Digital train control
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IMAGE Digital train control
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96+ years in operation 135+ countries served 160+ offices worldwide 2.9 AUD revenue 2024 5 global markets 12 people 48+ service lines Providing engineering, environmental, advisory, architecture, digital and construction services
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Trends facing rail Sustainable growth
Industry consolidation
Improved customer experience
Trends and drivers
For these reasons, the train control market is shifting towards modern digital train control systems, which include automatic train protection, automatic train operation and automatic train supervision. These systems are often based on European train control system and communication-based train control technologies. This transition, like the earlier move from mechanical to electrical colour-light signalling, represents a shift to data communication-based in-cab signalling and train control. This is a significant change in how we operate and manage railways.
Digitalisation
Automation
Safety and security
Railways across the world are working to increase capacity and reduce journey times, while improving safety, reliability, and resilience. There is also a growing focus on enhancing environmental and financial sustainability.
Future workforce
Whole life cost optimisation
Opportunities
Mobility as a service
Opportunities in monitoring and management respond to many global trends and drivers facing rail
Digital train control is pivotal to delivering a rail service fit for the demands of today and tomorrow.
Automated health monitoring for smarter infrastructure
Safety threat detection intervention
Automated control and operations
Advanced asset management systems
Advanced Advanced data operations analysis and management information systems Digital train control | GHD | 03
Spotlight on digital train control
Over 1000 km of fully automated metros have been put in service over the last 35 years.1 Communication-based train control (CBTC) has been implemented at all Grades of Automation.
World’s first mainline-passenger with Automatic train control (ATO) over ETCS was on Thameslink in March 2018.2 Over 100,000 km of European train control systems (ETCS) equipped infrastructure worldwide. Positive train control (PTC) is required on 60,000 miles of the US rail network. 1 International Association of Public Transport 204 Unife | GHD | Digital train control
Train control advice
With proven experience and skilled services, we help rail transport organisations maximise value from digital investments while remaining agnostic in the solutions we provide.
We provide digital railway program, interface and integration support and advice.
Technology Digital signalling and train control technology providers
Agnostic solutions and advice Reducing risks and improving outcomes
Infrastructure – – – –
Rail transport authorities Infrastructure and rolling stock operators Developers Regulators and standards bodies
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Digital train control systems We work across all digital train control systems. Digital train control (DTC) includes modern signalling systems such as: –
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European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) and European Train Control System (ETCS): Developed to promote mainline interoperability across Europe and mandated for the Australian Interstate National Network for Interoperability, meeting freight and regional needs. Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC): An established approach for highfrequency signalling in metros, delivered through proprietary solutions. Positive Train Control (PTC): Implemented to meet the requirements of the US Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008.
We work collaboratively with all current ETCS, CBTC and PTC technology providers, ensuring our solutions are independent, agnostic and tailored to each client’s operational and strategic objectives. Drawing on our experience from major train control programs worldwide, we help shape digital railway programs from concept through to design, delivery, implementation, operations and maintenance. Our DTC services support mainline passenger, freight, mixed traffic, heavy haul and mass transit rail organisations to justify investment in automation. We identify and address application and integration issues that affect successful automation, regardless of rail technology or context.
We identify and address application and integration issues that impact successful automation regardless of the rail technology and context. 06 | GHD | Digital train control
Building confidence in digital railway programs Digitalisation helps us rethink how we manage and operate primary safety, control and management functions. This approach offers clear benefits: – – – – –
Improved train control: We can increase capacity and safety in a cost-effective way by using automation to regulate flow and enhance performance. Enhanced asset management: We use data collection and analytics to operate and maintain assets proactively, focusing on prediction and prevention rather than reaction. Better customer information: Real-time data enables us to provide targeted and personalised travel information. Strategic deployment planning: We use existing asset obsolescence data to develop strategic deployment plans, reducing disruption and improving cost efficiency. Interoperability management planning: We support railway undertakings and rolling stock operators to integrate with digital railway networks.
GHD’s cross-industry experience aids understanding of the integration of technologies with legacy rail signalling and communications infrastructure. By providing application and implementation support we identify and address risks and issues that may be barriers to success.
Cross River Rail ETCS Technical Advisor
Mission Support south-east Queensland’s vision for a modern transport system by providing technical and strategic guidance for the European Train Control System (ETCS), which is essential for safe signalling and train control. Client: Cross River Rail Delivery Authority Location: Brisbane, Queensland Date: 2020 - ongoing
Cross River Rail is set to transform travel across south-east Queensland. The project will deliver a new 10.2 km rail line and 5.9 km of twin tunnels beneath the Brisbane River and CBD, with four new underground and two above-ground stations. It will also rebuild six suburban stations, construct three new Gold Coast stations, upgrade two train stabling facilities, and install a new, advanced signalling system. In addition, the project will establish a DTC solution to be deployed across the wider SEQ network. We have been engaged to provide technical and strategic support to the Delivery Authority’s ETCS project team, helping to ensure that the design developed by Hitachi Rail meets the Scope and Performance Requirements (SPR) and all relevant technical specifications and standards. ETCS is a proven signalling system used in cities worldwide. The Delivery Authority has selected ETCS Level 2 and automatic train operation (ATO) over ETCS for deployment as part of the project. Implementation is expected to deliver the following benefits: – – – – –
Increased capacity and enhanced safety on the rail network More accurate information for passengers Improved reliability through centralised technology and fewer assets in the rail corridor Technology that supports safe trackside maintenance Real-time speed profiles and signalling data displayed to drivers
Delivering a project of this scale requires careful review and alignment of all documented requirements. In early 2020, the Delivery Authority sought to align system requirements across the ETCS contract, the Rail, Integration and Systems (RIS) alliance, and the Tunnel, Stations and Development public-private partnership. We reviewed requirements across the three contractual documents and, drawing on our international experience, recommended a more effective approach to the Delivery Authority. Our experience with European and Australian DTC systems has helped us resolve issues efficiently and keep the project moving forward.
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To achieve the best outcomes with limited specialist resources, we have focused on key areas and applied a risk management approach to provide targeted advice. This approach supports our shared goal of delivering a safe, operational ETCS system within a constrained program and budget. We are working closely with the Delivery Authority to provide technical advice on project elements, including: – – – – – – – – – – – –
ETCS and conventional signalling Telecommunications Interoperability Traffic management systems Business readiness Rolling stock and train fitment Test room and systems integration Human factors Reliability, availability, and maintainability (RAM) Cyber security Systems engineering Systems assurance
The impact Given that ETCS Level 2 is not yet in revenue service in Australia, our team has played a key role in the first successful integration of the system into the operational environment for this project. Our understanding of the technical solution and its integration with the existing brownfield network is essential to the successful deployment for Queensland Rail. We have focused on providing strategic technical support through a systems integration approach, ensuring the overall ETCS solution can be delivered in a cost-effective way. We have also supported the Delivery Authority by: – – – –
Resolving issues involving interdependencies between systems and subsystems Enabling outcomes that are best for the project Applying lessons learned from global ETCS and other digital train control projects Navigating the evolving regulatory environment for critical infrastructure and supporting the Delivery Authority in addressing emerging technology implementation challenges
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Expertise
We are continually seeking new ways to improve rail systems.
GHD is ready to deliver a range of services in the context of
digital train control
Our team is committed to advancing the industry and delivering efficient, reliable railway solutions. We have extensive experience in delivering high-quality signalling and rail systems engineering, including: – – –
Skills and qualification training across all signalling disciplines Certified specialists with relevant experience in rail control technologies A proven record in design, implementation, testing, operations and maintenance for rail organisations worldwide
Drawing on our network, we provide advice to support successful integration and interoperability of railways in safety-critical environments.
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Application & implementation support Strategy development and planning Business case development Feasibility studies Option analysis Modelling Concept & preliminary design ITT support to owners Tender support to contractors Technical leadership Engineering management Systems engineering (requirements management, V&V, interface management) Systems integration Program and project management
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Stakeholder engagement Risk management Safety and system assurance Technical compliance and validation Operational readiness Business change Data management Strategic asset management Independent certification Technical advisor Review/surveillance/audit Standards development Cyber security Obsolescence management Competence management frameworks
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Rail integration and systems capability Our capability in rail, integration and systems spans the full range of rail systems and related infrastructure requirements. While terminology and project processes may differ, the core concepts and activities remain essential for safe and effective project delivery. Our experience in the railway environment includes the key disciplines needed for successful rail integration and systems development.
Contact Us
Design disciplines
Supporting disciplines
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Track Layouts and Permanent Way Civils and Combined Services Route Traction Substations Overhead Wiring High Voltage Pole and Cable Routes Earthing and Bonding Electrical and Low Voltage Station Architecture Bridges and Structures Digital Train Control & Signalling Communications
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Geotechnical Investigation and Reporting Environmental Investigation and Reporting (EIS / REF) Digital Delivery (BIM / GIS) Quality Assurance Systems and Safety Assurance Resource Management
Australia / New Zealand
Brendan Leis Digital Train Control Lead – APAC
E Brendan.Leis@ghd.com T +61 0386878429
United Kingdom
Richard Flaherty Head of Rail Engineering & Digital Train Control Lead - EMEA 10 | GHD | Digital train control
E Richard.Flaherty@ghd.com T +44 1904436138
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About GHD
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We are a global professional services company that leads through engineering, construction and architectural expertise. Our forward-looking, innovative approaches connect and sustain communities around the world. Delivering extraordinary social and economic outcomes, we are focused on building lasting relationships with our partners and clients. Established in 1928, we remain wholly owned by our people. We are 10,000+ diverse and skilled individuals connected by over 200 offices, across five continents – Asia, Australia, Europe, North and South America, and the Pacific region. Find out more about us at ghd.com
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