METRONET: High Capacity Signalling
Perth’s existing signalling and train control systems include ageing assets that are in some instances approaching life expiry and/or obsolescence.
This ageing infrastructure is currently causing safety, capacity and reliability issues on Perth’s rail network, problems which will be further exacerbated by the anticipated population growth in Perth.
The Western Australian Government’s METRONET rail program aims to cater for this population growth by delivering new and extended railway lines and new stations.
As the rail network expands, it will also increase pressure on the ageing signalling and train control systems, exacerbating the issues currently impacting the rail network.
Strategic Fit
The project will implement an Automatic Train Control system using modern, radio-based, high-capacity Communications-Based Train Control technology on all three line-groups of the Perth metropolitan railway network.
The scope of this project includes:
- replacing the existing ‘fixed-block’ signalling system with a ‘moving-block’ Communications Based Train Control system
- replacing the life-expired Automatic Train Protection system
- implementing Automatic Train Operation
- implementing Automatic Train Supervision and Regulation to replace the existing Train Control System.
The project also includes the construction of a purpose-built Public Transport Operations Control Centre, a back-up Signalling Equipment Room and an upgrade of the existing Alternate Train Control facility.
Societal Impact
Economic benefits of the project include shorter wait times, reduced train crowding, and travel-time savings for public transport users. Other benefits include reduced vehicle emissions and operating costs, health benefits, and road-safety benefits.
The proponent’s stated benefit–cost ratio is 2.6, with a net present value of $688 million (7% real discount rate).
Deliverability
Based on operational considerations, the business case recommends deploying the Automatic Train Control system sequentially on all three line groups and that the proponent engage a single contractor to design, build and maintain an Automatic Train Control system across the entire network and train fleet.
In September 2021 the proponent sought expressions of interest from the market to design, supply, build and maintain the jointly funded High Capacity Signalling project. The Australian Government has committed $250 million towards the proposal. Additional funding is required to sufficiently address the underlying nationally significant problem.
Refer to Infrastructure Glossary for terms and definitions.