On Wednesday, the ARA held a very successful light rail conference in Sydney, attended by more than 150 people from operators, manufacturers, contractors, industry and government to explore the latest developments and global trends in light rail.
Prior to the conference, the ARA held a meeting of operator CEOs and senior Government representatives for high-level discussions on how networks can work more collaboratively.
A group of conference delegates also attended a tour at Transdev’s world-class light rail depot in Randwick, where they saw the impressive maintenance facility and state-of-the-art simulation capability – thank you Transdev for a very interesting and informative tour.
The ARA Light Rail Conference presentations included how industry is managing an increase in antisocial behaviour, optimising energy consumption in light rail, light rail’s role in reaching sustainability targets, as well as updates and reviews of the successes and challenges of major projects, including the Parramatta Light Rail, Gold Coast Light Rail, Canberra Light Rail and Sydney Light Rail.
A highlight was an address from National Rail Safety Regulator Dr Natalie Pelham, who spoke about the future role including developing a more transparent cost recovery model and more support for technology and innovation.
We also had several panel sessions with some of the industry’s key leaders discussing subjects such as network security, good practice in managing assets, global trends and the future of light rail in Australia.
Some of the key presentations included:
Steve Issa, Executive Director, Programs and Planning, Transport for NSW, who said the global market for light rail is estimated to grow from US $10b in 2023 to US $13 billion in 2030 and Sydney and Newcastle were perfect examples of how light rail revitalises cities.
Craig Paterson, TfNSW, Parramatta Light Rail, who gave an update on the Parramatta Light Rail, which is undergoing final testing and incorporates green track and a wire-free design.
Duncan Edghill, CEO, Altrac Light Rail, who spoke about Sydney’s transformation thanks to light rail – with the network moving more passengers than the Metro and Sydney Ferries combined – and Altrac’s Parramatta Road to Green Square proposal.
Anthony Haraldson, Light Rail Operations, Transport Canberra, who said $2.3 billion in construction has been given developmental approval or is under consideration since 2016 in suburbs directly adjacent to Stage 1 of Canberra Light Rail.
Dr Natalie Pelham, CEO, ONRSR, outlined the future focus for regulation following the completion of the Review of the Rail Safety National Law, including supporting technology and innovation and having a more transparent cost recovery model.
Donna Watson, Director of Passenger Experience, Keolis Downer Yarra Trams, shared the latest trends for the world’s largest (and one of the oldest continuing networks) over its 15-year tenure. Patronage is now at 75-80 per cent of pre-COVID, only 15 per cent less than heavy rail.
Phil Mumford, CEO, GoldlinQ, spoke about the success of the Gold Coast Light Rail, which recently celebrated 10 years of operation and 85 million trips, yet nine out of 10 vehicles still only has one person. The service is running at 115% of pre-covid levels.
Jim Modrouvanos, Acting CEO & Chief Investigator, Office of Transport Safety Investigations who outlined preventing safety incidents in light rail operations, with vehicle collisions being the most common.
Vanessa Ferreira, Director Community and Place, TfNSW, on running effective consultation campaigns.
Read Rail Express article here