The Digital Systems Program will replace current signalling and train control technology with modern, intelligent systems. It will help improve reliability, increase capacity and enhance customer experience on Sydney’s railways.
Part of More Trains, More Services Stage Two, 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.
Digital Systems will help achieve the vision of transport for NSW's Future Transport 2056 agenda, enabling an increase in capacity across the railway network to meet future demand, and provide reduced journey times and enhanced real-time information.
The first stage of the Program involves developing, testing and validating Digital Systems on parts of the T4 Line, from Sutherland to Cronulla and from Bondi Junction to Redfern.
Digital Systems Facility
A new Digital Systems Facility will be built at the existing Chullora Rail Centre to support the integration of future technologies across the Sydney Trains network.
The facility will allow new digital technologies to be tested and integrated in a simulated environment without disruptions to the rail network and provide learning and development areas for staff.
Key Dates
| 2019 | Procurement of supplier packages begin |
| Mar 2021 | Construction Commencement - Digital Signals Upgrade T4 Line |
| Jan 2023 | Expected Construction Completion |
Funding contributions
| NSW Government | |
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In 2018, the NSW Government allocated over $800 million towards the first stage of the the Digital Systems Program.
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Procurement
| Procuring Agency: | Transport for NSW |
| Related contracts: |
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. |
| Nov 2019 | EOI was issued for the Digital Systems Facility. |
| Oct 2020 | The NSW Government opened a Market Sounding process for an Advanced Train Management System and European Train Control System Level Two ‘interoperability solution’ for the Digital Systems Program, closing on 6 November. |
| Mar 2021 | The NSW Government awarded a set of contracts worth $110 million in total for digital systems upgrade on the T4 line between Sutherland and Cronulla. |
| Mar 2021 | Construction commenced on the Digital Signals Upgrade on the T4 Line between Cronulla and Sutherland. |
| Sep 2021 | Transport for NSW awarded a Trackside Package contract, valued at $54 million, to Alstom, covering European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2 deployment for Erskineville to Bondi Junction section. The contract included delivery and integration testing, including design, supply, install, configure, test, commissioning, training, bringing to service and handover of the signalling. |
