Harmonising rail standards for a safer, more efficient future

GHD Advisory developed a comprehensive report, jointly funded by the Australasian Railway Association (ARA), National Transport Commission (NTC), Office of National Rail Industry Coordination (ONRIC), and the Rail Industry Safety and Standards Board (RISSB). This research highlights the need for consistent national standards in the rail industry, which could lead to significant savings—potentially billions of dollars—by fostering a more efficient, safer and productive sector.

Currently, the Australian rail industry is hindered by a fragmented network, comprising 29 separate systems, each with different standards and practices. The Harmonisation of Rail Standards Research Report outlines initiatives to streamline standards, technologies and processes for the rail network. It proposes establishing a national body to develop a National Rail Standards Harmonisation Strategy in collaboration with industry stakeholders, focusing on enhancing operational interoperability and improving type approval processes. These efforts point to better economies of scale for suppliers, increase safety and reduce training costs. The research supports the National Rail Action Plan (NRAP) and the development of a National Rail Standards Framework, prioritised by Australian transport ministers.

Harmonised standards also facilitates the adoption of new technologies and supports decarbonisation by boosting rail's mode share as the industry works toward net-zero emissions.

The report provides a thorough analysis of interoperability challenges and prioritises key harmonisation areas. It is vital for the industry and government to collaborate to reduce costs and inefficiencies, enabling a more sustainable and safer rail network.

This report also sheds light on the barriers limiting rail's role in the economy and highlights significant variations in specifications and procurement processes that hinder efficiency. It stresses the industry's recognition that mandating key standards is essential for overcoming these challenges, drawing parallels with the European Union's approach to interoperability.

“The harmonisation of standards will enable the rail industry to reap the full benefits of the record $155 billion investment in public rail infrastructure over the next 15 years. By adopting a national approach to procurement, harmonising standards, and improving interoperability we will have a more efficient, competitive, innovative and safe rail industry, ensuring more value for taxpayers in government procurement outcomes.” said Caroline Wilkie, Chief Executive Officer, ARA.

“This project is testament to our ability to provide a full spectrum of services for our clients elevating our brand to the highest levels of industry and Government. Forewords from the National Transport Commission, the Office of Rail Industry Coordination, Rail Safety and Standards Board and the Australasian Railway Associations talk to the significance of this study and the direction it firmly points us in. This advice is built on a firm base of research, stakeholder engagement, economic analysis and lived experiences, thanks to our fantastic team, Oliver Friendship, Rimi Shoga, James Mackay and David Norman.“ Tristan Anderson, Executive Advisor, GHD Advisory.

GHD Advisory provides technical and commercial consulting services that create sustainable economic outcomes for those who own, design, and operate infrastructure and manage the world’s resources. We work with our clients and industry leaders to redefine challenges, drive value and create competitive advantage in the areas of water, energy and urbanisation. Our diverse and talented team supports clients through the business lifecycle from capital deployment to business resilience and optimisation choices, for the purpose of value creation. Drawing on the global expertise of GHD’s 11,000+ engineering, architectural, environmental and consulting professionals to unlock opportunity and support key decisions.