Steps to passenger service

Step 1: Design and Manufacture of the train

The first stage of introducing a train into passenger service is the design and manufacture of the carriages.

The Waratah train has been designed to meet relevant safety requirements under the Rail Safety Act as well as standards identified for safety, reliability and performance which have been agreed to in the contract.

Step 2: Installing the operations system into the train

In the final stages of the manufacturing and fit out process the train systems are installed.

All modern trains like the Waratah have sophisticated electronic operating systems. The operating system monitors the critical systems, detecting and reporting any faults on the doors, air conditioning, closed circuit security cameras, braking and communications systems.

The testing and integration of all of these key systems is a key step towards the introduction of the new train into passenger service.

Step 3: Testing

The testing of each new train is designed to provide evidence that it is safe, reliable and that the train meets the performance standards identified in the contract.

At this stage of the process every one of the train's components and systems will be tested from the brakes, motors and doors to the on-board communications systems. The testing of these systems takes place both on and away from the network.

The testing of each new train on the network under near real operating conditions is critical to making sure that they operate safely and integrate successfully into the network.

Testing is carefully planned to coordinate with scheduled passenger and freight services and other planned maintenance, capital and upgrading works programs.

Reliance Rail is required to provide RailCorp with a number of test reports throughout the testing process, which is also observed by RailCorp experts. These reports are required as evidence that the train is safe and reliable for passenger service.

When the required tests have been satisfactorily completed, Reliance Rail will present the train to RailCorp for a physical inspection. They will also present documentation to provide the final evidence of testing being successfully completed.

While each of these steps from manufacture and design through to testing and then Practical Completion take place, RailCorp is progressively reviewing safety documentation that relates to each of the steps. It is important that testing and verification of results is documented so that RailCorp is able provide the Independent Transport Safety Regulator (ITSR) with the evidence that the train is safe and reliable for passenger services.

Step 4: Safety Accreditation

As with all train fleets, the operation of the Waratah fleet requires approval of the Independent Transport Safety Regulator. This is achieved via a variation to RailCorp's "Safety Accreditation". This involves a two stage process: the first stage was for the first six Sets in passenger service and this has been approved by ITSR in June 2011. The final stage for the entire fleet was achieved in March 2012.