12 Nov 2024
Australian rail industry moves towards national standards
The Harmonisation of Rail Standards Research Report outlines the case for consistent national standards which could save billions of dollars by streamlining standards, technologies and processes for operating the rail network.
“Twenty years ago, industry established RISSB to support the harmonisation of standards, however, it clearly will take more than voluntary efforts to drive the required reform,” said Damien White, CEO of RISSB.
“RISSB is working in partnership with the Australasian Railway Association (ARA), National Transport Commission (NTC) and Office of National Rail Industry Coordination (ONRIC) towards a national approach to harmonising standards and greater interoperability to support an efficient, safe and productive rail industry.
“This jointly funded report reaffirms the value of consistent standards where valuable to do so and suggests mechanisms to deliver the desired outcomes.”
By adopting a national approach to procurement and harmonising standards, and improving interoperability, we will have a more competitive and innovative rail industry, ensuring more value for taxpayers in government procurement outcomes.
The report provides an important body of evidence to support Australia’s harmonisation journey and examines current barriers in the way of achieving a more competitive and sustainable Australian rail industry.
It outlines the detrimental impact of differing standards across several critical areas including operational interoperability, economies of scale for suppliers, type approval processes, decarbonisation efforts, safety, technology adoption and labour mobility.
The report makes it clear that without harmonised standards, the rail industry will continue to face inefficiencies, higher costs and missed opportunities.
Prepared by GHD Advisory, it outlines several recommendations, with supporting legislation, to streamline standards, technologies and processes for operating the rail network.
The report recommends the establishment of a National Rail Standards Harmonisation Strategy, overseen by a dedicated national body and developed in conjunction with industry stakeholders, as a crucial first step.
The report provides several recommendations including:
- the resourcing and capability needed for a fit for purpose national standard setting organisation
- the role of Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR) to be modified
- the relevance of international standards to be evaluated before developing Australian standards
- co-regulation remains for any standard not considered ‘high-benefit’ enough to be mandated
- establishing a legal mechanism to allow RIMs and RSOs to facilitate transition to a mandatory standards regime
- undertaking a cost-benefit analysis for specific standards to inform transition cost support
- conducting an internal audit of RIMs and RSOs standards.
The report does not suggest that standards need to be harmonised across the board, but rather initiatives should only focus on high benefit areas of standards such as Train Control Command and Signalling, Rollingstock Components and Approvals, Type Approval (TA) and Telematics Applications for Freight Service.
RISSB, and our partners are now considering the recommendations of the report to determine next steps.