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Project

Rail Service Improvement Program

PROJECT STATUS
Under Delivery
Rail Service Improvement Program

The Rail Service Improvement Program includes the upgrading of infrastructure across the T2 Leppington & Inner West Line, the T4 Eastern Suburbs & Illawarra Line, the T8 Airport and South Line, and the South Coast Line. These upgrades includes the Digital Systems Program, which will replace existing signally and train control technology with new systems.

The program was previously known as More Trains More Services. Stage One of the More Trains, More Services program  was completed in 2019.

 

Key Dates

Dec 2016 Project Announcement

Funding contributions

NSW Government

The 2025-26 NSW Budget outlined that $4.1 billion had been spent since the project's commencement in 2016. The FY2025-26 allocation was $285 million, with $1.5 billion allocated over the forward estimates.

Procurement

Procuring Agency: Transport for NSW
Successful Tenderer: Central to Hurstville - John Holland and Jacobs Mortdale to Kiama - Laing O’Rourke & KBR

PROJECT HISTORY

Dec 2016 Stage Two of the project was announced by the NSW Government.
Nov 2017 Stage One completed with 1,500 extra weekly train services added to the network
May 2020 Contracts for works from Central Station to Hurstville and Mortdale to Kiama were awarded by NSW Government.
Jul 2020 Infrastructure Australia releases their Project Business Case Evaluation Summary for Stage Two.
Nov 2020 2020-21 NSW Budget alllocated $2.8 billion over the next four years, including $824 million in 2020-21, for More Trains, More Services.
Jun 2021 The 2021-22 NSW Budget committed $3.1 billion over next four years, including $1.1 billion in FY2021-22 for the program.
Jun 2021 Stage Two Digital Systems Program construction commenced on the Sutherland to Cronulla section of the T4 line.
Nov 2022 Transport for NSW opened a Request for Tenders process for Signalling Construction Manager Services on Stage 2 and Stage 3A projects, closing 18 November.
Oct 2024 An adjusted train timetable was introduced to to integrate Sydney Metro City & Southwest with Sydney’s train network and support the closure of the T3 Bankstown Line between Sydenham and Bankstown.
Jun 2025 The 2025-26 NSW Budget outlined that $4.1 billion had been spent since the project's commencement in 2016. The FY2025-26 allocation was $285 million, with $1.5 billion allocated over the forward estimates.
Sector
Rail
Procurement approach
Traditional Procurement | Unconfirmed |
Location
New South Wales |
Resources
Government resources
TfNSW Infrastructure Pipeline 2024
2020 Infrastructure Priority List
2020/07/31 IA Project BC Summary Stage Two
Media releases
2020/08/05 - IA Australia Pipeline
Other
MTMS Stage Two notification of potential EOI
MTMS Stage Two EOI for Pre-Qualification
Tender notices
RFT - Signalling Construction Manager Service - Stages 2 and 3A
Project pages
Rail Service Improvement Program
Major Contract

Rail Service Improvement Program – Central to Hurstville Capital Works

PROJECT STATUS
Under Delivery
Rail Service Improvement Program – Central to Hurstville Capital Works

The civil works undertaken as part of the Rail Service Improvement Program will see essential upgrades to rail infrastructure including stabling yards, signalling, track, station platforms and power supply at key locations between Central, the T8 Airport Line tunnel and Hurstville. The work will support the introduction of new suburban and intercity trains and allow more frequent train services on the T4 Illawarra, T8 Airport and South, and South Coast lines.

Projects within the program include:

  • Sydney Terminal Area Reconfiguration Project (in progress)
  • Mascot Power Supply Project (completed)
  • Mascot Station Access Upgrade Project (completed December 2023)
  • Wolli Creek Substation and T8 Line Power Supply Upgrade (completed)
  • Arncliffe Station Platform Canopy Extension (completed)
  • Arncliffe to Tempe Signalling Upgrade (in progress)
  • Hurstville Crossover Project (completed)
  • Kingsgrove to Beverly Hills Asset Rationalisation (completed February 2022)

Other capital works may also be included under the contract.

The contract was previously being delivered as part of the More Trains More Services program.

Key Dates

May 2020 Contract Award

Funding contributions

In November 2022, the NSW Government announced $180 million in extra funding for the upgrade of the rail network at Central Station. 

Procurement

Procuring Agency: Transport for NSW
Successful Tenderer: The Next Rail partnership comprising of John Holland & Jacobs

PROJECT HISTORY

Jul 2018 An industry briefing for the MTMS program and the related Digital Systems Program was held.
Dec 2018 Early Notification of Potential Upcoming Expression of Interest was issued.
Jun 2019 Expression of Interest for Pre-Qualification was issued.
May 2020 Contract for works from Central Station to Hurstville awarded.
Nov 2022 The NSW Government committed an additional $180 million to upgrades to the rail network at Central Station.
Sector
Rail
Procurement approach
Traditional Procurement | Unconfirmed |
Location
New South Wales |
Resources
Media releases
2016/12/01
2020/05/21
2022/11/04
Project pages
Sydney Terminal Area Reconfiguration Project
Arncliffe to Tempe Signalling Upgrade
Hurstville Crossover Project
Major Contract

Rail Service Improvement Program – Mortdale to Kiama Capital Works

PROJECT STATUS
Under Delivery
Rail Service Improvement Program – Mortdale to Kiama Capital Works

The civil works undertaken as part of the Rail Service Improvement program will see essential upgrades to rail infrastructure including stabling yards, signalling, track, station platforms and power supply at key locations between Mortdale and Kiama. The work will support the introduction of new suburban and intercity trains and allow more frequent train services on the T4 Illawarra and South Coast lines.

Projects:

  • Mortdale Maintenance Centre Upgrade (in progress)
  • Waterfall Stabling Yard and Platform Extension (completed)
  • Wollongong Stabling Yard and Platform Extension Project (completed May 2022)
  • Wollongong to Coniston Infrastructure Upgrade (in progress)
  • Thirroul Platform Extension Project (completed September 2023)
  • Bellambi Platform Extension Project (completed October 2021)
  • Coniston Station Infrastructure Upgrade (competed June 2024)
  • Port Kembla Platform Extension (completed January 2023)
  • Dapto Station Extension (completed May 2023)
  • Shellharbour Junction Station (completed April 2023)
  • Kiama Platform Extension Project (completed September 2023)
  • Albion Park Infrastructure Upgrade (completed February 2024)
  • Spring Hill Infrastructure Upgrade (completed February 2024)
  • Croom Infrastructure Upgrade (completed February 2024)
  • Kembla Grange Infrastructure Upgrade (completed September 2023)

Other capital works may also be included under the contract.

The contract was previously being delivered as part of the More Trains More Services program.

Key Dates

May 2020 Contract Award

Procurement

Procuring Agency: Transport for NSW
Successful Tenderer: Tomorrow Partnership comprising of Laing O’Rourke & KBR

PROJECT HISTORY

Jul 2018 An industry briefing for the MTMS program and the related Digital Systems Program was held.
Dec 2018 Early Notification of Potential Upcoming Expression of Interest was issued.
Dec 2019 Expression of Interest for Pre-Qualification was issued.
May 2020 Contract for works from Central Station to Hurstville awarded.
Jun 2021 Final works on concept development and signalling detailed design were finalised by WSP to support the rollout of the new intercity fleet.
Aug 2021 The NSW Government announced additional works to be undertaken. Improvements to Dapto and Shellharbour Junction stations will be made, including extending platforms, lighting, line markings and tactile paving work to improve safety, and upgrades to signalling, overhead wiring and a new maintenance facility at Dapto.
Sector
Rail
Procurement approach
Traditional Procurement | Unconfirmed |
Location
New South Wales |
Resources
Media releases
2020/05/21
2016/12/01
2021/08/16
2021/08/16
Project pages
Mortdale Maintenance Centre Upgrade
Major Contract

Rail Service Improvement Program – Digital Systems Program Tranche Two

PROJECT STATUS
Under Delivery
Rail Service Improvement Program – Digital Systems Program Tranche Two

The Digital Systems Program, part of the Rail Service Improvement Program, will replace current signalling and train control technology with modern systems. It aims to improve reliability, increase capacity and enhance customer experience on Sydney’s railways.

The Digital Systems Program consists of three main elements:

  • replacing traditional trackside signalling equipment with the latest ‘in cab’ train control technology (European Train Control System Level Two)
  • implementing Automatic Train Operation, which assists drivers – who remain in control – to provide reduced and more consistent journey times, and
  • introducing a Traffic Management System to help the railway recover from any disruption quickly and manage the overall network as effectively as possible.

Tranche Two will cover the North Shore, City Circle, City Area and Sydney Terminal. 

The project was previously part of the More Trains More Services program.

Funding contributions

Funding for the project is included in the Rail Service Improvement Program funding envelope.

Procurement

Procuring Agency: Transport for NSW
Related contracts:
Supply - ETCS Level 2
Successful Tenderer - Siemens Mobility

PROJECT HISTORY

2018 The NSW Government allocated over $800 million towards Tranche One of the Program, which involves developing, testing and validating Digital Systems on parts of the T4 Line, from Sutherland to Cronulla and from Bondi Junction to Erskineville.
Jun 2022 The 2022-23 NSW Budget allocated $661 million to the Tranche Two of the project over four years, including $108 million in FY2022-23. The funding is conditional and will deliver planning and enabling works on the signalling and train control system to replace the conventional signalling assets that are approaching life expiry on the busiest parts of the rail network, covering the North Shore, City Circle, City Area and Sydney Terminal.
Oct 2025 Siemens Mobility were awarded the contract to design, supply and test the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2, as part of the Digital Systems Program Tranche 2.
Estimated Total Cost
(2022)
Sector
Rail
Procurement approach
Unconfirmed |
Location
New South Wales |
Resources
Media releases
2025/10/24 - ETCS Supply
Project pages
Transport for NSW
Major Contract

Rail Service Improvement Program – Digital Systems Program - Tranche One

PROJECT STATUS
Under Delivery
Rail Service Improvement Program – Digital Systems Program - Tranche One

The Digital Systems Program, part of the Rail Service Improvement Program, will replace current signalling and train control technology with modern systems. It aims to improve reliability, increase capacity and enhance customer experience on Sydney’s railways.

The Digital Systems Program consists of three main elements:

  • replacing traditional trackside signalling equipment with the latest ‘in cab’ train control technology (European Train Control System Level Two)
  • implementing Automatic Train Operation, which assists drivers – who remain in control – to provide reduced and more consistent journey times, and
  • introducing a Traffic Management System to help the railway recover from any disruption quickly and manage the overall network as effectively as possible.

Tranche One covers parts of the T4 line, from Sutherland to Cronulla and from Bondi Junction to Erskineville. 

The delivery of Tranche One has been divided up into two deployment areas: 

  • Deployment Area 1A: Sutherland to Cronulla, currently under delivery by Siemens Mobility Ptd Ltd, and 
  • Deployment Area 1B: Bondi Junction to Erskineville, currently under delivery by Alstom. 

Siemens Mobility Pty Ltd will also introduce and maintain the Traffic Management System (TMS).

Also included in Tranche One is the Control Centre Project. This involves the replacement of existing signalling and train control systems at Homebush and Sydenham, and is being delivered by Abergeldie.

The project was previously part of the More Trains More Services program.

Key Dates

2019 Procurement of supplier packages begin
Nov 2020 Contract Award
Jun 2021 Construction Commencement - Digital Signals Upgrade T4 Line
Sep 2021 Contract Award - Bondi Junction to Erskineville

Funding contributions

Funding for the project is included in the Rail Service Improvement Program funding envelope.

Procurement

Procuring Agency: Transport for NSW
Successful Tenderer: Sutherland to Cronulla Deployment Area 1A - Siemens Mobility Ptd Ltd Bondi Junction to Erskineville Deployment Area 1B - Alstom
Related contracts:
Sydenham Control Centre and Homebush Control Centre Upgrade
Successful Tenderer - Abergeldie

System Integrator
Successful Tenderer - Network Rail Consulting

Traffic Management System
Successful Tenderer - Siemens Pty Ltd

PROJECT HISTORY

Dec 2018 Network Rail Consulting was awarded the System Integrator contract. System Integrator is also set to assist with procurement of major supplier packages.
Jun 2019 TfNSW issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) seeking suppliers to deliver a Trackside Package under a Trackside Package Agreement.
Nov 2020 Siemens Mobility Pty Ltd awarded contract for Digital Systems Program Deployment Stage 1 comprising the deployment of European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2 for both, Sutherland to Cronulla (Deployment Stage 1A) and Redfern to Bondi Junction (Deployment Stage 1B), as well as visibility, via the conventional signalling system, of the remaining areas of the T4 line. Deployment Stage 1B would later change to Erskineville to Bondi Junction and be awarded to Alstom. Siemens retains the Traffic Management System (TMS) contract.
Mar 2021 Early works commenced on the Digital Signals Upgrade on the T4 Line between Cronulla and Sutherland.
Jun 2021 Construction commenced on the Digital Signals Upgrade on the T4 Line between Cronulla and Sutherland.
Sep 2021 Alstom Transport Australia Pty Ltd contract award notice posted for Digital Systems Program for Deployment Area 1B (Erskineville to Bondi Junction).
Nov 2025 The NSW Government announced that testing is underway on the T4 Illawarra & Eastern Suburbs Line between Sutherland and Cronulla, with Erskineville to Bondi Junction planned to start testing from late 2025.
Sector
Rail
Procurement approach
Unconfirmed |
Location
New South Wales |
Resources
Government resources
2021/09/24 Contract Award Notice Alstom
2021/06/24 Trackside Agreement Alstom
2021/09/24 Contract Award Notice Siemens Mobility
Media releases
2021/09/15 Alstom contract award
Project pages
Transport for NSW
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