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
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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: |
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. |
