This proposal would involve a program  of works focused on addressing capacity constraints and improving service levels  on urban and regional rail networks, just as the National Optimisation Program – Roads proposal proposes to do for road networks. These works could use data and technology to improve network operations, including signalling, timetabling, level crossing upgrades, sectorisation of freight and passenger corridors, and segregation of express and local passenger services, where appropriate.

The proposal would identify and prioritise  a program of works nationally to help maximise the existing productive capacity  of the rail network, which could delay the need for some large-scale investments.

See here for a list of submissions received by Infrastructure Australia in relation to this program proposal.

This proposal was originally included on the Infrastructure Priority List under the combined Network Optimisation Program proposal and was subsequently separated in 2018.

This proposal calls for program submissions that relate to optimising the rail networks in each locality.

We acknowledge that since listing this proposal, a number of responses to this problem have been progressed, including automated train protection, platform and signalling upgrades, additional rollingstock and level crossing removals.

We continue to encourage relevant organisations to fully assess this problem in their respective locality, state or territory (Stage 1 of Infrastructure Australia’s Assessment Framework) prior to identifying and analysing potential investment options (Stage 2 of Infrastructure Australia’s Assessment Framework).

Refer to Infrastructure Glossary for terms and definitions.