Welcome to the February issue of Rail Express

Welcome to the first edition of Rail Express for the year. We’d like to take the opportunity to wish all our readers a safe and prosperous 2023.

The rail sector has weathered the storm posed by COVID over the past several months, and it appears there is light at the end of the tunnel: a fitting metaphor indeed.

Although we can never assume complacency, it is reassuring to see that rail patronage is now steadily building up again as more and more passengers feel safe enough to return to public transport.

Even more confidence-building, though, is the expected development of more and more rail projects in the near future, to add to the industry rejuvenation that was already on the cusp of booming when the pandemic struck.

The recent AusRAIL conference was a measure of the confidence that stakeholders had in the resurgence of rail, with more than 2000 delegates attending to find out about new innovations and catch up face-to-face with peers and colleagues.

The event heard that rail construction and maintenance activity is expected to rise to $14.4 billion per year over the next five years, increasing from $12.9b in what had been a record 2021-22.

The Australian Rail Market Outlook report confirmed the sector was growing, with $129b in rail construction and maintenance forecast in the 10 years to 2031-32, compared to $96b over the previous decade.

Over the next 15 years, $154b in the rail pipeline is expected as the wave of new projects continues to meet the country’s future transport needs.

The report confirms Australia is embarking on a period of railway construction that will transform networks for generations to come, recognising the essential role rail will continue to play as part of our public transport networks and freight operations.

And perhaps one of the most exciting undertakings is the very real possibility of Australia finally embarking on high-speed rail projects … or at the very least, faster-speed rail than what we are accustomed to.

It’s been a long-running joke that there are only two continents in the world which do not have any form of fast rail: Australia and Antarctica. ray.chan@primecreative.com.au

But we now have a Federal Government that has pledged its commitment to get the ball rolling, and it has shored up this commitment with the establishment of the High Speed Rail Authority to help guide the development of a high-speed rail network.

The body will provide independent and impartial advice on the policy and standards of high-speed rail, and plan, identify and secure necessary corridors.

It will also oversee the construction and operation of the high-speed rail network, and coordinate with state and territory governments, industry, business and communities to enhance Australia’s long-term rail investment.

It’s all baby steps at the moment, but certainly an exciting edge of the wedge that promises to bloom into a transport system that will benefit all Australians.

Imagine travelling by trains from Sydney to Newcastle, or Melbourne to the Gold Coast, or even within states – for example Perth to Bunbury – all in quick-smart time, and cutting out the polluting effects of modes such as planes and cars.

This issue, we talk to some of the leading fast-rail manufacturers and mobility providers about how the system will ultimately benefit Australia, not just in terms of quicker commutes and lower carbon emissions, but also how it will boost employment by creating more manufacturing jobs for rolling stock, track and signalling work, and other related facets.

In other features, we look at how Metro Trains is keeping Melbourne on the move; Pacific National’s comprehensive ESG policy; and how a new rail industry consultancy aims to attract more people into the rail workforce.

We round off the edition with the regular contributions from our industry partners, and a round-up of the most significant contracts and tenders.

2023 is shaping up to be a landmark year indeed, so sit back and enjoy the Rail Express ride.