- Queensland Rail customers will be able to travel on trains fitted with a new digital signalling technology – the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2 – for the first time in revenue operations.
- When fully implemented, ETCS will boost reliability and enable more trains to run more often across the South East Queensland (SEQ) rail network.
- It is part of Queensland’s rail network modernisation ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Shorncliffe customers will travel on trains fitted with ETCS Level 2 when the technology is used in Queensland Rail revenue operations for the first time this weekend from 12 September.
The milestone is the next step in a phased and controlled introduction of a technology that will transform the SEQ rail network.
ETCS will operate on the Shorncliffe line over a series of weekends this year and is planned to be rolled out in the Cross River Rail tunnels and other areas of the network as major expansions come online. The technology replaces conventional trackside signalling with an onboard system that supports safe separation of trains.
ETCS sends near real-time information between trains and the Rail Management Centre, including each train’s position, direction and speed, and helps maintain safe separation between trains.
Customers will experience the technology in action starting Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September, when ETCS enabled shuttle trains will run between Northgate and Shorncliffe stations.
The first ETCS enabled service will depart Shorncliffe station at 5.14am on Saturday 12 September.
Queensland Rail Group Executive of Major Projects Warren McReight thanked customers for their continued patience during testing before the system is gradually rolled out to key parts of the SEQ rail network over the next decade.
“ETCS will allow us to run more trains, more often. These are all crucial steps with the eyes of the world soon on us for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Mr McReight said.
“While onboard the ETCS Level 2 enabled train, customers shouldn’t notice any difference to their usual experience however those travelling to and from Shorncliffe will need to change trains at Northgate.
“We understand disruption during testing has been frustrating and we thank customers for their patience as we reach this important milestone in the phased introduction of ETCS on the SEQ rail network.”
Thousands of hours and kilometres of real-world testing have taken place on the Shorncliffe line under the Sequence Alliance, comprising the Department of Transport and Main Roads, Hitachi, Cross River Rail Delivery Authority and Queensland Rail, as part of the introduction of ETCS to support safety and reliability.
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