202410 – Kumar – Implementation of High-Capacity Signalling (HCS) in Perth

The Sub-urban rail network of Perth consists of several lines viz. Armadale Line, Fremantle line, Midland Line, Forrestfield Airport Line, Mandurah line, and Yanchep line, all meeting in the Perth CBD at Perth Station. This network is continuously expanding and the need to run more trains to carry more passengers more frequently is continuously increasing. This network is constructed, operated, and maintained by the Public Transport Authority of Western Australia. The Rail Growth Plan (RGP) developed by Public Transport Authority (PTA) sets a long-term strategy for the existing rail network that responds to the increase in rail patronage which is expected to almost triple by 2051. The RGP identifies the High-Capacity Signalling project as one of the main projects in enabling the increase in train capacity by introducing advanced signalling technology.

The Perth rail network consists of conventional signalling and train control systems with a mix of Route Relay Interlocking (RRI) and Computer Based Interlocking (CBI), supported by an intermittent Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system.

The HCS project will implement a Communication Based Train Control (CBTC) system as the technology for delivering High-Capacity Signalling for Perth Railway. This integrated system will provide sophisticated in-cab signalling and intelligent rail traffic management.

The procurement phase of the project has ended, and a prospective supplier has been selected to deliver this project under an Alliance contract model with PTA. This paper deals with the need of the project and the developments that occurred during the scoping and procurement phase of the project, along with the challenges identified so far to deliver HCS for Perth railway.