Rail management system will rely on GPS, broadband comms and IT

Live testing will soon begin of a next-generation rail freight management system on the national rail track system.

A contract for an Advanced Train Management System (ATMS) has been signed by the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) and Lockheed Martin Australia.

“The system is custom-engineered technology and will transform the way freight rail infrastructure is managed and monitored across the country,” said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss.

“The ATMS will increase the capacity, safety and reliability of our national freight rail network and safely enable more trains to travel closer together.”

The Australian Government has previously provided $60.8 million for the development of the ATMS and is investing a further $50 million for its implementation.

ARTC CEO John Fullerton said the technology will use GPS navigation systems, broadband communications and state-of-the-art computer technology to locate and route trains in real time.

“It also reduces costs associated with the need to sustain expensive trackside infrastructure,” Fullerton said.

“ATMS is being tested over the next two years on a section of ARTC's rail network in South Australia between Whyalla and Port Augusta.

“We will gradually test and scale up the ATMS in a safe, operational and live environment so we can explore the system's full capabilities.

“Future-focused technology like the ATMS will make rail freight across our large country even more cost effective for Australia's industries by reducing our reliance on expensive trackside infrastructure.”