chinese products would not kill local industry as clients were now looking at the total through-life cost of their rolling stock, including 30 years of maintenance.

But he warned the industry needed to look to its own shores to bring down production costs, including standardising products across state boundaries and improving the interoperability of onboard systems.

The Federal Government's appointment of Futuris Automotive chairman Bruce Griffiths as the first "supplier advocate" was a sign it was looking to the future of the industry, Australasian Railway Association chief executive Bryan Nye said, but the industry could expect significant changes. "If they want to invest in public transport, they want to get their value for money and... they will want to see we no longer have seven different crash groups, there will no longer be different components in each state," he said. "At the moment, the same rail car that is operating and built in Queensland can also be used in Western Australia, but there are 652 differences between them. That adds to the cost."

While the global slowdown has taken the sting out of the growth in the resource sector - a key freight rail market - government stimulus has taken over, AnsaldoSTS-Asia Pacific chief operation officer Graham Russell said.

He said the company - Australia's largest supplier of signalling and control products - was now looking at a healthy decade ahead. "We are in for a good time in South Australia. The Government is investing in its local suburban network...and of course, there is the Olympic Dam expansion," he said. "We are in for five to 10 good years across Australia but particularly South Australia."

The Advertiser.
November 18th.

National railway regulator to make its home here

2009-11-25T15:41:00.003+11:00

Adelaide will be the home of a new national rail regulator from 2012, a move the industry expects will save about $42 million in duplicated regulatory costs.

The industry currently has seven state and federal bodies with which freight and passenger companies must comply, but the Australian Transport Council has settled upon Adelaide as the home for a single rail safety and investigation body.

Council of Australian Governments approval is expected because the move already has the support of state and federal transport ministers.

Australasian Railway Association chief executive Bryan Nye said the location made sense. "It is in the centre of the rail networks, and it was a jurisdiction that is willing to quickly move and take it forward," he said. "North-south meets here, east-west meets here, there's manufacturing here that will get bigger with Olympic Dam."

However, the industry was warned there was still "a lot of work to be done" for productivity improvements.

The Federal Government's National Building co-ordinator Lyn O'Connell said the industry needed to reduce duplication in recognition of government infrastructure investment. "There must be a will and opportunity to take advantage of the huge investments and regulatory reform - now is the time," she told the AusRAIL Plus conference in Adelaide yesterday.

Mr Nye said an influx of chief executives from other industries had already driven increased innovation and a push for efficiency.

The Advertiser.
November 19th.

Rail suppliers come under fire

2009-11-25T15:35:00.004+11:00

OUTGOING Pacific National chief executive Don Telford has warned Australian rail suppliers they will lose business unless they improve their attitude to customers.

In a one-hour forum with rail chief executives at the AusRAIL Plus conference in Adelaide yesterday, Mr Telford said all major suppliers had forgotten the basics of doing business.

"We don't know any of the (suppliers') chief executives and haven't had any delegations from the major suppliers in the Australian rail industry," he said.

"These people have to be concerned because the Chinese (and the British) know our top five executives, we know their chief executives. They are looking to do business in Australia."

The comments were a major departure from the tenor of the rest of the conference, where 3000 attendees welcomed a renewed push for harmonisation and improved productivity.

"They need to do something that will take them from the back-slapping stuff that has been going on here over the last couple of days," Mr Telford said. "Unless you lift your game, you are going to lose business."

The Advertiser.
November 19.

Rail supplier advocate to boost sector

2009-11-25T15:26:00.001+11:00

THE head of car component manufacturer Futuris Automotive will champion small and medium businesses in Australia's $3 billion rail industry.

Executive chairman Bruce Griffiths is the first supplier advocate to be appointed by federal Industry Minister Kim Carr as part of the Government's $8.2 million Supplier Advocate program.

The program is designed to boost the success of local industry suppliers.
"Central to Mr Griffith's role will be helping small and medium-sized businesses market their products to government buyers and champion sectoral initiatives to improve competitiveness,'' Mr Carr said.

While other advocates are to be appointed to the steel and textiles industries, today's rail announcement is timed to coincide with the opening of this week's AusRail conference at the Adelaide Convention Centre.

The conference is expected to attract more than 4500 delegates from Australia and overseas to cover policy, investment and technical aspects of the industry.
Australasian Railway Association chief executive Brian Nye said Adelaide had been chosen to host the event because of its growing mining infrastructure and planned $2.2 billion passenger rail investment.

"South Australia is a booming centre where `east meets west' in Australia, one of the world's best train journeys starts here, and the new mines coming on line will trigger an unprecedented demand in rail freight movements," Mr Nye said.

"Like all states and territories in Australia, rail is undergoing a massive investment program preparing our passenger and freight networks for
the future."

The event will directly focus on the economic slowdown, exploring the need to increase productivity and efficiency under the theme of ``Doing More with Less''.
State and federal ministers will address the conference, and nine chief executives, including TransAdelaide's Bob Stobbe, will headline Thursday's keynote forum on the future of the industry.

The Advertiser.
Nov 17 2009

The future for rail - a QR perspective

2009-10-28T10:21:00.005+11:00

• There are a number of major projects in the QR pipeline, how will existing and future plans be affected by the current State governments planned restructuring of the organisation?
This is a really interesting question and I’m sure I’ll be spending a lot of time talking to my colleagues about that at AusRAIL. The key message is that at QR it’s ‘business as usual’. That is what our owners have said to us. They continue to support us as we manage this period which is of course uncertain, until we find out exactly what is going to happen.

My key message in our company is, as I say ‘business as usual’. It’s about safety, it’s about looking after our customers, it’s about performing well commercially and it’s about growing the business. We are focussed on all of these things and we have a series of plans underway around this.

We are seeing evidence of continuing improvement in our business. Some of the recent contracts that we’ve won show that, even in this period of uncertainty, we’re keeping our eye on the ball: we’re really focussed on looking after our customers, we’re really focussed on growing our business. Ultimately the question of privatisation is what we are interested in, but it’s a question for the owners.

• Rail is touted as the future for freight transport in a carbon constrained world, but some claim much of the existing road freight task is not interchangeable with rail. How can rail better position itself for the anticipated growth in freight towards 2030?
I think this has got to be a debate that is less about either/or and instead about how we do more with less. How we cooperate and how we really get the best out of a multimodal environment in Australia.

This is a debate that’s been going on for a while and that I’ve been engaged in from lots of different perspectives. As we think about carbon constrained growth and the scale of the growth, and notwithstanding the scale of the GFC, we still expect to see interstate volumes double in the next 15 years.

We can see the size of the resource task in Australia. Rail is well positioned around this and furthermore, we have the environmental advantage. We are building on the work that has been going on in the freight networks, particularly the investment that has gone into the interstate network, the considerable spending by the ARTC.

The challenge is how to take advantage of all of that: how do we have the right terminals? How do we put together, the right quality of service? How do we get the message out there that we have these environmental credentials and that we are able to trade on it to take maximum advantage out of it? Again, this is a large part of the discussion I think we’ve got to have as an industry and with our customers in the days, weeks and months ahead.

• Finally Lance, what positive messages do you hope to see coming out of AusRAIL Plus 2009?
I think it is all about leadership. We are in a very different situation [compared to previous years], we’ve experienced the real impact of the GFC over the last 12 months. Yet there is so much going on in our industry; whether, as in our case, it’s the whole question of privatisation and what it will mean for us, our major competitor in the freight space has been through a revitalisation, we can see the tremendous growth the passenger parts of our business are achieving, there are lots of great opportunities out there. Equally, there are lots of challenges that we’ve got to meet head on. That’s where leadership is important.

This is the opportunity for the entire breadth of leadership in and around this industry to come together, understand what those challenges are, talk about it and demonstrate the kind of leadership we need to really take our industry and our businesses forward. I’m looking forward to it. I think its going to be a great time and we’ll get a really good ‘kick along’ out of this conference. I think it will be a great time.

Siemens delivers first Class 7100 locomotive to Pacific National

2009-10-28T10:08:00.002+11:00

The first Class 7100 locomotive for Pacific National was today dispatched from the Siemens Locomotive Manufacturing Plant in Munich enroute to Australia. Scheduled to arrive in early April, the narrow gauge, 25kV heavy haul electric locomotive is being transported from Brisbane to its commissioning site in the Queensland Goonyella Coal System by rail. The balance of the locomotives are currently under construction and testing, and will be delivered progressively over the next 12 months.

In late 2007 Pacific National awarded Siemens a contract for the design, supply, testing and commissioning, and warranty support of the Class 7100 locomotives. This milestone marked the award to Siemens of the third contract for this locomotive type within a two year period.

Mr. Philip Tonks, Project Director, Pacific National Queensland Coal, stated that the new Siemens locomotives form a key component of Pacific National’s objective to secure a portion of the coal export market in Queensland.

“Pacific National is Australia’s largest private rail freight business - therefore, to maintain our leadership in high volume rail haulage, we need to be at the forefront of innovative rail technologies that will provide competitive answers for our transport customers.

“We see our partnership with Siemens as an opportunity to leverage on their global experience of manufacturing rolling stock, which combines our need for innovation as well as a high level of service.

“Due to the continuous demand for our services, we need to be assured of the locomotives’ safety, reliability and efficiency. Minimising downtime is a priority for us and we believe that Siemens electric locomotives, service and spare parts logistics will be effective in meeting our needs,” Mr. Tonks reported.

Siemens Vice President, Mobility, Mr. Paul Bennett, said Siemens is pleased to be working with Pacific National and providing world class locomotives to support their entry into the Queensland coal market.

“Our locomotives are designed and built in Germany with bogies from our global Centre of Competence located in Graz, Austria and will enable Pacific National to deliver a reliable operation in the arduous heavy haul coal operations over a lifetime of at least 30 years.

“The Class 7100 locomotives are customised to meet specific requirements of rail operation in Australia and are part of the Siemens locomotive family E40AC, designed for heavy duty freight services which provides the highest reliability combined with low maintenance cost.

“The locomotives are equipped with three bogies - each with two powered axles - providing many operational advantages. These benefits include low weight shift, low lateral and vertical forces and optimum weight distribution enabling maximum load haulage.

“We are also proud of the PN 7100’s low energy consumption which significantly reduces carbon dioxide emissions due to the highly efficient AC drive system and regenerative braking ability. Adding to this, the high traction locomotives maximise the use of the available track adhesion and thus, the payload which can be hauled by each train, resulting in improved cost efficiencies,” Mr. Bennett confirmed.

Ansaldo STS wins EUR 12 million (AUD 20 million) order from Trenitalia

2009-10-20T09:34:00.000+11:00

Ansaldo STS, the lead bidder of a temporary consortium set up with Alstom Ferroviaria, has acquired a multi-year contract from Trenitalia for the maintenance of the on-board signalling system on 32 high-speed ETR 500 trains.

The maintenance services relate to the safety and signalling systems designed and built by Ansaldo STS to the European standard (ERTMS L2), which are fitted on the ETR 500 trains.

The value of the EUR 25 million contract to Ansaldo STS is EUR 12 million (AUD 20 million).

Siemens delivers first Class 7100 locomotive to Pacific National

2009-10-20T09:24:00.001+11:00

QR striving for world-class in the safety arena

2009-09-17T09:21:00.005+10:00

Lance Hockridge, CEO, QR Limited

• The rail industry is quite passionate on the issue of safety, although it is generally acknowledged that the industry still has a long way to go in improving its existing safety record. How far has your organisation gone in its quest to achieve ‘zero harm’?
I certainly agree that this is the most important issue we face and I believe the industry as a whole sees this as the most important issue. I have been at QR for almost 2 years and this is the thing we’ve concentrated on most, the thing we need to change most.

We’ve brought in some people who I believe are the best in the world to help us and we are making a lot of progress. Mainly its about engaging with our people, about making sure everybody in the organisation knows what we are doing, that everyone understands what the standards are that we are trying to achieve, and that everyone gets involved. Lots of good things are happening right across our company, but its not enough, we are still a long way from where we need to be.

I look forward to being part of this debate at AusRAIL. I know all of us across the industry want to do a better job and we are all sharing our experience about how to do that. I am confident that over the next year or two we will take our industry to world-class performance in the safety arena.

• The theme for AusRAIL Plus 2009 is “Doing More with Less”. In the current economic climate, how important is this in helping the industry achieve its long term goals?
It is really important that we are coming together at this time. For most of us this is the deepest recession that we’ve ever experienced, the biggest change we’ve ever experienced in such a short period of time.

We’ve got a real mixture across our businesses, parts continue to run flat out, for example at QR in our resource sector, we’re struggling to keep up, on the other hand, parts of the general freight business are really flat.

So this is the time to focus on change, a time to focus on getting better to really take advantage of the attributes that we have as rail for our customers. At QR it is a time of ‘getting fit’.

However, we do need to look to the future. As an industry and as individual companies we can’t afford to just ‘hunker down’ through this period. We know that we have such a strong future for our businesses and our industry as a whole. We have to find that balance and that is why the theme of ‘doing more with less’ is so important to us all.

Siemens powering Goonyella coal exports

2009-09-14T16:13:00.002+10:00

Siemens recently completed electrification works for Queensland Rail’s (QR) Jilalan Rail Yard infrastructure upgrades in the second of two major applications of Siemens world-leading mobility solutions for this project.

The power systems works have been achieved on time and within budget, with Siemens installing six 8DA11 Gas Insulated Switchgear Panels to provide additional traction power capacity to the rail yard. The Siemens switchgear is maintenance-free, employs the smallest footprint for rail-approved GIS equipment and is proven, with over 1,000 panels installed globally since entering the market in 1996. The electrification works and delivery of Siemens points machines, to be installed and commissioned by QR shortly, will significantly improve productivity on the Goonyella Rail System.

QR is making a significant investment in the Jilalan Rail Yard to improve productivity on the Goonyella Rail System, including upgrade works to the tracks, signalling systems, overhead power and telecommunications systems. Collaborating with Siemens for signalling and power systems works will enable QR, once all works are completed, to increase throughput peak capacity of the system from 29 to 42 trains per day, a large portion of which are hauled by locomotives either manufactured or refurbished by Siemens.

Mr Michael Carter, Executive General Manager, QR Network said the timely completion of Siemens power systems works is welcome news for the rail system.

“The long-term outlook for coal demand continues to be strong. The Jilalan Rail Yard project is being undertaken to increase the capacity of the Goonyella Rail Systems to deliver our customers’ coal from Central Queensland mines to the coal terminals at Hay Point and Dalrymple Bay.

“The finalisation of traction power supply to the rail yard will mean that we are now closer to the project’s completion.

Mr Paul Bennett, Siemens Vice President, Mobility, said the completion of electrification works on the Jilalan Rail Yard reinforced Siemens position as a trusted partner for the rail industry.

“Our electrification portfolio is a growing focus for Siemens and our success so far has been underpinned by our global expertise and local knowledge and experience in traction power supply systems.

“The switchgear supplied to QR has been specifically designed and manufactured to relevant Australian and International Standards. Supported by extensive type testing on a global level, our switchgear are amongst the safest available.”

The Jilalan Rail Yard Upgrade is due for completion in late 2009 and has an overall budget of around $500 million.

Ansaldo STS wins 25 million USD contract in USA

2009-09-14T16:10:00.000+10:00

Ansaldo STS, through its subsidiary Ansaldo STS USA, has received a contract from The Port Authority Trans-Hudson Corporation (PATH), headquartered in New York, to supply a Train Control Center system.

The contract value is 24,7 million USD.

Ansaldo STS is centralizing the PATH communication network into one, fully integrated system, which includes:

• Centralised Traffic Control (CTC)
• Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)
• Closed Circuit Televisions (CCTV)
• Integrated voice communications

The CTC system is based on Ansaldo STS USA’s Hermes™ platform, an office control solution that features advanced routing algorithms, integration with security systems, passenger information systems, voice telecommunication and enterprise management systems.

Now supporting AusRAIL PLUS 2009 as our Event Partner

2009-09-14T16:08:00.000+10:00

South Australia’s Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure is responsible for:

• ensuring public access to an efficiently regulated and safe transport environment across road, rail and marine (including public transport)
• the regulation of energy supplies
• the delivery of major projects and provision of essential infrastructure • provision of a gateway to the community for State Government information communication technology
• management of the State Government’s building assets
• administration of property values and transactions and support for land boundary definitions.

Where rail is concerned the South Australia Government has embarked on an unprecedented $2 billion decade-long investment in public transport. It will upgrade, extend and electrify Adelaide’s light and heavy rail network and expand its fleet of trams and trains to usher in a new era for public transport.

Level crossings are being upgraded across the state as part of an on-going program, boosted by the Federal Boom Gates for Rail Crossing Program.

For more information on DTEI, click here.

Siemens powering Goonyella coal exports

2009-08-12T14:45:00.000+10:00

Siemens recently completed electrification works for Queensland Rail’s (QR) Jilalan Rail Yard infrastructure upgrades in the second of two major applications of Siemens world-leading mobility solutions for this project.

Following the successful delivery of points machines for the same project in late 2008, the power systems works have been achieved on time and within budget, with Siemens installing six 8DA11 Gas Insulated Switchgear Panels to provide additional traction power capacity to the rail yard. The Siemens switchgear is maintenance-free, employs the smallest footprint for rail-approved GIS equipment and is proven, with over 1,000 panels installed globally since entering the market in 1996.

QR is making a significant investment in the Jilalan Rail Yard to improve productivity on the Goonyella Rail System, including upgrade works to the tracks, signalling systems, overhead power and telecommunications systems. Partnering with Siemens for signalling and power systems works will enable QR, once all works are completed, to increase throughput peak capacity of the system from 29 to 42 trains per day, a large portion of which are hauled by locomotives either manufactured or refurbished by Siemens.

Mr Michael Carter, Executive General Manager, QR Network said the timely completion of Siemens power systems works is welcome news for the rail system.

“The long-term outlook for coal demand continues to be strong. The Jilalan Rail Yard project is being undertaken to increase the capacity of the Goonyella Rail Systems to deliver our customers’ coal from Central Queensland mines to the coal terminals at Hay Point and Dalrymple Bay .

“The finalisation of traction power supply to the rail yard will mean that we are now closer to the project’s completion.

Mr Paul Bennett, Siemens Vice President, Mobility, said the completion of electrification works on the Jilalan Rail Yard reinforced Siemens position as a trusted partner for the rail industry.

“Our electrification portfolio is a growing focus for Siemens and our success so far has been underpinned by our global expertise and local knowledge and experience in traction power supply systems.

“The switchgear supplied to QR has been specifically designed and manufactured to relevant Australian and International Standards. Supported by extensive type testing on a global level, our switchgear are amongst the safest available.”

The Jilalan Rail Yard Upgrade is due for completion in late 2009 and has an overall budget of around $500 million.

Siemens. Innovation for generations.
For more information, please contact Siemens in Australia on 131 773 and in New Zealand on +64 9 580 5500 or visit www.siemens.com.au

About Siemens in Australia and New Zealand
Siemens commenced operations in Australia in 1872 and in New Zealand in 1876. Siemens is now recognised as of one of the most reliable and trusted brands in the region. With well-established businesses in both Australia and New Zealand, Siemens is a diversified technology-based solutions provider specialising in the areas of water, energy, environment, healthcare, productivity, mobility, safety and security. At the end of fiscal 2008 (September 2008), Siemens achieved AUD 1.875 billion in sales with 3,336 employees. Siemens in Australia and New Zealand is part of the Siemens global network of innovation which operates in 190 countries throughout the world.

QR signs new contract with global coal giant Peabody

2009-07-24T11:17:00.000+10:00

National transport and logistics company QR today announced an 11 year contract with Peabody Energy Australia, a subsidiary of the world’s largest private sector coal producer Peabody Energy.

QR will support the contract with an investment of more than $100 million in rolling stock.

Under the contract, QR’s coal business QRNational Coal will deliver up to 12 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of coal from Peabody’s Wambo and Wilpinjong mines to the Port of Newcastle for export to the Asian market from 2010.

"Peabody Energy Australia is excited about extending its partnership with QR into NSW to ensure efficient and effective transfer of its coal to both the existing coal port in Newcastle and the new Newcastle Infrastructure Group port of which Peabody is a shareholder," said Peabody Energy Australia Managing Director Julian Thornton.

QR Chief Executive Officer Lance Hockridge said QRNational Coal had been building credibility and market share in the Hunter Valley by demonstrating to customers that it understood their market needs.

“It is also pleasing to strengthen our working partnership with Peabody Energy Australia to build on our existing delivery of coal from five of Peabody’s operations in Queensland,” Mr Hockridge said.

QR’s Executive General Manager Coal Marcus McAuliffe said QRNational Coal aimed to repay Peabody’s faith by performing strongly and safely.

“With this contract we are increasing our minority share of the Hunter Valley market and cementing our position as a strong number two player in the market – evidence of our quality of service offering,” Mr McAuliffe said.

“The strong growth prospects of this market are underlined by the fact that we expect demand for rail capacity to the Port of Newcastle to more than double in the next decade.”

METRO TRAINS MELBOURNE TO OPERATE CITY’S RAIL NETWORK

2009-07-24T11:16:00.001+10:00

Thursday, 25 June 2009
The Premier, John Brumby, today announced Metro Trains Melbourne (MTM) as the preferred tenderer to operate Melbourne’s metropolitan rail network.

Mr Brumby said MTM’s bid represented the best value for Victorian taxpayers and focused on improving services for passengers and creating a more reliable and safer network.

“Most importantly, Metro Trains Melbourne made it clear that its priority is to focus on what we believe are non-negotiables for Melbourne commuters: punctuality, safety, reliability, customer service and cleanliness,” Mr Brumby said.

“At a network level, we believe we have selected the operator that provides the best value for money and will best work with our Government to transform Melbourne’s rail network into a metro system.”

MTM will operate the network for eight years with a contract option to extend its term for a further seven.

A key element of the new contract is a new Customer Service Regime which will offer incentives for MTM to improve customer service announcements, cleanliness, graffiti removal and increased personal safety on the rail network.

“MTM will provide more jobs on the network with a focus on customer service and apprentices, building up the skill base we need as we transform Melbourne’s rail network,” Mr Brumby said.

MTM will begin operating Melbourne’s train network as the Government delivers key network investments, including the Regional Rail Link, 38 new trains; the South Morang rail extension, electrification of the Sydenham line to Sunbury and the new Melbourne Metro rail tunnel.

“MTM will partner our Government in delivering a generational transformation of the suburban train network through our $38 billion Victorian Transport Plan,” he said.

Mr Brumby said MTM would begin operating Melbourne’s metropolitan train network from December and the company had a proven track record of operating metropolitan train networks, achieving 99 per cent reliability for the Hong Kong rail network.

The new train contract will also include a 50 per cent increase in funding for rail maintenance to keep the system operating at its peak performance and also generating jobs.

Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky said MTM’s bid outlined its success in operating Hong Kong’s mass transit system and the London Overground.

“MTM will prove to be a successful partner for the Brumby Labor Government in improving rail services and can draw on its international expertise and knowledge base,” Ms Kosky said.

“They will bring innovation and new ideas as Melbourne’s rail network grows and expands through the investments the Brumby Labor Government is making through the $38 billion Victorian Transport Plan.

“MTM will help the Brumby Labor Government fulfil our goal of running more services, for more people, more often.

“I would like to acknowledge the hard work and commitment of Connex and its parent company Veolia Environment over the past 10 years which has seen a massive growth in patronage.”

Final discussions will take place leading to the signing of the new operating contract in August.

The Government is confident Connex will meet its current obligations in the existing contract before MTM takes control of the network in December this year.

Ms Kosky said the exhaustive and competitive international tender process began in 2007 and has been overseen by an independent probity auditor.

MTM is a joint venture between Hong Kong’s MTR Corporation Ltd, Australian companies John Holland Melbourne Rail Franchise Pty Ltd (John Holland) and United Group Rail Services Ltd (UGL).

Downer EDI Rail’s GT46C ACe locomotive hailed ‘King of the Mountain’

2009-07-17T09:23:00.003+10:00

Following independent testing of Australia’s, mainline diesel-electric standard gauge locomotives, Downer EDI Rail’s GT46C ACe, has claimed the title of ‘king of the mountain’, comprehensively beating its competitors.

RailCorp recently conducted a formal back-to-back trial of the two Australian designed and manufactured mainline locomotives on the steeply graded Cowan Bank.

Downer EDI Rail CEO, Guy Wannop said this section of track (north of Sydney) formed part of the busiest mainline in Australia, mixing commuter passenger services with intermodal and bulk freight trains.

“Given the combined function of the line, it is critical for train operators and the track owner to maintain strict schedules for train running times to avoid congestion,” Mr Wannop said.

Three AC traction locomotives from both suppliers were tested separately, each hauling the same 4250 tonne coal train in a back to back comparison test up the Cowan Bank to determine if the section running times for that portion of track could be met by these locomotive models.

“Previously four older DC style locomotives were required however, the three Downer EDI Rail GT46C ACes were proven to perform superbly under the wet rail conditions, hauling the specified load in just 20 minutes. This is two minutes faster than the specified freight train section time,” Mr Wannop said.

“The superior performance of the Downer EDI Rail locomotive was achieved as a result of the advanced AC traction control system on the GT46C ACe combined with the high adhesion bogie design.

“These results highlight the benefits of AC traction to rail operators. The GT46C ACe reduces transit times, allows for increased loads, and lowers fuel consumption more than any other diesel-electric locomotive currently on the network,” Mr Wannop said.

Downer EDI Rail also recently conducted a fuel consumption test of a GT46C ACe locomotive with the assistance of an independent testing laboratory. The tests confirmed that the engine and support systems of the GT46C ACe provide significantly lower brake specific fuel consumption than competitive locomotives.

The GT46C ACe, designed and built by Downer EDI Rail, features many benefits for operators including a 10,000 litre fuel capacity, in-line fuelling, 4300 traction horsepower for intermodal speeds, reduced fuel consumption and is the only Tier 2 emissions ready standard gauge locomotive on the Australian interstate network. It is currently in service with SCT Logistics and QRNational.

Downer EDi Limited

Metro Trains Melbourne to Operate City's Rail Network

2009-06-29T11:25:00.003+10:00

The Premier, John Brumby, today announced Metro Trains Melbourne (MTM) as the preferred tenderer to operate Melbourne’s metropolitan rail network.

Mr Brumby said MTM’s bid represented the best value for Victorian taxpayers and focused on improving services for passengers and creating a more reliable and safer network.

“Most importantly, Metro Trains Melbourne made it clear that its priority is to focus on what we believe are non-negotiables for Melbourne commuters: punctuality, safety, reliability, customer service and cleanliness,” Mr Brumby said.

“At a network level, we believe we have selected the operator that provides the best value for money and will best work with our Government to transform Melbourne’s rail network into a metro system.”

MTM will operate the network for eight years with a contract option to extend its term for a further seven.

A key element of the new contract is a new Customer Service Regime which will offer incentives for MTM to improve customer service announcements, cleanliness, graffiti removal and increased personal safety on the rail network.

“MTM will provide more jobs on the network with a focus on customer service and apprentices, building up the skill base we need as we transform Melbourne’s rail network,” Mr Brumby said.

To read more, click here.

Exclusive interview with David Marchant of ARA and ARTC

2009-06-26T16:42:00.004+10:00

We had the opportunity to interview David Marchant, Chairman of the ARA and CEO of ARTC, to discuss the impact that Infrastructure Australia's work will have on the rail industry and if he feels that rail is at the forefront of freight transport in a carbon constrained Australia.

He will be speaking at AusRAIL PLUS 2009 at the Adelaide Convention Centre on the 17-19 November 2009.

KDR submits tender for Melbourne’s Metropolitan Train Network Franchise

2009-05-19T15:38:00.000+10:00

The Keolis Downer EDI Rail joint venture, KDR, today submitted its tender for the Melbourne Metropolitan Train Network Franchise.

Mr Geoff Knox, Managing Director and CEO of Downer EDI Limited, said “KDR combines world’s best operational, design, manufacture and maintenance expertise with over 150 years of hands-on experience delivering train services throughout Australia, Europe, Asia, North America and the United Kingdom, including rail and road infrastructure and rolling stock maintenance throughout Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland”.

Also drawing on the broad expertise and financial strength of their respective parent companies, SNCF and Downer EDI, KDR’s shareholders are considered world leaders in the areas of safety, innovation, reliability and customer service. Collectively they manage major transport franchises and significant rail and other transport maintenance contracts and infrastructure projects throughout Australia, United Kingdom, Asia, Europe and North America, including the highly acclaimed European TGV high speed train. Additionally, Downer EDI provides the design, delivery and project management of major transport-related infrastructure in Australia, New Zealand, Europe and Asia.

Mr Michel Bleitrach, Chief Executive Officer of Keolis, said “KDR’s collective expertise is underpinned by the extensive knowledge of the KDR leadership team and a thorough understanding of the future transport opportunities available to Melbourne. KDR is fully committed to delivering world-class transport solutions to Melbourne and would welcome the opportunity to work collaboratively with the Victorian Government in delivering its strategic transport objectives for the future.”

Direct link to the article here.

KDR submits tender for Melbourne’s Metropolitan Train Network Franchise

2009-05-04T09:24:00.000+10:00

The Keolis Downer EDI Rail joint venture, KDR, today submitted its tender for the Melbourne Metropolitan Train Network Franchise.

Direct link to the article here.

OEM on Track for AusRAIL 2009

2009-04-08T14:10:00.002+10:00

OEM was one of 60 companies represented at this year's annual AusRAIL Trade show in Melbourne to showcase its latest products and attend a symposium about the future of the industry.

The two-day conference, exhibition and gala dinner is the perfect networking event for suppliers of rail components not just in Australia, but around the world.

This year more than 1000 people visited the show and more than 700 attended the gala dinner.

"The AusRAIL exhibition is an important Rail Trade Show for OEM Technology Solutions," says OEM Technology Solutions CEO James McLeod.

"It was a great opportunity to display our Australian designed and developed PC1 and PC3 Series products. These are complemented by the EN50155 Compliant MEN Electronics product range which we distribute exclusively in Australia."

AusRAIL 2009 will be in Adelaide and OEM has already booked in for that event on November 17-19.

Direct link to the press release here.

Australian rail freight receives a boost from international investors

2009-03-31T13:31:00.002+11:00

(SYDNEY) CFCL AUSTRALIA CHOOSES MARUBENI CORPORATION AS EQUITY PARTNER FOR RAIL JOINT VENTURE

The Australian rail freight industry will benefit from the agreement now signed between major rail freight rolling stock leasing company CFCL Australia (CFCLA), Marubeni Corporation of Japan and Marubeni Australia Limited (Marubeni’s wholly-owned subsidiary) (collectively “Marubeni”) to participate in CFCLA’s Rail Joint Venture vehicle (the Rail Joint Venture).

Under this agreement, Marubeni will hold a 49% interest in the Rail Joint Venture, while CFCL Australia will retain a 51% interest. In addition, CFCLA will continue to provide comprehensive commercial and operating services to the Rail Joint Venture under a long term agreement.

The Rail Joint Venture provides short and long term leases of locomotives and rolling stock to rail operators across Australia, providing them with greater flexibility and certainty when negotiating freight haulage contracts.

The rolling stock fleet in the Rail Joint Venture currently comprises 37 diesel electric locomotives (being 3000HP or greater) together with 805 grain and container flat wagons. The fleet has a market value of A$200m. These are modern, well-engineered assets built to a standard specification that are suitable for use across the standard gauge rail network in Australia. High quality rolling stock assets continue to attract strong interest in new and renewal leases from major rail freight operators in Australia despite current economic conditions.

CFCL Australia’s Managing Director, Ian Gibbs said “The selection of Marubeni as our joint venture partner is an important step in realising the full potential of the Rail Joint Venture. Marubeni brings a wealth of international freight rail experience to the joint venture, together with its extensive experience and interests across the resources, agricultural and industrial sectors in Australia.”
The companies bring together the combined experience and knowhow of managing over 21,000 rail cars worldwide. Together the companies seek to be the premier provider of railcar and locomotive leasing solutions.

Marubeni Corporation is one of Japan’s largest listed companies with extensive international trade, contracting, and investments in the rail and transport sectors. Its investment in the Rail Joint Venture represents its first investment in the Australian rail freight sector. The Rail Joint Venture will be the exclusive vehicle by which Marubeni will participate in the Australian freight rail leasing market.

Level 5
CFCL AUSTRALIA PTY.
8 Windmill Street LIMITED MILLERS POINT
A subsidiary of NSW 2000
Chicago Freight Car Leasing Co Ph: 02 8965 0000
ABN 61 083 217 814 Fax: 02 8965 0011

Mr. Yuji Shishime, Managing Director of Marubeni Australia, said “Marubeni is pleased to participate in the Rail Joint Venture. Working closely with CFCL Australia, we see enormous potential in the freight rail leasing market in Australia. The new Rail Joint Venture will be investing in a range of rolling stock that is responsive to operators needs and that will reflect the latest technology and environmentally sustainable rail operations. Our investment will contribute to growing the Australian rail freight task in coming years and will help to reduce carbon emissions by taking more trucks off the road.”

Ian Gibbs added “Marubeni’s experience is well suited to being a long term partner to CFCL Australia in the Rail Joint Venture. We share a strong view that the future outlook for the freight rail market in Australia is very positive and this will enable the Rail Joint Venture to continue an impressive growth path. We are looking forward to working with Marubeni in further growing this business.”

VFLC makes the case for helping rail compete

2009-03-20T13:58:00.000+11:00

The Victorian Freight and Logistics Council (VFLC) is taking up the cudgels for the state's rail industry by preparing an advocacy paper highlighting recent and future improvements.
The council says Victorian and Federal Government infrastructure commitments worth $1.2bn since May 2007 have been accompanied by private sector investment in rail equipment and facilities specifically to provide a choice to use rail as a transport option.

“A renaissance is taking place in this mode, slowly but surely, to deliver responsive, efficient service and customer choice,” chief executive Rose Elphick said.

“This progress should be applauded and freight customers and the Victorian community need to understand the effort being put into repairing decades of under-investment in our rail network.”

The paper will detail:

• Recent public and private sector investment in rail infrastructure, facilities, systems and equipment;

• How and why rail works for customers (actual case studies);

• The changing culture and technology of rail supply;

• How rail performs in terms of energy and greenhouse emissions;

• How customers perceive rail can improve, based on their real experience;

• How rail and road complement each other.

“We recognise that there is a journey ahead to establish rail's contestable market share,” Ms Elphick said.

“However, good progress has been made and we anticipate that customers, freight forwarders and transport suppliers will consider the benefits of a multi-modal approach.”

Sampraz Ltd consultant Ray Fehlberg will collate case studies across Victoria until the end of May, talking to rail suppliers, logistics managers and government agencies to document the rail renaissance.

Anyone wanting to contribute should contact Mr Fehlberg on 0429 961 383, or VFLC project officer Andrew Baiden, on 03 8688 1831 or email vflc@transport.vic.gov.au.

The direct link to the article here.

Sparke Helmore on the Hunter for infrastructure work

2009-03-11T08:48:00.000+11:00

One of them is Sparke Helmore, which has recently bolstered its Newcastle-based construction, projects and infrastructure team with the appointment of ex-Clayton Utz lawyer Paul Tobin. He has previously worked in Taiwan and acted on the US$14bn (A$22bn) Taiwan High Speed Rail project

"Like many firms, we anticipate a lot of infrastructure work in the Hunter region, such as the expansion of existing coal mines, new mines in the Upper Hunter and Gunnedah basin, expansion of coal export facilities in the Port of Newcastle, expansion of the Hunter rail network by ARTC and the Intertrade development (A$120m). Capital expenditure in excess of A$1bn has reportedly been committed for rail infrastructure and coal facility projects," said partner Richard Anicich.

The firm is not only acting on mining and rail projects but also health projects, such as the proposed clinical research facility that has involved advising on funding arrangements, and the appointment of project managers and design consultants.

Anicich (pictured) believes established relationships in the Hunter gives his firm a distinct advantage over competitors. "We've been on the ground in the Hunter for 126 years, are accessible, and know the region, its significant participants and developments. We're also well placed to assist with the downstream work involving contractors and suppliers," he said.

Despite the global financial crisis the firm believes the long term outlook is optimistic, with upcoming projects expected to last for many years to come. Anicich pointed to National Australia Bank and Westpac that have recently opened new regional commercial banking offices in Newcastle. "It's a sign of confidence and strength in the region," he added.

This article has been taken from legalbusinessonline.com

Bombardier - 32 DMU cars for Australia V/Line

2009-03-09T09:00:00.004+11:00

25 February 2009 - Bombardier Transportation was awarded a contract in Australia by the Victorian Government, to build a further 32 VLocity DMU cars, to be supplied as a mix of two and three car units.

The order is valued at approximately 75 million euros ($95 million US, $148 million AU). The new vehicles will be operated as part of V/Line Passenger's regional rail fleet.

The vehicles will be delivered through 2010 and 2011 and will respond to V/Line's growing capacity requirements.

Reactions
"The Victorian Government has again expressed its confidence in the VLocity DMU and Bombardier with this purchase," said Dan Osborne, Managing Director of Bombardier Transportation Australia. "These units have delivered excellent performance and reliability since entering service, and have contributed significantly to the sustainable transportation provided by the Australian rail industry."

The VLocity DMUs have been built at Bombardier's plant in Dandenong, Australia, with 70% local content.

This brings the number of VLocity DMU cars operated by V/Line Passenger to 134. These trains, operated as two and three car sets, have proved very popular with both V/Line and the travelling public, and provide rapid and comfortable links from Melbourne to Victoria's major regional centres. Since the introduction of the VLocity DMUs into service in 2005, V/Line has experienced excellent patronage growth.

For more information, visit www.bombardier.com

Asciano can't explain share hike

2009-03-05T13:41:00.002+11:00

by Sam Collyer of www.railexpress.com.au
Asciano recorded an unexpected surge in its share price yesterday, with the ports and rail group adding $146m to its market capitalisation.

By the close of trading on the Australian Securities Exchange, Asciano's market value had increased more than 40% to $0.63 a share, up from a near-record low of $0.42 earlier in the day.

However, much of yesterday's gains were in the process of being wiped out this morning after Asciano said it had no new information on what had caused the price fluctuation.

Asciano shares were trading at $0.54 early this afternoon.

Asciano confirmed that it had nothing to add to last week's 2008/09 interim results briefing, which showed a first half net loss of $92m and net bank debt of $4.6bn.

Laing O'Rourke alliance secures billion dollar rail project

2009-03-03T09:20:00.000+11:00

A billion dollar package to upgrade one of Australia’s major rail networks will further cement Laing O’Rourke’s position as a leader in rail infrastructure.

Novo Rail, an alliance comprising Laing O'Rourke, O’Donnell Griffin and Connell Wagner, will deliver up to $1 billion of new rail works for RailCorp in New South Wales during the next five years.

Rail East Regional Manager David Howarth said the package would not only benefit those within Laing O’Rourke’s Rail Group but also could provide opportunities for staff with non-rail backgrounds to gain experience in the sector.

David said the five-year program, which had the potential to extend for several more years, comprised of a number of projects from relatively small, rural jobs to complex, urban works.

Laing O’Rourke’s good track record in delivering live rail work in the Sydney area and demonstrated experience of project management were key to securing this high profile contract.

The New South Wales rail contract and the Goonyella to Abbott Point Electrification project in Queensland, which was awarded in August 2008, will secure Laing O’Rourke’s rail business for several years.

“Our involvement in two of the largest rail infrastructure programs in Australia and the opportunity to work with two premier clients (QR and RailCorp) puts us in a very strong position within the industry,” David said.

RailCorp CEO Rob Mason said the alliance would help deliver essential infrastructure upgrades to improve CityRail's capacity to meet the demands of patronage growth.

“It also aims to encourage the growth of resources available to the industry, particularly signalling and electrical engineers.”

Mr Mason said the Novo Rail alliance of Laing O’Rourke, O’Donnell Griffin and Connell Wagner was chosen because of the team’s excellent experience in the delivery of RailCorp infrastructure.

“The partners have pooled their specialist resources to offer a ‘whole of project’ capability including industry-leading program management, rail system design and rail infrastructure delivery,” he said.

“These are all attributes which will help us to deliver the significant signalling, electrical and track works projects required to meet the demands created by growing rail patronage.”

The team has commenced mobilisation and physical works are due to begin in April 2009.

To visit Laing O'Rourke's website, click here.

Sydney rail the focus of federal spending

2009-03-02T08:45:00.001+11:00

by Daniel O'Leary of Lloyds List DCN
The Federal Government has allocated $15m to accelerate planning and design work on an $840m dedicated freight line between Sydney's North Strathfield and Gosford.

Work on a $27.2m upgrade on the Port Botany rail line would also begin in March or April, federal transport minister Anthony Albanese announced yesterday in parliament.

The project would include track rearrangement and circuiting as well as signalling work.

However, construction had already begun on the long-awaited, dedicated Sydney freight line yesterday, he said.

The 36km-long track is intended to clear a bottleneck through the city on the interstate rail network.

The $309m project will be funded by the Commonwealth-owned Australian Rail Track Corporation, with a likely completion date of 2010 set.

Mr Albanese said the line would solve frustrating delays to freight services caused by limited track capacity.

Sydney passenger trains hold right of way over freight trains, but the new dedicated freight line should resolve this problem.

The line will run from Macarthur to Chullora providing access to about five freight trains an hour.

Port Botany will also be accessible through southern Sydney 24 hours a day.

The purpose of the new investment was to make rail more competitive by slashing travel times and improving reliability, Mr Albanese said.

The improvements would help to reduce the number of trucks on the road with each 1,500 metre train equivalent to about 100 semi trailers.

This article has been taken from www.lloydslistdcn.com.au

Downer EDI announces new $200 Million Rail Contract for QR

2009-02-25T15:03:00.000+11:00

Downer EDI Limited (Downer EDI) today announced that the Downer EDI Bombardier joint venture has received an order for an additional 20 three-car passenger trains from QR valued in excess of $200 million.

Downer EDI CEO, Geoff Knox said the contract follows on from previous QR orders late last year.

“This win is a great reflection on the success of our joint venture with our technology partner Bombardier and in our long-term relationship with QR to deliver reliable public transport for the people of Queensland.

“We are pleased to be assisting in the successfuldelivery of the Queensland Government’s transport policy and to the continued support of our products by the people of Queensland who rely on public transport to deliver them to and from home safely every day.

“We will commence manufacture of the new train cars later this year following the successful delivery and commissioning of our existing contract for the manufacture of 44 passenger trains for QR.

“The trains will be manufactured at our recently upgraded manufacturing facility in Maryborough, and we will be working with local suppliers to source components for the trains.

“In what has been a difficult time for many people in the region, we are pleased to be growing our workforce to cater for the growth in our Rail business,” he said.

Downer EDI’s Rail Division is well placed to further grow its market share in this strong sector.

To go to this article directly, click here.

Sydney-Canberra high speed rail link

2009-02-18T16:04:00.001+11:00

Recently, there was a suggestion for a high-speed rail link to be built between Sydney and Canberra which only clocks a 50 minutes travel time. This naturally regenerated the possibility of turning Canberra's airport into a viable second airport option for Sydney.

http://www.popsci.com.au/scitech/article/2009-02/high-speed-rail-link-make-canberra-sydney%E2%80%99s-second-airport

http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/airport-push-for-sydneys-second-terminal-in-capital/1430265.aspx

Canberra Airport has also made public its 2009 preliminary draft master plan last week for the next 20 years.
http://www.canberraairport.com.au/air_planning/masterPlan09

What do you think?

Single digital train control system vital for Australia

2009-02-13T11:03:00.000+11:00

“The implementation of a single Australian Digital Train Control System (ADTCS) is imperative if we are to increase rail’s capacity, productivity and safety,” Bryan Nye, CEO of the Australasian Railway Association (ARA) said.

Currently, there are 22 train control radio networks in Australia. This means that on average, an Australian freight train is fitted with up to eight (8) different radio systems.

Further, a train driver needs to interpret different signalling systems and deal with a multitude of train control systems and procedures to travel between states.

“This situation is clearly absurd, and reflects the chronic under-investment from governments in rail. It clearly impacts on the capacity and productivity of all rail operations, and acts in detriment of Australia’s economy, society and environment.” said Mr Nye.

Whilst a small segment of the Australian rail network has been upgraded to more modern technology, the great majority of the network is based on old signalling equipment.

With the rapid increase in rail use, the nation desperately needs a single Australian Digital Train Control System to underpin urban and regional passenger services as well as inter-capital and regional freight operations.

The ADTCS would ensure each train driver has only one digital screen and one radio microphone. This will set the pillars on which rail builds its future.

This kind of world class technology is already in operation in Europe and China and is being adopted in the US, India and South East Asia. Australia must adopt the ADTCS now.

“We call for Commonwealth and State governments to work together with our industry to bring Australian rail back into the 21st century.” concluded Mr Nye.

- Article taken from Transport & Logistics News