From the editor

Issue 4 - May 2022

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Sarah Baker E: sarah.baker@primecreative.com.au

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Ray Chan E: ray.chan@primecreative.com.au

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Kerry Pert, Aisling McComiskey

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Ray Chan

Editor - Rail Express

Welcome to the May issue of Rail Express

Much has been said about the return to rail.

As the nation recovers from its bouts with COVID, more and more people are turning back to public transport, and in particular to the trains, with their well-known features of sustainability, safety, reliability, speed of travel, and efficiency.

And of course, it’s a trend we all welcome. But while industry gears itself up to meet the demands of a booming sector, sometimes the little things can be overlooked.

It’s great to see commuters return, yet it’s just as important to retain them as customers.

In this edition, we look at why it is so important to meet travellers’ expectations, guaranteeing trips that match their expectations.

From the initial ticket purchase in the station to conditions inside the rail car, the industry needs to offer experiences that make passengers eager to return again and again.

And often the factors that we take for granted are the ones that matter most.

When a train doesn’t arrive on time, the die is cast and a passenger already starts the trip in frustration.

In a world where hygiene is paramount, physical comfort requirements must also be addressed. Regular sanitisation and cleaning needs to occur, cab space must enable more room to move, and optimal ventilation has to be in place.

Mechanical and mobility devices play their part, whether it’s simply providing a ramp to close the gap between platform and train, doors that open quickly and smoothly, cabs that move with little vibration, or even ensuring interiors are well-lit.

And no longer should platform staff simply be officers checking tickets or directing people to train services. Passenger care and comfort extends to well-trained assistants who can help commuters with accessibility issues, for example. Or multi-lingual employees may be on hand to help those whose first language is not English.

In this current age of technology, the industry has unprecedented opportunities to comprehensively monitor the comfort of its passengers’ experience and make improvements where necessary, so it’s no excuse for operators not to prioritise the quality of the journey.

Meanwhile, our cover feature looks at a game-changing ‘active’ level crossing protection system specifically designed for rural and remote areas.

Eliminating the use of higher-risk passive signage, the innovation includes a train detection system, a first in the railway industry.

Safe, clear, compliant regulatory signs provide clear unambiguous visual warnings to road users at all times, regardless of whether the crossing system is active or failed.

The release is particularly timely, as it comes in the wake of the Federal Government’s transformative $180.1 million regional level crossing safety program announced in the Federal Budget.

And did you know that this year marks global mobility specialist Siemens’ 150th year in Australia?

The company’s first task in this country was supplying 36,000 porcelain insulators for an overland telegraph line between Adelaide and Darwin in 1872, and it has literally never looked back.

Over many decades, Siemens has led the way in various rail industry innovations in Australia, and in this issue, we celebrate the company’s sesquicentenary with a glance through the years.

We also discuss initiatives designed to increase the number of people entering the rail workforce. Find out more about the courses being offered by Engineering Education Australia, and the strategies put in place by transport giants Alstom.

There’s also an article about bearings and seals specialist SKF Australia partnering with JSG Industrial Systems to provide the world’s most complete portfolio of lubrication solutions, as well as contributions from our industry partners.

We’re sure you will find the magazine an enjoyable read.