RAIL - Back On Track Forum

Quote from: verbatim9 on March 09, 2020, 12:21:44 PM
Looks like ETCS signalling implementation and upgrades will be implemented along the Northern corridor with planned closures in the coming months. This is stated on Translink's planned closure updates.

Yes I noticed this at the end of March re Shorncliffe line.  it was noted in the planned closures that Translink publishes.

Quote from: SurfRail on May 18, 2020, 09:18:29 AM
As I understand it ETCS will be in place for Shorncliffe plus the entirety of the network (existing and CRR) between Northgate, Milton and Park Road / Dutton Park.  I've read there is a bit of concern about this from a technical perspective given the number of signalling system "handovers" that need to happen when you enter and leave ETCS territory, as our installation is apparently more complex than most others around the world.

Is airport line already ETCS? If not that would be an obvious second choice to roll it out to right?

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

No ETCS L1 or L2 on the suburban network at present.

Yes, there is a bit of worry if the ETCS L2 can be successfully implemented.  We saw what happened with RPL signalling (not ETCS) but lots of interfacing issues because they got a different system than the rest of the network.  They really are fukwits at times.

ETCS L2 signalling from Dutton Park to Salisbury is also planned.

Quote from: timh on May 18, 2020, 11:27:43 AM

Quote from: SurfRail on May 18, 2020, 09:18:29 AM
As I understand it ETCS will be in place for Shorncliffe plus the entirety of the network (existing and CRR) between Northgate, Milton and Park Road / Dutton Park.  I've read there is a bit of concern about this from a technical perspective given the number of signalling system "handovers" that need to happen when you enter and leave ETCS territory, as our installation is apparently more complex than most others around the world.

Is airport line already ETCS? If not that would be an obvious second choice to roll it out to right?

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

On doing some further reading I'm not sure if it is intended to be delivered between Roma Street and Dutton Park via South Bank.  It should, but DTMR and doing the right thing rarely coincide.

Rail Express --> Upgrading the heart of the Brisbane's rail system

QuoteThe implementation of ETCS on the South East Queensland network highlights the many benefits of modern signalling systems.

In major capital cities, transport operators are looking to get more and more out of their assets as populations grow and the demand for sustainable mobility increases. In many cases, the rail systems that have formed the backbone for public transport have been upgraded with new, modern signalling systems to bring trains closer together and increase the frequency and volume of services.

Brisbane has been no exception and is currently beginning the implementation of European Train Control System (ETCS) as part of the Cross River Rail (CRR) project. However, as Simon Cook, project director ETCS at CRR highlights, there is more than one reason why modern signalling is being rolled out.

"The interesting thing with ETCS and this project is that it is delivering a range of benefits for different people and organisations," said Cook.

Cook lists three main goals for the system, safety, capacity and reliability, which reflect the priorities of the different agencies involved in the project.

"For Queensland Rail safety and reliability would be the top two things, for the Department of Transport and Main Roads – who is the project sponsor and has responsibility for the overall network and how to manage the patronage increases – capacity and reliability are front of mind."

When addressing the goal of safety, the deployment of ETCS on the Brisbane network, both in the newly constructed tunnel and on the inner-city network between Northgate and Milton stations, allows for a major upgrade in safety systems.

"The current signalling has been in place for a long time, so bringing in a modern signalling system with automatic train protection is really important as the number of trains and customers on the network increases," said Cook.

Cook highlights that reducing the occurrence of signals passed at danger (SPADs) is one example where the network will directly benefit.

"A SPAD is very disruptive as well as having potential safety implications and it's one of the key safety metrics of railways. "If you've got automatic train protection so the train will brake to prevent overspeed or avoid exceeding movement authority, then that's an absolute gamechanger and with a good train management system and an in-cab signalling system for drivers then it's a smoother, more reliable journey for customers as well."

To address the second goal of capacity, the deployment of ETCS is about futureproofing the Brisbane and South-East Queensland network.

"The Queensland Rail network hasn't seen the same level of growth over the past five years as other states, but it has lifted over the last year. ETCS and the CRR project has been put in because of the really big growth that's forecast in patronage on the Gold Coast line and the Sunshine Coast line."

Based on 2019 census figures, the City of Brisbane and the Gold Coast added the largest number of people for any local government area in Australia.

The final goal is reliability, an area where Cook highlights Brisbane's rail network can become more efficient and meet international benchmarks.

"There are ageing assets on the network and you could just keep replacing like for like but the deployment of ETCS was a really good opportunity to bring assets up to a new standard to really drive up some increases in performance and reliability."

Ultimately, ETCS will allow for automatic train operation through the new tunnel, simplifying one of the most complex parts of the South East Queensland rail network. Ensuring reliability here will lead to benefits on other lines.

"What we don't want to do in Queensland is end up with a situation where we've got a range of bespoke signalling systems, so we are really keen to stick to a standardised approach spreading across our network and operators, and that's the reason for selecting ETCS," said Cook.

FIRST DEPLOYMENT

The ETCS project officially roared to life at the tail end of 2019 when Hitachi was announced as the successful tenderer for the ETCS systems. The $634 million project was initially a standalone upgrade to the network under the auspices of Queensland Rail, however in 2018 the project was moved to the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority, and is now one of three works packages, along with the Tunnels, Stations, and Development project and the Rail, Integration and Systems project.

According to Cook, ETCS sits alongside the two other packages, and while construction has begun on CRR, ETCS has begun its staged approach to implementation.

"Signalling is the absolute heart of the railway system and any change to that system is going to be potentially disruptive for customers, for maintenance crews who have to learn completely new equipment, and for rail traffic crew and signallers who have to learn a completely new system. You don't take that on lightly, and the change task is probably bigger than the technology task so the way that we're going about it is a staged approach."

The first program of testing will be carried out on the Shorncliffe line. The line was chosen to be a test track due to its lower patronage and separation from the rest of the network. Preparations are underway to fit out Queensland Rail's 160 and 260 series trains.

"We are finalising the preliminary design for the Shorncliffe line and starting off detailed design next month for the first fleet of trains," said Cook.

"The idea with using the Shorncliffe line as a pilot area is that we can test our trains there along with the other technologies that we're going to see in the tunnel at opening. Platform screen doors are another bit of equipment that will be new to the Queensland Rail network so we can either simulate or even install small sections of platform screen doors on the Shorncliffe line and check the integration with the trains and the signalling all work."

DELIVERING FOR THE END USER

Cook says that for him and his team within the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority (CRRDA), their aim is to ensure the systems that Hitachi provides fit with the Queensland network.

"For me as project director and my team, we're fairly agnostic over the actual technology, but we're here to deliver the right system at the right time for Queensland Rail and for the DTMR."

This has been done so far through the colocation of the CRRDA and Queensland Rail teams and operational readiness work beginning at the outset.

"Operational readiness lessons are something that we picked up from looking at other projects," said Cook. "You can't start too early on that. You need to really understand the whole change that's going to come to the railway through this, so a lot of effort is on focusing on training package, design, consultation with the train crew and signallers on what the changes will mean for them, and of course looking forward to the design for the rest of the network."

Although there are no other operational examples of automatic train operation over ETCS on passenger rail in Australia, Cook has looked to overseas project for lessons about ensuring that the CRRDA is not only looking from an engineer's perspective but an end-user's view of how the system will work.

"I've spent a bit of time learning about Thameslink in the UK, which did take a bit of settling down, but there are certainly a few really good takeaways there from an operational perspective; understanding how they worked with their train crew, the teething troubles they had and understanding how train drivers and other operational staff will really interact with the system."

Queensland Rail have contributed to the design of human factors along the project, and will continue to take on board the views of front line staff.

"At the end of the day they're the people that will be driving these trains and they're the people that will be controlling the signalling, so it has to be right for them," said Cook.

Quote from: ozbob on July 13, 2020, 13:52:15 PM
Rail Express --> Upgrading the heart of the Brisbane's rail system

QuoteThe implementation of ETCS on the South East Queensland network highlights the many benefits of modern signalling systems.

In major capital cities, transport operators are looking to get more and more out of their assets as populations grow and the demand for sustainable mobility increases. In many cases, the rail systems that have formed the backbone for public transport have been upgraded with new, modern signalling systems to bring trains closer together and increase the frequency and volume of services.

Brisbane has been no exception and is currently beginning the implementation of European Train Control System (ETCS) as part of the Cross River Rail (CRR) project. However, as Simon Cook, project director ETCS at CRR highlights, there is more than one reason why modern signalling is being rolled out.

"The interesting thing with ETCS and this project is that it is delivering a range of benefits for different people and organisations," said Cook.

Cook lists three main goals for the system, safety, capacity and reliability, which reflect the priorities of the different agencies involved in the project.

"For Queensland Rail safety and reliability would be the top two things, for the Department of Transport and Main Roads – who is the project sponsor and has responsibility for the overall network and how to manage the patronage increases – capacity and reliability are front of mind."

When addressing the goal of safety, the deployment of ETCS on the Brisbane network, both in the newly constructed tunnel and on the inner-city network between Northgate and Milton stations, allows for a major upgrade in safety systems.

"The current signalling has been in place for a long time, so bringing in a modern signalling system with automatic train protection is really important as the number of trains and customers on the network increases," said Cook.

Cook highlights that reducing the occurrence of signals passed at danger (SPADs) is one example where the network will directly benefit.

"A SPAD is very disruptive as well as having potential safety implications and it's one of the key safety metrics of railways. "If you've got automatic train protection so the train will brake to prevent overspeed or avoid exceeding movement authority, then that's an absolute gamechanger and with a good train management system and an in-cab signalling system for drivers then it's a smoother, more reliable journey for customers as well."

To address the second goal of capacity, the deployment of ETCS is about futureproofing the Brisbane and South-East Queensland network.

"The Queensland Rail network hasn't seen the same level of growth over the past five years as other states, but it has lifted over the last year. ETCS and the CRR project has been put in because of the really big growth that's forecast in patronage on the Gold Coast line and the Sunshine Coast line."

Based on 2019 census figures, the City of Brisbane and the Gold Coast added the largest number of people for any local government area in Australia.

The final goal is reliability, an area where Cook highlights Brisbane's rail network can become more efficient and meet international benchmarks.

"There are ageing assets on the network and you could just keep replacing like for like but the deployment of ETCS was a really good opportunity to bring assets up to a new standard to really drive up some increases in performance and reliability."

Ultimately, ETCS will allow for automatic train operation through the new tunnel, simplifying one of the most complex parts of the South East Queensland rail network. Ensuring reliability here will lead to benefits on other lines.

"What we don't want to do in Queensland is end up with a situation where we've got a range of bespoke signalling systems, so we are really keen to stick to a standardised approach spreading across our network and operators, and that's the reason for selecting ETCS," said Cook.

FIRST DEPLOYMENT

The ETCS project officially roared to life at the tail end of 2019 when Hitachi was announced as the successful tenderer for the ETCS systems. The $634 million project was initially a standalone upgrade to the network under the auspices of Queensland Rail, however in 2018 the project was moved to the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority, and is now one of three works packages, along with the Tunnels, Stations, and Development project and the Rail, Integration and Systems project.

According to Cook, ETCS sits alongside the two other packages, and while construction has begun on CRR, ETCS has begun its staged approach to implementation.

"Signalling is the absolute heart of the railway system and any change to that system is going to be potentially disruptive for customers, for maintenance crews who have to learn completely new equipment, and for rail traffic crew and signallers who have to learn a completely new system. You don't take that on lightly, and the change task is probably bigger than the technology task so the way that we're going about it is a staged approach."

The first program of testing will be carried out on the Shorncliffe line. The line was chosen to be a test track due to its lower patronage and separation from the rest of the network. Preparations are underway to fit out Queensland Rail's 160 and 260 series trains.

"We are finalising the preliminary design for the Shorncliffe line and starting off detailed design next month for the first fleet of trains," said Cook.

"The idea with using the Shorncliffe line as a pilot area is that we can test our trains there along with the other technologies that we're going to see in the tunnel at opening. Platform screen doors are another bit of equipment that will be new to the Queensland Rail network so we can either simulate or even install small sections of platform screen doors on the Shorncliffe line and check the integration with the trains and the signalling all work."

DELIVERING FOR THE END USER

Cook says that for him and his team within the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority (CRRDA), their aim is to ensure the systems that Hitachi provides fit with the Queensland network.

"For me as project director and my team, we're fairly agnostic over the actual technology, but we're here to deliver the right system at the right time for Queensland Rail and for the DTMR."

This has been done so far through the colocation of the CRRDA and Queensland Rail teams and operational readiness work beginning at the outset.

"Operational readiness lessons are something that we picked up from looking at other projects," said Cook. "You can't start too early on that. You need to really understand the whole change that's going to come to the railway through this, so a lot of effort is on focusing on training package, design, consultation with the train crew and signallers on what the changes will mean for them, and of course looking forward to the design for the rest of the network."

Although there are no other operational examples of automatic train operation over ETCS on passenger rail in Australia, Cook has looked to overseas project for lessons about ensuring that the CRRDA is not only looking from an engineer's perspective but an end-user's view of how the system will work.

"I've spent a bit of time learning about Thameslink in the UK, which did take a bit of settling down, but there are certainly a few really good takeaways there from an operational perspective; understanding how they worked with their train crew, the teething troubles they had and understanding how train drivers and other operational staff will really interact with the system."

Queensland Rail have contributed to the design of human factors along the project, and will continue to take on board the views of front line staff.

"At the end of the day they're the people that will be driving these trains and they're the people that will be controlling the signalling, so it has to be right for them," said Cook.

There's talk of installing Platform screen doors on the Shorncliffe line in there. First Ive heard of it, but I'd be all for it!

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

Test installation only.

Quote from: SurfRail on May 18, 2020, 16:31:19 PM
On doing some further reading I'm not sure if it is intended to be delivered between Roma Street and Dutton Park via South Bank.  It should, but DTMR and doing the right thing rarely coincide.

It looks like the subs might be left with just 8tph post CRR, so no urgency if that is the case. However it would make sense to install ETCS on all tracks through the core for operational flexibility, including times of disruption.

Yes it would.  A pity they are not doing the entire Citytrain network.  I think there might be challenges with interfacing the two systems. 

Consider the signalling debacle with Kippa-Ring line and the rest of the network.  In terms of complexity this is orders of magnitude more difficult. 

"The best predictor of future behaviour is past behaviour"

I think on Paris RER A the switch to SACEM occurs at the last station before a branch joins to the core line (in other words just before the frequency increases). I'm sure there are enough examples of ETCS interfaces and switch over points, but does QLD ever learn from where things are done well?

Hope they do.  But I have heard from a number of ' sources ' that confidence is not overflowing re the ETCS project. 

Maybe some lessons learnt from the previous botches, and it might go a bit better < glass half full   

Quote from: timh on July 13, 2020, 13:57:36 PM

Quote from: ozbob on July 13, 2020, 13:52:15 PM
Rail Express --> Upgrading the heart of the Brisbane's rail system

QuoteThe implementation of ETCS on the South East Queensland network highlights the many benefits of modern signalling systems.

In major capital cities, transport operators are looking to get more and more out of their assets as populations grow and the demand for sustainable mobility increases. In many cases, the rail systems that have formed the backbone for public transport have been upgraded with new, modern signalling systems to bring trains closer together and increase the frequency and volume of services.

Brisbane has been no exception and is currently beginning the implementation of European Train Control System (ETCS) as part of the Cross River Rail (CRR) project. However, as Simon Cook, project director ETCS at CRR highlights, there is more than one reason why modern signalling is being rolled out.

"The interesting thing with ETCS and this project is that it is delivering a range of benefits for different people and organisations," said Cook.

Cook lists three main goals for the system, safety, capacity and reliability, which reflect the priorities of the different agencies involved in the project.

"For Queensland Rail safety and reliability would be the top two things, for the Department of Transport and Main Roads – who is the project sponsor and has responsibility for the overall network and how to manage the patronage increases – capacity and reliability are front of mind."

When addressing the goal of safety, the deployment of ETCS on the Brisbane network, both in the newly constructed tunnel and on the inner-city network between Northgate and Milton stations, allows for a major upgrade in safety systems.

"The current signalling has been in place for a long time, so bringing in a modern signalling system with automatic train protection is really important as the number of trains and customers on the network increases," said Cook.

Cook highlights that reducing the occurrence of signals passed at danger (SPADs) is one example where the network will directly benefit.

"A SPAD is very disruptive as well as having potential safety implications and it's one of the key safety metrics of railways. "If you've got automatic train protection so the train will brake to prevent overspeed or avoid exceeding movement authority, then that's an absolute gamechanger and with a good train management system and an in-cab signalling system for drivers then it's a smoother, more reliable journey for customers as well."

To address the second goal of capacity, the deployment of ETCS is about futureproofing the Brisbane and South-East Queensland network.

"The Queensland Rail network hasn't seen the same level of growth over the past five years as other states, but it has lifted over the last year. ETCS and the CRR project has been put in because of the really big growth that's forecast in patronage on the Gold Coast line and the Sunshine Coast line."

Based on 2019 census figures, the City of Brisbane and the Gold Coast added the largest number of people for any local government area in Australia.

The final goal is reliability, an area where Cook highlights Brisbane's rail network can become more efficient and meet international benchmarks.

"There are ageing assets on the network and you could just keep replacing like for like but the deployment of ETCS was a really good opportunity to bring assets up to a new standard to really drive up some increases in performance and reliability."

Ultimately, ETCS will allow for automatic train operation through the new tunnel, simplifying one of the most complex parts of the South East Queensland rail network. Ensuring reliability here will lead to benefits on other lines.

"What we don't want to do in Queensland is end up with a situation where we've got a range of bespoke signalling systems, so we are really keen to stick to a standardised approach spreading across our network and operators, and that's the reason for selecting ETCS," said Cook.

FIRST DEPLOYMENT

The ETCS project officially roared to life at the tail end of 2019 when Hitachi was announced as the successful tenderer for the ETCS systems. The $634 million project was initially a standalone upgrade to the network under the auspices of Queensland Rail, however in 2018 the project was moved to the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority, and is now one of three works packages, along with the Tunnels, Stations, and Development project and the Rail, Integration and Systems project.

According to Cook, ETCS sits alongside the two other packages, and while construction has begun on CRR, ETCS has begun its staged approach to implementation.

"Signalling is the absolute heart of the railway system and any change to that system is going to be potentially disruptive for customers, for maintenance crews who have to learn completely new equipment, and for rail traffic crew and signallers who have to learn a completely new system. You don't take that on lightly, and the change task is probably bigger than the technology task so the way that we're going about it is a staged approach."

The first program of testing will be carried out on the Shorncliffe line. The line was chosen to be a test track due to its lower patronage and separation from the rest of the network. Preparations are underway to fit out Queensland Rail's 160 and 260 series trains.

"We are finalising the preliminary design for the Shorncliffe line and starting off detailed design next month for the first fleet of trains," said Cook.

"The idea with using the Shorncliffe line as a pilot area is that we can test our trains there along with the other technologies that we're going to see in the tunnel at opening. Platform screen doors are another bit of equipment that will be new to the Queensland Rail network so we can either simulate or even install small sections of platform screen doors on the Shorncliffe line and check the integration with the trains and the signalling all work."

DELIVERING FOR THE END USER

Cook says that for him and his team within the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority (CRRDA), their aim is to ensure the systems that Hitachi provides fit with the Queensland network.

"For me as project director and my team, we're fairly agnostic over the actual technology, but we're here to deliver the right system at the right time for Queensland Rail and for the DTMR."

This has been done so far through the colocation of the CRRDA and Queensland Rail teams and operational readiness work beginning at the outset.

"Operational readiness lessons are something that we picked up from looking at other projects," said Cook. "You can't start too early on that. You need to really understand the whole change that's going to come to the railway through this, so a lot of effort is on focusing on training package, design, consultation with the train crew and signallers on what the changes will mean for them, and of course looking forward to the design for the rest of the network."

Although there are no other operational examples of automatic train operation over ETCS on passenger rail in Australia, Cook has looked to overseas project for lessons about ensuring that the CRRDA is not only looking from an engineer's perspective but an end-user's view of how the system will work.

"I've spent a bit of time learning about Thameslink in the UK, which did take a bit of settling down, but there are certainly a few really good takeaways there from an operational perspective; understanding how they worked with their train crew, the teething troubles they had and understanding how train drivers and other operational staff will really interact with the system."

Queensland Rail have contributed to the design of human factors along the project, and will continue to take on board the views of front line staff.

"At the end of the day they're the people that will be driving these trains and they're the people that will be controlling the signalling, so it has to be right for them," said Cook.

There's talk of installing Platform screen doors on the Shorncliffe line in there. First Ive heard of it, but I'd be all for it!

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

Quote from: ozbob on July 13, 2020, 14:10:25 PM
Test installation only.

Which stations have level platforms to install and test the screens? They might have a plan to install a small section of screens along the accessible boarding points of the platforms?

QuoteBased on 2019 census figures, the City of Brisbane and the Gold Coast added the largest number of people for any local government area in Australia.

I'd hope so, because they are the two largest.

Rail Express --> ETCS roll-out in Brisbane beginning with upgrades on the Shorncliffe line

QuoteThe installation of European Train Control Systems (ETCS) signalling equipment on Brisbane's Shorncliffe line has begun.

The Shorncliffe line is being used as a testing environment ahead of the rollout of ETCS on Brisbane's network as part of the Cross River Rail project.

Simon Cook, director program delivery at the Cross River Rail Deliver Authority said the Shorncliffe line was chosen as a test case due to its place within the network.

"Signalling assets on the Shorncliffe line are due for replacement in the next few years, making it a good fit with our rollout schedule for ETCS. The line is also away from the main line and the freight corridor, which means testing on this line will minimise impact on customers, and the overall network," said Cook.

When rolled out across the rest of the network, ETCS signalling will allow for more trains to run through the future core of the Brisbane network. ETCS will be installed in the new tunnel constructed as part of the Cross River Rail project, as well as on the inner-city network between Northgate and Milton stations.

Safety is also another reason for the installation of ETCS, as the continuous monitoring of a train's position, direction and speed enables safer operations.

Existing rollingstock are being fitted with the in-cab equipment at a new workshop in Redbank and trialling the equipment on a variety of rollingstock is part of the testing process, said Cook.

"Over the next two years, the project will move through several stages, from initial testing with first-of-class train fitment, through to full service delivery using a mix of rollingstock, so we will develop and prove installation, operations, reliability and maintenance on the Shorncliffe line."

Queensland Rail staff will also be trained on the new technology from later this year, with structured training for train crew and other roles to kick off in 2021.

Ultimately, installation on the Shorncliffe line is hoped to enable a smooth deployment as the technology is deployed elsewhere.

"Using the lessons learned from our Shorncliffe line trial will provide efficiencies in the design, installation and testing of subsequent areas," said Cook. "We will use our System Integration Lab as well as the pilot line to integrate and test a range of the systems that are planned for the CRR tunnel."

https://twitter.com/RailExpressNews/status/1319399891831930880

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/91480

Train safety project signals more Sunshine Coast jobs

16th February 2021

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey

The Sunshine Coast rail line is being fitted with new signalling technology to improve safety on the line.

About 60 workers are involved in the $43 million project to roll out European Train Control System (ETCS) level one technology between Caboolture and Gympie North.

The work is occurring ahead of major construction on stage one of the jointly-funded $550 million Sunshine Coast Rail Duplication project ramping up in the next 12 months.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the Queensland Rail project involved upgrading 130 signal equipment cubicles and installing 43 new equipment cubicles over 120 kilometres of track.

"Lead contractor Rail Control Systems Australia has more than 30 people working on this project out of Cooroy and they're employing electrical apprentices who receive on the job experience in railway signalling control systems," Mr Bailey said.

"RCSA has also brought on local subcontractors based here on the Sunshine Coast at Landsborough and Pelican Waters.

"Across the whole project, more than 60 jobs are being supported, including in trades such as electrical, signalling, engineering and traffic control."

Mr Bailey said the project was not only supporting local jobs, it was also gearing the North Coast rail line up for improved services between the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane ahead of Cross River Rail opening in 2025.

"Installing ETCS technology on the line means we'll be able to put the newer NGR class trains into services up to Gympie," Mr Bailey said.

"Integrating ETCS and Automatic Train Protection (ATP) systems along the line is also an important step in preparing for track duplication between Beerburrum and Landsborough.

"Once installation has been completed along the track and onboard trains, the new infrastructure will provide an engineering control to ensure trains stop before the red signal."

Member for Nicklin Robert Skelton said it's a great win for local jobs and local commuters.

"This is all about supporting jobs, especially apprentices," Mr Skelton said.

"Down the track, the upgrades will also see more modern trains able to operate in our region which will be welcomed by the thousands of people who commute to work every day.

"Crews started work near Gympie last September and have been progressively making their way south.

"This project will continue to support a significant number of jobs through to the middle of next year until the crews finish their work just south of Caboolture.

"Works are about to ramp up on the Sunshine Coast Rail Duplication project, so I'm pleased to see the work is being done to equip the rail line with signalling technology that is increasingly being adopted on major rail systems across the world."

RCSA Construction Delivery Manager Darren McNamara said delivery of the highly technical train control system had opened new opportunities to work with local businesses, and to invest in more apprenticeships.

"The RSCA team is glad to be working alongside local subcontractors from Landsborough and Pelican Waters, who are providing vital services in digging, underground service proving and signalling testing and commissioning," Mr McNamara said.

"We're sourcing materials locally where possible, from hardware, cement and local fabrication services through to hydraulic services, vehicle servicing and accommodation in Cooroy and Noosaville.

"This project has also allowed us to invest in more young talent. Our electrical apprentices receive on the job experience in railway signalling control systems – skills that are in high demand in the industry.

"This project has given RCSA the confidence to employ an additional apprentice and we have further plans to employ additional apprentices over the project's duration."

As part of the Cross River Rail project, a new signalling system is also being installed across sections of the inner-city network, using ETCS level two technology.

The works will be rolled out in several stages starting with the Shorncliffe line, where work has already started.

ENDS

Queensland Parliament Questions on Notice

https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/tableOffice/questionsAnswers/2021/113-2021.pdf

Question on Notice
No. 113

Asked on 25 February 2021

MR S MINNIKIN ASKED MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND MAIN ROADS (HON M BAILEY)

QUESTION:
Will the Minister provide the scope of works for the project 'New Generation Rollingstock,
European Train Control System fitment, install new signalling' (Investment ID 1805139) from the
2020–21 to 2023–24 Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program?

ANSWER:

I thank the Member for Chatsworth for the question.

The scope of works for the New Generation Rollingstock (NGR), European Train Control System
(ETCS) fitment, is to install new signalling equipment on the NGR fleet. ETCS has a range of
benefits across the South East Queensland (SEQ) network, including enabling trains to operate
closer together and therefore more frequently, supporting platform screen doors on Cross River
Rail underground stations, and improving safety through automatic train protection including on
the North Coast line.

The NGR trains were designed and built so that ETCS equipment could be retrofitted once an
ETCS solution for the SEQ rail network was identified. Project works will include the design and
fitment of rollingstock-based equipment for ETCS, automatic train operations and platform screen
doors.

While the NGR trains were ordered and built overseas by the Newman Government, for which
the Member for Chatsworth was Assistant Minister for Public Transport, under the Palaszczuk
Labor Government, Queensland trains will be built by Queenslanders in Maryborough. We have
committed to a $1 billion rail manufacturing pipeline to lock in long-term stable manufacturing jobs
across Queensland.

Our commitment includes $600 million for the first 20 new Queensland trains to enable more
frequent services when Cross River Rail becomes operational in 2025. These are being built in
Maryborough, with train manufacturers invited to bid in a procurement process to build them here.
Cross River Rail will transform the way we travel across the whole of SEQ. The $5.4 billion
Cross River Rail project will create 7700 jobs throughout the life of the project and, right now, is
pumping approximately $4 million a day into our economy.

I would also remind the Member for Chatsworth that had the LNP won government, Cross River
Rail would not exist. That means that right now, thousands of construction workers on Cross
River Rail would not have jobs.

Cross River Rail will deliver to the network 10.2-kilometre rail line from Dutton Park to Bowen
Hills that includes 5.9 kilometres of twin underground tunnels under the Brisbane River and CBD,
four new underground stations, eight upgraded aboveground stations, and three new stations on
the Gold Coast.

Integrating this large suite of infrastructure is not a simple task, requiring proper time and intensive
planning to reach this capacity.

Cross River Rail will boost capacity and provide new underground stations in the heart of the city,
critically needed for the SEQ rail network.

https://twitter.com/RailExpressNews/status/1392993080073244677

https://twitter.com/LanceMcCallumMP/status/1394898514832871426

https://twitter.com/AnnastaciaMP/status/1407980722439090180

I'm assuming the Premier is referring to SMU260 and IMU260 sets, as together, they add up to 64 sets. So what will happen with older sets when they traverse ETCS areas?

Quote from: achiruel on June 24, 2021, 19:51:32 PM
https://twitter.com/AnnastaciaMP/status/1407980722439090180

I'm assuming the Premier is referring to SMU260 and IMU260 sets, as together, they add up to 64 sets. So what will happen with older sets when they traverse ETCS areas?

The non ETCS trains will require skilled drivers to traverse the unknown.

Quote from: verbatim9 on June 24, 2021, 20:29:26 PM

Quote from: achiruel on June 24, 2021, 19:51:32 PM
https://twitter.com/AnnastaciaMP/status/1407980722439090180

I'm assuming the Premier is referring to SMU260 and IMU260 sets, as together, they add up to 64 sets. So what will happen with older sets when they traverse ETCS areas?

The non ETCS trains will require skilled drivers to traverse the unknown.

It's good that they are retro fitting the older trains as well.

https://fb.watch/6pnUo6zbGO/


^^ETCS rollout

And it appears to be the only way to actually get more trains on a track to the Sunshine Coast - provided that they buy them in time.
Cross River Rail does not improve anything on our northern line any more than ETCSII can.

CRR: New world-class train signalling technology to deliver significant benefits for SEQ

QuoteQueensland trains are now being fitted out with new world-class signalling technology as part of the transformational Cross River Rail project, which will significantly improve safety and efficiency.

Two trains are currently at a specialised facility at Redbank to be fitted with new onboard European Train Control System (ETCS) technology, with more to follow.

The start of fitment marks a significant milestone for Cross River Rail and South East Queensland's public transport network.

The new world-class signalling system will enable increased capacity on the rail network, improve reliability, enhance safety and allow the wider network to run more efficiently.

New hi-tech equipment is being fitted to the trains, including axle sensors to detect speed and two new touchscreens added to the drivers' cabin, while signalling equipment is being installed on the Shorncliffe line, where the new technology is being testing on trains while not in service.

When they're up and running, the trains will essentially be talking constantly to Queensland Rail's Rail Management Centre via a radio system, trackside technology and onboard equipment, allowing the train's exact position, direction and speed to be known at all times.

It will mean trains can safely be scheduled to travel closer together and train schedules can be updated automatically, which means more accurate and timely information for customers.

Workers at Redbank will upgrade 64 Queensland Rail trains over the next two years, and by the end of the year four trains can be upgraded at once.

There are currently 12 workers fitting out the trains on site, with up to 30 planned by the end of the year.

All up, about 200 workers across South East Queensland are bringing ETCS technology to our rail network, while the new technology will support new and ongoing technical jobs at Queensland Rail.

This world-class technology is yet another example of the benefits the transformational Cross River Rail project will not only create when it opens, but is delivering for our economy right now, when it's needed the most.

ETCS is used on rail networks around the world, including in France, the UK, Saudi Arabia, India and China.

It will be operational in South East Queensland ahead of Cross River Rail's opening in 2025.

ETCS fast facts:

The European Train Control System (ETCS) will deliver a range of benefits for the inner-city rail network, including an increase in safety, capacity, efficiency and reliability;

The ETCS project involves delivery and integration of new trackside equipment, data radio systems and a rail traffic management system, as well as onboard train equipment;

ETCS is necessary for the safe operation of Cross River Rail's twin tunnels but will benefit the wider rail network;
Two trains are at Redbank to be fitted out with ETCS technology;

By the end of the year, four trains at a time can be upgraded using the four rail roads available at the facility;

64 trains will be upgraded with ETCS equipment over the next two years;

Once testing of the first train is complete at Redbank in coming months, dynamic testing using non-revenue trains will commence on the Shorncliffe line by the end of the year;

Hitachi Rail, Queensland Rail and the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority are working together closely to deliver ETCS.

I was interviewed by 7 News today re the ETCS project.

Quote from: ozbob on December 08, 2021, 14:50:59 PM
I was interviewed by 7 News today re the ETCS project.

Any idea if they'll be posting the clip on Facebook/Twitter/whatever?

Not sure when it will be run.  Possibly tomorrow.  7 News usually tweets stories and most go up on youtube.

Queensland Government accused of $250 million cost blowout for train signalling upgrades | 7NEWS

9th December 2021

" New Generation Rollingstock, European Train Control System fitment, install new signalling $255,000,000 "

Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program 2020–21 to 2023–24

https://cabinet.qld.gov.au/documents/2020/Sep/QTRIP/Attachments/QTRIP-2020-21-to-2023-24.PDF  page 24



As I commented, the cost of NGR fitout for ETCS has been added on ...   

We know the NGR program was botched on many levels. Here is another example of being less than ' rigorous ' in high places hey?

Of course, it is going to cost moolah to fit out the NGRs ....

Quote from: verbatim9 on June 24, 2021, 20:29:26 PM

Quote from: achiruel on June 24, 2021, 19:51:32 PM
https://twitter.com/AnnastaciaMP/status/1407980722439090180

I'm assuming the Premier is referring to SMU260 and IMU260 sets, as together, they add up to 64 sets. So what will happen with older sets when they traverse ETCS areas?

The non ETCS trains will require skilled drivers to traverse the unknown.

Older trains will run on the Ferny Grove Heritage Railway Line. Haven't seen a train newer than 40 years old all week.

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1472045643396829185

Some photographs of SMU 276 - the ETCS test train at Redbank















Photographs R Dow 6th May 2022

Anyone know what is wrong with the lack of reliability (safety is not my concern)
just the constant ' signalling issues ' (e.g. > https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?msg=259160 ).

Is it related to the ETCS deployment? Or just a bad run of circuit failures etc. ?

Bob, Not sure if it applies in a broad spectrum for recently but there have been some particular signals defaulting due to suspected ice/frost build up as a result of the cold and large amounts of retained and flowing  ground water. Usually by the time crews arrive or the sun comes out the fault has fixed itself or it's been reset remotely. With those instances it just depends when and where it happens as a few mins to resolve the issue can lead to different overall outcomes ie peak vs off peak.

^ ok thanks 🙏