The ARA welcomes opening of Sydney Metro M1 Line
Read moreLight rail
Australia is experiencing a resurgence in light rail with new networks having a transformational impact upon cities across the country. Light rail drives urban renewal and growth along its corridor, supporting better housing and job opportunities.
Investment in rail projects future-proofs communities along the rail corridor, delivering economic, social, safety and environmental benefits, along with thousands of new jobs and affordable homes.
High-speed rail
The Australian Government has established the High Speed Rail Authority to plan and develop a high-speed rail network along the east coast of Australia. The Authority will advise Government on the planning, construction and operation of a transformational high-speed rail network. The first priority is planning and corridor works for the Sydney to Newcastle section of the network, backed by a $500 million Government commitment.
While high-speed rail is a longer term ambition in Australia, we need to preserve rail corridors now to keep project costs down in the future. Ultimately, high-speed rail connections could achieve speeds greater than 250km/hr.
Heavy rail
Australia’s heavy passenger rail network (including our metro rail networks) supports about one billion passenger journeys a year, which is forecast to grow to 1.2 billion by the end of the decade. It is largely concentrated in the major cities with extensive suburban rail systems, and less frequent services to regional centres and interstate.
The ARA works with its members, governments, and stakeholders to drive improvements in decarbonisation, accessibility and customer service, as well as the uptake of new technology to meet the increasing demand for an efficient and sustainable transport network.
New Zealand’s network is focused primarily in and around Auckland and Wellington. The City Rail Link (CRL), a major underground rail tunnel through central Auckland, is the country’s largest ever infrastructure project and is due for completion in late 2025. It will greatly enhance capacity and reduce travel times. Wellington’s Metlink connects outer suburbs with the central business district.