The Australasian Railway Association (ARA), in collaboration with the National Transport Commission (NTC) and SYSTRA, brought together rail industry leaders, government representatives and global experts this week to explore the future of rail signalling in Australia.
Held on Tuesday 24 July 2025 at the Hyatt Centric in Melbourne, the Modernising Australia’s Rail Infrastructure: The Role of ETCS and FRMCS workshop focused on the upcoming transition to the European Train Control System (ETCS) and the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS).
Driving National Coordination
The ARA has long advocated for nationally consistent approaches to rail technology and infrastructure, recognising that harmonisation is key to maximising safety, productivity and efficiency across the network.
With ETCS Level 2 now adopted as the digital train control technology of choice by eastern seaboard states, the workshop marked an important step forward in progressing a unified national approach.
“The transition to ETCS and FRMCS presents a major opportunity to modernise our networks, support interoperability, and deliver real efficiency gains,” said Fiona Love, ARA General Manager Workforce Development. “It’s encouraging to see such strong alignment and engagement from across the sector.”
Insights from Australia and Abroad
The event opened with a policy overview from Sandra McKay, Executive Leader, Facilitated Reform at the NTC, who provided an update on the current discussion paper for Digital Train Control Technology Interoperability Requirements.
International insights were shared by Dan Mandoc, Head of FRMCS, and Guillaume Gach, Senior Advisor in the Telecom & Signalling Unit at the International Union of Railways (UIC), who provided a global perspective on digital signalling transformation and lessons learned from European implementation.
Industry Panel Highlights
A lively panel discussion, chaired by Sandra McKay, featured expert insights from:
- Tom Warner, Executive General Manager Systems, SYSTRA
- Guillaume Gach, UIC
- Steve Boshier, Institute of Railway Signalling Engineers (IRSE) Global Council
- Johnathan White, Chief Technology Officer, ARTC
The discussion explored the opportunities and challenges associated with implementing ETCS and FRMCS across diverse operating environments, and the critical role of interoperability, assurance, and governance in delivering a successful national rollout.
The session concluded with an engaging Q&A and closing remarks from Victoria Black, Director Clients, Markets & Engagement at SYSTRA.
A Shared Commitment
With over 70 attendees from across the rail sector, the event reflected a shared commitment to working collaboratively to deliver a modern, harmonised rail signalling system that supports long-term safety and performance outcomes.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform rail signalling in Australia,” said Sandra McKay. “We must continue to work together to ensure we get it right.”
The ARA thanks the NTC and SYSTRA for their partnership in delivering this important event.