Some of the world’s leading high speed rail manufacturers and suppliers have been selected to take part in the Development Phase of the Newcastle to Sydney High Speed Rail project.
High speed trains operating up to 320km/h will take around one hour to travel between Newcastle and Sydney on a dedicated new railway, with journeys of around 30 minutes from the Central Coast to either Newcastle or Sydney.
Three global rail proponents have been shortlisted for an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) process following a competitive process:
- Alstom/UGL Joint Venture: Alstom Transport Australia, UGL Engineering;
- ARC Joint Venture: Siemens Mobility, Siemens Mobility GmbH, Mott MacDonald Australia;
- Hitachi Rail STS Australia.
These three proponents will now compete with each other to design and develop Australia’s first high speed trains and systems. This competitive approach delivers the best outcome on construction costs and program timeframes.
They will base their work on proven trains and systems already operating successfully around the world, supported by internationally-experienced designers, systems integrators and engineering firms and adapted to Australian conditions.
The three proponents are part of the High Speed Rail Authority’s ECI process, which is doing the work to finalise the cost, scope, design and approvals for high speed rail to get it construction ready and allow for the Australian Government to make an investment decision at the end of the Development Phase.
The ECI process will refine and integrate mature, proven train and rail technologies for the project rather than develop a bespoke system from scratch.
It will also explore opportunities for Australian manufacturing, industry participation and workforce development as part of adapting the proposed solutions to Australian conditions.
The Trains, Systems and System Integration contract package includes:
- the supply of Australia’s first high speed trains
- the design and delivery of rail systems, the depot and operations control centre;
- the integration, testing and commissioning of the Newcastle to Sydney high speed rail system.
The proponents will also consider how advanced manufacturing can support the efficient delivery of High Speed Rail.
An Advanced Manufacturing Facility proposed by the Authority would use automation, robotics and precision manufacturing to deliver the railway more efficiently. This facility will create skilled jobs and more opportunities for Australian manufacturers and suppliers to help deliver Australia’s High Speed Rail.
No major construction contract will be awarded until a government decision-making process is complete following the end of the Development Phase.
One of these three proponents would then be selected by the Australian Government’s High Speed Rail Authority to deliver the trains, depot and associated systems.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:
Australia has a proud history of building trains here, and we are ready to drive a resurgence in local industry.
The three proponents we have shortlisted will take globally proven high-speed rolling stock and systems and adapt them for Australian High Speed Rail, Australian conditions and Australian passengers.
Through this process, the proponents will explore where we can use existing Australian rail manufacturing capability and advanced manufacturing facilities to support local jobs, and train the next generation of skilled Australian workers.
Quotes attributable to High Speed Rail Authority CEO Tim Parker:
We’re not starting from scratch – Australia’s High Speed Rail will use tried and tested high speed trains and systems already operating successfully around the world. Our partners will work with us to adapt proven technology for Australian conditions, Australian safety requirements and the needs of Australian passengers.
High Speed Rail is about much more than speed. We want a reliable, accessible, comfortable and digitally-connected service that transforms the way people travel between Newcastle, the Central Coast and Sydney.
Bringing the train and systems partners into the project now means we can design the railway around the customer experience from the start.
