SEQUENCE: Signalling South East Queensland’s future

Sequence is delivering a world-class railway signalling system – the European Train Control System (ETCS) – for South East Queensland as part of the Cross River Rail project.

Formed to design and deliver ETCS, the Sequence signalling and systems alliance brings together Hitachi Rail, Queensland Rail and the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority (CRRDA).

ETCS technology installed on rail lines.

What is ETCS?

How it works?

How it works?

Workers making changes to the rail tracks in preparation for ETCS works.

Transforming travel

Engineers examining installed technology at hut.

Global rail experience, local knowledge

Engineers approaching a signal hut.

Beyond Cross River Rail

A smiling worker posing for a picture in their high-vis workwear.

Help us deliver a next-generation rail network for future generations

What is ETCS?

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

A core component of a safe, efficient and modern rail network, ETCS will be a key component of the Cross River Rail tunnel operations allowing the updating of train schedules, the smooth arrival and departure of trains, and will enhance the overall commuter experience.

An interesting fact that most don’t realise, ETCS informs the operation of many other systems from the glass platform screen doors through to the tunnels’ ventilation (based on how many trains are in the tunnel).

ETCS technology installed on rail lines.

How it works

The Queensland Government is investing in ETCS, a new signalling system that will enable increased capacity on the inner-city rail network, enhance safety and allow the wider SEQ rail network to run more efficiently.

Already operating in cities around the world, ETCS will increase rail capacity, efficiency and reliability while maintaining safety – particularly important for tunnel operations.

A crucial part of Cross River Rail, the ETCS will support the region’s rapid population growth and continued prosperity by:

  • allowing more services to run more often
  • connecting with new roads and busways
  • activating urban development
  • supporting other rail network growth projects
  • helping ease congestion pressure on major arterial roads.

You can learn more by downloading our brochure

 
Diagram shgowcasinga ll the different components of the ETCS system.
 

The new ETCS will include the following features:

1. & 2. Super SI Lab and SI Lab:

  • The Super SI Lab houses testing equipment that replicates all Rail Operating Systems (ROS) and their connections to the Rail Management Centre (RMC), ensuring all the systems operate together.
  • The SI Lab is a purpose-built lab used to validate the ETCS technology before real-world, on-site deployment.

3. The Shorncliffe Pilot Line (SPL) provides real-time testing of ETCS and CRR system functionality, performance, and business readiness for wider network roll out.

4. New Generation Rollingstock (NGR)
In-cab signalling technology is installed on the train to capture, process and send data. The movement of rail traffic is supervised with Automatic Train Operation (ATO), Automatic Train Protection (ATP), the Train Control Management System (TCMS) and Driver Machine Interface (DMI).

5. Tunnels, Stations and Development (TSD)
Systems monitor and control the access and safety operation in the tunnels and underground stations, and maintain the signalling and communications functions. ETCS interfaces with ventilation system to ensure it operates in tunnels and underground stations based on the operation of trains.

6. Platform Screen Doors (PSD)
Onboards and signalling system ensures doors only operate when train is in the correct position.

ETCS Technology (points 7-12):
Captures information on train position, speed, and configuration, and sends the data to the RMC via a radio system.
7. Antenna
8. Balise
9. Radio mast
10. Communication Equipment Hut (CE Hut)
11. Traditional signalling will remain on some lines to allow the safe movement of non-ETCS fitted trains.
12. Block Marker Boards are replacing traditional coloured light signals.
13. Safer trackside maintenance with ETCS
ETCS provides safer access for workers by moving trains around maintenance work crews.

14. Rail Management Centre (RMC)
The RMC at Mayne Yard controls all trains on the SEQ network with real time train route planning, disruption management and continuous monitoring of the system performance using the new Traffic Management System (TMS).

15. The Disaster Recover centre operates in ‘cold standby’ should RMC fail for any reason. It has full functionality to manage the network as the RMC.

16. Simulator Training

 

Rail Operational Systems (ROS)
ROS includes Passenger Information (PIS) with displays, announcements, and emergency assistance phones, PA & HAL System for announcements, CCTV System and Traction SCADA for monitoring power status in the substations and overhead lines.

Transforming travel

Already operating in cities around the world, ETCS will increase rail capacity, efficiency and reliability while maintaining safety – particularly important for tunnel operations.

A crucial part of Cross River Rail, the ETCS will support the region’s rapid population growth and continued prosperity by:

  • allowing more services to run more often
  • connecting with new roads and busways
  • activating urban development
  • supporting other rail network growth projects
  • helping ease congestion pressure on major arterial roads.

Workers making changes to the rail tracks in preparation for ETCS works.

Global rail experience, local knowledge

Sequence 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, we are a highly skilled team with experience in digital signalling, systems and network operations in Australia, across Asia and Europe and the USA who is proud to be working on one of Australia’s most exciting infrastructure projects.

The alliance also works closely with the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads.

Engineers examining installed technology at hut.

Beyond Cross River Rail

ETCS will play an important part in the future transformation of the wider South East Queensland rail network.

The new system will deliver a significant change for the rail network – supporting increased capacity, efficiency and reliability for a sustainable transport network and play a key role in how Queensland prepares to host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Engineers approaching a signal hut.

Help us deliver a next-generation rail network for future generations

Working on Cross River Rail offers you a once in a lifetime opportunity to work on one of Australia’s largest infrastructure projects and to be a part of something that will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.

Sequence is regularly recruiting to our diverse, dynamic and collaborative team, expanding our capability across a wide range of engineering, project management and project delivery support roles.

Want to rewrite your resume in rail? Use the links below to view available jobs:

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Hear from existing staff

Watch this video to learn more about what it’s like to work for the Sequence Systems & Signalling Alliance.

Hear from existing staff

Watch this video to learn more about what it’s like to work for the Sequence Systems & Signalling Alliance.