Acmena's expertise in advanced signalling projects and engineering management plays a pivotal role in the success of Transport for NSW's ETCS Level 2 trial.

Challenge

To provide effective program management and technical services for Australia’s first European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2 trial for one of the countries largest rail operators, and lead delivery during an intense period of scope and contract change. This involved demonstrating the viability of network-wide deployment and helping the client understand the integration risks and challenges involved.

Approach

Leveraging its experience on advanced signalling projects and expertise in engineering management, Acmena conducted a complete review of the project’s initial technical solution and risks, subsequently revising the purpose, scope and technical direction of the trial. A new technical solution was developed based on the new Smartlock 400T interlocking system, which enabled the trial to proceed. Acmena led the configuration changes, obtained the necessary authorisations for the trial and successfully executed the tests.

Outcome

Acmena successfully developed and led the system integration and acceptance testing strategy, resulting in the Smartlock 400T being commissioned in 9 months instead of the 15-24 months it would generally take. Thanks to Acmena’s expertise the pilot trial was completed on time and budget. Building on this success and the lessons learned, the operator is currently in the process of deploying ETCS L2 technology across one of the largest and busiest rail networks in Australia.

Profile

• Cost: $10m
• Start: 2013
• Finish: Trial ended in 2015 with outcomes guiding the wider deployment of ETCS L2 technology across the network.
• Objective: The Pilot Trial was conducted to test the ETCS L2 technology and prepare for rollout across the wider metropolitan rail network.
• Services provided: Technical management, Systems Engineering/Integration

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European Train Control System