25 Oct 2022
New Research Calls For Streamlined Rail Industry Type Approvals
New research commissioned by the Australasian Railway Association (ARA) and Rail Industry Safety and Standards Board (RISSB) has found inefficient type approval (TA) processes are costing the rail industry $230 million per year, and a national approach is needed to streamline the process.
The research by Synergies Economic Consulting reviewed the range of type approval processes used across the country and identified opportunities to improve outcomes.
The report found industry and governments can save time and money by adopting a more nationally consistent standardised process.
ARA Chief Executive Officer Caroline Wilkie said the collaborative project highlighted the inefficiencies faced by the rail industry and confirmed the need to review and harmonise type approval processes.
“This research addresses key actions in the ARA’s Rail Supply Chain Blueprint, which recommended developing a clearer understanding of the impact of current type approval processes,” Ms Wilkie said.
“The findings provide a clear pathway to achieving a national approach to support improved efficiency in the rail industry.”
RISSB Chief Executive Officer Damien White welcomed the findings of the report.
“The report findings are compelling. If we’re going to encourage innovation in our industry then our approvals processes have to support it; this report points to potentially significant gains in efficiencies and savings,” Mr White said.
“Now’s the time to move away from legacy systems and work practices and embrace a national standardised approach.”
Type approvals confirm a product used in a specific rail network meets the operators’ requirements and is fit for purpose.
RISSB developed the standard AS 7702 – Rail Equipment Type Approval in 2014 (and it is currently being updated) to provide a common framework to evaluate TAs for railway products.
However, there are still differences in how this approval process is managed by individual rail operators.
The current approach makes mutual recognition difficult, regardless of whether something has been approved or is in use by other jurisdictions or organisations.
The research found the current TA process adds complexity for industry, requiring multiple sets of documentation, studies, trials and evaluations to approve one product across different jurisdictions or rail networks.
It recommended a streamlined approach for existing products to allow for a focus on the assessment on products and technologies that make a material change to rail operations.
This would support the adoption of innovation while maintaining a strong focus on quality and safety.
The findings will help inform RISSB’s current review of Australian Standard 7702 Rail Equipment Type Approval.
To view the report, click here.
Further information
Joeley Pettit
Director Corporate Affairs, Passenger Rail and Sustainability
Australasian Railway Association
0407 061 421, jpettit@ara.net.au
Jennifer Willcock
Communications Manager
Rail Industry Safety and Standards Board (RISSB)
0455 556 287, jwillcock@rissb.com.au