Australian innovation is paving the way for the modernisation of the country’s interstate network, with work underway on the broader deployment of the next-generation train management system, Advanced Train Management System (ATMS).
The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) owns and runs 8,500 kilometres of railway and has assembled specialised teams to create GPS-based technologies at its new Rail Innovation and Safety Hub in Adelaide.
“Adelaide is not just the hub of our national rail network but a leader in advanced manufacturing, digital infrastructure, and technology. ATMS promises to grow those skills and further develop this city as a global hub for the digital revolution that is constantly changing before our eyes,” Minister of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, and Local Government Catherine King said.
The Rail Innovation and Safety Hub strengthens South Australia’s capabilities in digital infrastructure, technology, and advanced manufacturing, which are vital to the country’s continued economic development.
According to Minister King, ATMS development will assist up to 700 indirect jobs and produce up to 300 direct jobs.
The new ARTC Rail Innovation and Safety Hub has approximately 70 engineers, digital specialists, and technology leaders actively working on the ATMS technology platform.
With considerable increases in safety, capacity, dependability, and productivity, ATMS takes the interstate rail network into the digital age. This has advantages for the entire supply chain as well as consumers.
ARTC Chief Executive Officer Mark Campbell expressed ARTC’s delight in collaborating with the Australian Government to increase the safety of our rail network since it takes work and investment to implement an improved safety environment using a technological platform like ATMS.
“We are also very proud that this technology is being developed right here in South Australia, using the skills and knowledge of local workers to help make our national rail network safer and more productive. Improving safety on our rail networks is not just the right thing to do, it will also help drive greater usage of our rail networks and get more trucks off our roads,” Campbell stated.
Australia will become a centre for highly skilled digital and technology jobs due to ATMS’ continued development and implementation on the interstate rail network.
ATMS is operational on the ARTC network between Port Augusta and Whyalla in South Australia, with plans underway for rollout across the Nullabor between Tarcoola and Kalgoorlie.
ATMS, developed with the aid of the Australian Government, provides real-time train monitoring using GPS and mobile technology.
“The Australian Government is absolutely committed to making our investment in the ATMS platform and supporting Australia’s Smart Economy and using technology to help contribute to reducing emissions by moving more freight on rail,” Minister King said.
ATMS provides a streamlined train control and network operating system for train drivers and network controllers to utilise, resulting in substantial safety benefits while lowering operational and maintenance expenses.
“There are significant benefits to the companies that rely on the ARTC network to move freight along their transit routes quicker and more reliably, reducing costs and helping to keep the price of goods and services down for every Australian,” Minister King added.Â
