In 2024, Acmena was engaged to provide human factors integration services for the Stations, Systems, Trains, Operations and Maintenance (SSTOM) package of the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport Project.

Announced in 2018, the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport project will create a new transport spine for Greater Western Sydney, connecting local communities with the new Western Sydney International Airport.

Running between St Marys and the Western Sydney Aerotropolis, the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport project incorporates the construction of a 23km metro line, twin 9.8km tunnels, maintenance and stabling facilities and six new stations.

Acmena was engaged by the SMEC-ARUP Design JV to provide human factors integration (HFI) support for the detailed design of the Stations, Systems, Trains, Operations and Maintenance package.

Scaled Human Factors Integration Service

Taking a pragmatic and collaborative approach, Acmena focused on delivering value to the client by ensuring the appropriate scale, scope and complexity of HF input were applied to each design package. Acmena’s consultants worked closely with human factors specialists from partner organisations to develop a method that aligned with the existing HF Integration Plan.

Focusing on end user and stakeholder engagement and compliance to relevant standards, Acmena’s human-centred approach was based on systematically screening for human-system interactions to ensure that the appropriate scale, scope and complexity of HF input were applied for the services delivered.

Where detailed analysis was required, an HF checklist was deployed to ensure the design was adequately assessed and complied with key standards, guidelines and requirements. As the line services the Western Sydney Airport, it was also critical to ensure that the design incorporated HF considerations specific to airport passengers in addition to standard commuters.

Integrated HFI Outcome for Operations and Maintenance Facilities 

The project successfully integrated HF into the design of all six stations, the stabling and maintenance facility and two operations centres, ensuring all HF and safety design issues had been addressed at the end of the detailed design phase.

The program also resulted in key design changes to accommodate passengers with luggage. Improvements to the tunnel evacuation walkways were also made.

Profile: 

• Cost: Confidential
• Client: SMEC-ARUP Design JV
• Services provided: Human factors integration, task analysis, compliance to AS 7070, ISO 9241, ISO 16982

Staff Profile: Inga Dambuza | Senior Consultant 

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• Human Factors Services
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