ETCS - A new world class signalling system

ETCS is an advanced digital signalling system that relays continuous information between trains and central Rail Management Centre via a radio system, trackside technology and onboard equipment.

Put simply, ETCS helps to keep trains separated by controlling their movement.

Already operating in many cities around the world, the system monitors, evaluates and helps regulate speed of trains continuously, so that trains can be run more frequently and more efficiently without compromising safety.

ETCS has been installed and is currently being tested on the Shorncliffe line, will be a key component of how trains operate in the new Cross River Rail tunnels and will then progressively be rolled out across the wider SEQ rail network over the next 10-15 years.

Delivered by the Sequence Signalling & Systems Alliance

Formed especially to design and deliver ETCS, the Sequence Signalling and Systems Alliance brings together Hitachi Rail, Queensland Rail and the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority under an alliance style contract, working closely with the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads.

This combines Queensland Rail’s 150+ years of proud local history and operational excellence with Hitachi Rail’s global rail and digital signalling expertise, under the governance, procurement and project oversight of the CRRDA.

A truly international alliance, Sequence is a highly skilled team with experience in digital signalling, systems and network operations in Australia, across Asia and Europe and the USA.

For employment opportunities and a once in a lifetime opportunity to work on one of Australia’s largest infrastructure projects, just click here.

ETCS relays continuous information between the central Rail Management Centre (RMC) and trains via a radio system, and between trackside equipment and the RMC through a fixed transmission network. Some additional data is transferred via fixed balises (or beacons) on the train tracks to the trains. This information reports the position, direction and speed of each train and enables the system to calculate safe, maximum running speeds. Knowing the exact position of each train along the network means they can be scheduled to travel closer to each other while maintaining the highest standards of safety.