An announcement
made by the New
South Wales Government highlighted on the improvements that will
happen on their train lines. The technology upgrades are expected to bring more
trains and services on the T4 Illawarra line and T8 Airport line.
A budget of A$880 million from the NSW Budget 2018 will be
invested on technology that will modernise the Sydney Trains network.
Improvements on the T8 line will bring a potential increase of
80% as 8 more services per hour during peak periods on the T8 Airport Line will
be added at the International, Domestic, Mascot and Green Square stations. This
will allow trains to arrive every 4 minutes on average, during the morning peak
times, instead of the usual 6 minutes. Extra services from Revesby will also be
added.
Improvements on the T4 line from Illawarra Cronulla will
increase by 30% in capacity since 5 more trains will be added per hour during
peak periods.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said that the current rail
network is complex and relies on old technologies, which limits the number of
services that can be provided.
“That is why we are making significant investments to
improve rail infrastructure and ensure we can continue to meet the growing
demand for rail services,” Ms Berejiklian said.
She added, “The T4 Illawarra Line and T8 Airport Line are
the first beneficiaries of these signalling upgrades, which will be rolled out
across the network, significantly boosting capacity and reliability for all
train customers.”
The upgrades on both the T8 Airport line and the T4
Illawarra line are part of the More Trains, More Services program. Over the
next 10 years, this program will transform Sydney’s busiest train lines with
more services through digital systems, infrastructure upgrades, and more new
trains.
Currently, Sydney’s train network carries more than half of
all public transport customers. As Sydney grows, there will be more demand for
services. New train technology is needed to upgrade this rail network to meet
the needs of this modern city.
This project aims to provide the citizens with the following
key benefits:
(1)
Reduction of wait times and less crowding for
long distance customer since more services will be provided.
(2)
Faster travel times for more customers as more
opportunities for express trains are created with improved digital train
control technology and upgraded rail infrastructure.
(3)
Improved reliability and reduction of customer
impacts from incidents with a simplified rail network.
(4)
Services for turn up and go customers who no
longer need a timetable throughout the day.
(5)
Enhanced connection and integration with other
modes of transport.
(6)
Digital systems and upgraded track
infrastructure that will increase freight capacity.
The More Trains, More Services program will upgrade the
network with advanced digitalised train control systems. Digital Systems will
simplify and modernise technology and multiple trackside infrastructure without
any disruption to customers.
Moreover, the technology will eventually lead to low
operating costs and improved communication, thereby allowing real-time
information.
Services are coming online gradually starting from the early
2020s in upgrades that will be delivered in stages. As of present, the delivery
of stages are categorised into 3: Stage 1 delivery, Stage 2 delivery, and
Future delivery.
For stage 1 delivery, it is expected that there will be
infrastructure upgrades and new trains. Also, extra train services are expected
in 2017, 2018 and 2019. Moreover, Sydney Metro Northwest integration is
anticipated.
For stage 2 delivery, the development of the digital system
is expected. More infrastructure upgrades and new trains are also projected.
Furthermore, customers from the T4, T8 and South Coast lines are anticipating
improvements to be felt.
For future delivery, these are to be expected:
introduction of the digital system; infrastructure upgrades and new trains;
extra services for T1, T4, T8 and South Coast line customers; and Sydney Metro
City and Southwest integration.
Image Credit: Transport for NSW, New South Wales Government