New ATMS for Oz

The

(ARTC) and

have entered into an agreement to develop a blueprint for a new Advanced Train Management System (ATMS). The new ATMS will provide new communications and control technology for ARTC's national and

rail networks.

ARTC CEO, David Marchant welcomed the working relationship with Lockheed Martin saying ARTC had chosen ATMS as proposed by Lockheed Martin as the superior train control technology for Australian conditions. He said it should leapfrog train control technology for the Australian national rail freight industry to the highest international standard.

According to a statement, the new communications system will be based on Telstra's Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) technology and will provide a single communications medium across the whole rail network replacing nine separate communications systems.

The funding for the development of a blue print for this project is through the Australian government's $12.5 billion land transport plan, AusLink. The Australian government will provide ARTC with $42 million to build a fully interoperable communications system for the interstate rail network and $20.3 million to develop a blueprint for its new ATMS.

The ATMS will include new computerised in-cab signalling to replace the current trackside system, satellite-based location technology with accuracy to within three metres and a computerised warning system to alert drivers of impending dangers.

The system will allow ARTC to operate more trains on the track and will boost the capacity of the rail network in the Hunter Valley.