Western Australia’s government has submitted to Infrastructure Australia the plans to replace Perth’s ageing train signalling network with a high-tech automatic digital version, enabling more frequent services for Metronet.
The national authorities elaborated an Automatic Train Control (ATC) business case as the ATC is an important part of making the most of Perth’s existing and future rail infrastructure.
The document is a key step in government’s plans to increase federal funding for local infrastructure projects. “The McGowan Government continues to press the case for more Federal funding for WA infrastructure projects and putting our plans to Infrastructure Australia is a key part of that. Automatic Train Control is an exciting project that allows for future capacity growth and will give passengers more frequent, reliable, safe and punctual train operations,” Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said.
ATC will revolutionise the way the rail network operates, gradually replacing the ageing signalling network with a modern state-of-the-art digital version. ATC will be particularly important as Metronet projects are built and with patronage on the Transperth network forecast to double by 2031.
The new system will enable more trains to travel more frequently on the rail network and reduce the number of signals and other trackside equipment needed – increasing system reliability and reducing field maintenance requirements.
In September 2017, the government committed AUD 7.4 million (USD 5.2 million) over two years to plan for the new signalling system for use on the Transperth network.
Metronet in Perth’s transport strategy envisaging 13 railway projects which will transform the way citizens will travel.
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