Rail system safety
Maintaining and enhancing the safety of infrastructure on the public transport network is paramount. This page lists some of the initiatives that are helping ensure the system remains safe.
Information on this page
Metrol train control centre replacement
The State Government is undertaking an $88 million upgrade of Melbourne's train network control centre.
The Metrol control centre coordinates train services across Melbourne's train system. Metrol is used to plan daily services and enables the train operator to respond to delays or changes to those services to minimise the impact on the travelling public. However, the technology currently in use is nearly 30-years-old.
To ensure the ongoing reliability of the system, the existing Metrol system will be replaced with state-of-the-art technology. Replacing the system will allow the train operator to better coordinate the movement of trains on the network and therefore maximise the number of trains that can safely run on the system. The new system will also provide more reliable up-to-the-minute timetable information for passengers.
A $27 million contract for the first stage of the project, involving the design and installation of the new system, has been awarded to Melbourne-based company Westinghouse Rail Systems Australia Ltd. It is planned to have the new control and monitoring system commissioned by late 2010.
The main control site to house the new control and monitoring system was established in May 2009.
A contract for a new reporting system was awarded to DWS Advance Business Solutions in December 2008. It is planned to have the initial phase of the new reporting system commissioned by mid 2010.
The contract for a new passenger information system was awarded to Unisys Australia Ltd in June 2009. It is planned to have the initial phase of the new passenger information system commissioned by late 2010.
For the latest news, see the Metrol Replacement Program Newsletter,
In Control (PDF, 1.28 MB, 4 pp.)
Metropolitan Train Safety Communications System Project
A $152 million contract was awarded in early 2009 for the Metropolitan Train Safety Communications System Project.
Work can now start to replace the existing train radio system with new technology which will allow transfer of voice and data. This will operate alongside the Metrol train control centre to provide improved information about train location and condition, resulting in better safety management and more reliable passenger information.
A trial system is planned to be delivered prior to the end of 2009.
Media release
City Loop safety systems upgrade
The Government has announced a program for upgrading and replacing parts of the safety systems in the Melbourne Underground Rail Loop which was completed in 1985.
The works will include upgrading storm water drainage, smoke management, fire detection and suppression, lifts and escalators, emergency power and electrical systems and corrosion mitigation.
The project is expected to start in 2011-12.
See also
City Loop history.
Vigilance control system
A new Vigilance, Control and Event Recording System (VICERS) is being installed on all suburban electric trains in Melbourne.
Installation of the new system follows a number of rail accidents in Victoria and elsewhere in Australia which highlighted safety issues with some current train protection systems. In Victoria, trains are equipped with a protection system known as a 'deadman device'. This system is designed to automatically apply the train brakes if the driver fails to maintain a foot or hand pilot valve in a set position. An investigation of 'deadman devices' installed on metropolitan passenger trains in Melbourne found a small continuing risk that a train driver could be incapacitated and the deadman system would not activate the brakes.
The new vigilance control system will assess a driver's actions to deduce whether the driver is alert and in control of the train or incapacitated. VICERS does this by analysing the use of the master traction control, brake control and horn control. A train-based recorder will continuously record train and driver actions. Specialist VICERS software can then be used to analyse train data and driver activity, particularly in the event of a train incident.
The State Government has allocated $46.4 million to install VICERS. The vigilance control system will be primarily installed in trains at the Brighton Beach railway siding which was upgraded in 2006 as part of the project. It is anticipated the new system will be installed on all trains in the metropolitan fleet by the end of 2010.
Railway crossings
A series of programs focussing on the safety of railway crossings both for motorists and pedestrians is in place. The programs include:
Safety investigations
The State Government has implemented many changes to systems and processes as a result of recommendations arising from investigations into transport incidents.
For more information, visit the
Safety investigations webpage.