Digital Systems Program

The Digital Systems Program will replace current signalling and train control technology with modern, internationally proven, intelligent systems. It will help improve reliability, increase capacity and enhance customer experience on Sydney’s railways.

Part of More Trains, More Services, the Digital Systems Program consists of three main elements:

Replacing traditional trackside signalling equipment with the latest ‘in cab’ train control technology (European Train Control System Level 2)
Implementing Automatic Train Operation, which assists drivers – who remain in control – to provide reduced and more consistent journey times
Introducing a Traffic Management System to help the railway recover from any disruption quickly and manage the overall network as effectively as possible.

Discover more in the Digital Systems Program diagram.

Digital Systems will help achieve the vision of Future Transport 2056, enabling an increase in capacity across the railway network to meet future demand, and improving customer experience by delivering more reliable services, reduced journey times and enhanced real-time information.

Scope, status and key milestones

In 2018, the NSW Government allocated over $800 million towards the first stage of the Program, which involves developing, testing and validating Digital Systems on parts of the T4 Line, from Sutherland to Cronulla and from Bondi Junction to Erskineville.

A major works contract has been signed with Siemens Mobility Pty Ltd (Siemens) to deliver digital signalling into the first area of Sydney’s rail network between Sutherland and Cronulla on the T4 line.

Known as the “Trackside” project, the new system changes the way train drivers receive signalling information, so instead of relying on fixed traffic light signals outside the train, the driver responds to digital information received within the train cab.

Construction is set to start in the first half of 2021, with the new system due for operations in 2023.

Project updates for Trackside - Sutherland to Cronulla

Siemens will also introduce and maintain the Traffic Management System (TMS).

Due to be available for operation in 2023, the TMS will work alongside other systems used by Sydney Trains to control train operations. It continually monitors the position of all trains, helping to keep services running as planned and assists with responses to incidents.