This month, we held our first Future Rail Technologies Forum, bringing together international rail experts with leaders from across Australian governments and industry.
With nearly 30,000 kilometres of rail tracks, 17 different train control and signalling systems and some 50 rail operators, getting Australia's rail systems working together is a big challenge.
Over the next 10 to 15 years, around $155 billion will be invested in rail so the time is right to look at how a collective approach to new technology can resolve legacy issues and help bolt together the old with the new.
The forum explored practical solutions and lessons learned from around the globe to advance Australia's strategic approach to rail interoperability. It was the first in a series of forums being delivered as part of the National Rail Action Plan.
The Hon. Jacinta Allan MP and Victoria's Department of Transport hosted the event.
The forum also featured esteemed speakers from Deakin University, SYSTRA, WSP, the European Union Agency for Railways, McKinsey & Company, Network Rail Consulting, Siemens Mobility, Alstom and Hitachi.
