GOVERNMENT AND REGULATORY

North Sydney Station upgrade complete

Minister for Transport David Campbell and the Honorable Henry Tsang MLC inspected the newly renovated North Sydney Station, marking the completion of the North Sydney Station Upgrade Project. Mr Campbell said the $88 million upgrade has seen North Sydney Station transformed into a larger, open plan facility, providing easier access to all passengers for the first time. “After viewing the finished product today (20 January) it is evident that this world class station upgrade will reduce congestion for the 54,000 passengers that use the station every week day,” Mr Campbell said. “The extension of the upper concourse and the installation of escalators, lifts and wider stairs has allowed for increased passenger movements throughout the fourth busiest station in NSW.”

NTC under review

The National Transport Commission (NTC) was established in 2003 with ongoing responsibility to develop, monitor and maintain uniform or nationally consistent regulatory and operational reforms relating to road transport, rail transport and intermodal transport. The National Transport Commission Act 2003 requires that the Australian Transport Council (ATC) review the operations of the NTC after six years. A Review Steering Committee has been appointed by the ATC to undertake the review and prepare a report for the ATC to allow it to provide recommendations to First Ministers on the future of the NTC. As part of a public consultation process, the Review Steering Committee is seeking submissions from interested individuals or organisations. 

SMS and email alerts for passengers

New technologies are being developed to allow passengers to receive eRail SMS and email alerts on unplanned delays, disruptions and cancellations across the QR suburban rail network. Minister for Transport John Mickel said the technology would be made available to all passengers who registered online and would allow customers to receive SMS and email notifications relating to their nominated train services. “The online registration process is simple - passengers register their details at the QR website and tailor their requirements to the times and lines they travel on the network,” Mr Mickel said.

New Sydney Metro Authority CEO

Minister for Transport David Campbell has announced that Les Wielinga has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Sydney Metro Authority. Mr Campbell said Mr Wielinga, the current head of the Roads and Traffic Authority, would bring great experience to the organisation that will deliver Australia’s first metro rail system. “The Sydney Metro Authority will manage the construction and delivery of this vital infrastructure project, currently estimated at $4.8 billion,” Mr Campbell said. “Mr Wielinga has a big job on his hands but he is very well qualified and the best person to deliver this new transport mode for NSW.”

Highway-rail grade crossing safety video

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Operation Lifesaver of California have produced an educational video for truck drivers designed to promote safety at highway-rail grade crossings. The five minute video reviews the legal responsibilities of the drivers as they approach and travel over highway-rail grade crossings and helps provide situational awareness by highlighting important aspects of railroad operations at crossings. The video, which is available in both English and Spanish, is available for download from the FRA website.

INDUSTRY

QR signs $70 million-plus locomotive purchase

National transport and logistics company QR continues to expand its capability with the purchase of 12 new locomotives for its fleet from United Group for more than $70 million. The acquisition by QR’s Intermodal (containerised) business comes only weeks after it announced a $45 million, five-year leasing deal with Downer EDI for nine new locomotives. QR Executive General Manager Freight Ken Lewsey said the first of the C44 Aci locomotives was expected to be delivered in July, with final delivery planned for all 12 by December. “These deals demonstrate our determination to build a strong position in the national general freight market, which is worth more than $1 billion per year,” Mr Lewsey said.

ARA Fortnightly Update

On 16 January 2009 the Australasian Railway Association (ARA) released its fortnightly update. This issue includes:

• ARA Submission to Senate Enquiry
• RISSB - Rail Technology Conference
• RISSB Website
• Opportunities Australia EXP09
• National Infrastructure Conference 2009