RISSB Connect Edition 56, March 2024

Nominations extended for the Rail Safety Awards

We are excited to announce that we have extended the nomination deadline for this years Rail Safety Awards till Friday April 12 2024. We want to ensure that all the people and organisations making a difference to safety in rail, have the chance to be celebrated and recognised. 

Find out more information and how to nominate someone by visiting our website here.

General news

Australian Government reforming public transport to make travel accessible for all

The Australian Government is reforming disability standards to help make public transport more accessible. This major reform to the Transport Standards is the first since they were introduced over 20 years ago.

The new standards will improve accessibility and support independent travel for a range of users across the transport network.

People will be able to plan and undertake their journeys with a greater level of certainty, as they will soon be able to get information in accessible formats including timetables and updates about disruptions in a way that meets best practice design principles for accessibility.

Find out more by visiting the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts website here.  

Products

Call for Public Consultation – AS 7510.2 Braking systems – Part 2: Hauled Rolling Stock

The review of AS 7510.2 Braking systems – Part 2: Hauled Rolling Stock is now open for a 60 day Public Consultation.

AS 7510.2 Braking systems – Part 2: Hauled Rolling Stock has been significantly updated from the previous version to reflect current offerings from different brake system suppliers and the different methodologies used across jurisdictions for braking system selection.

This updated Standard will help RIMs and RSOs with a consistent approach to brake system selection enhancing national interoperability and harmonisation.

For more information and how to comment on the draft, please visit our website here. Comments must be received by Monday, May 20 2024.

Training and events

RISSB attends the National Transport Commission Industry Forum

Last week, we had the opportunity to hear about the National Transport Commission's (NTC) 2024 work program at the National Transport Commission Industry Forum.

Industry experts shared the details of the NTC’s forward work program and priorities for rail, road, heavy vehicles and automated vehicles.

We heard about how the NTC is planning to deepen their engagement with industry, unions, peak bodies and the community, to get earlier insight into the issues that are getting in the way of a safer, more productive and sustainable transport system. The forum shed a light on the importance of regulatory and reform settings, to the future of  Australia's transport sector.

An exclusive look at NTRO’s integrated laboratory and headquarters

Last week, some of our senior RISSB staff members were given a tour of the world leading National Transport Research Organisation's (NRTO) integrated laboratory and headquarters at Port Melbourne.

During our visit, we had the opportunity to share work programs and start conversations about collaboration and knowledge sharing. We met NTRO's Rail team led by the Executive Director of Rail, Natalie (Tilly) Loughborough.

Thank you to NTRO for hosting RISSB. We left with a better understanding of where we can collaborate to improve the safety and productivity of the Australian rail industry.