Frequently asked questions
These questions and answers are designed to help the community understand more about the Digital Train Radio System project and the work that will be undertaken on site.
If you have a question that is not answered on this page please e-mail us.
DTRS program
1. What is DTRS?
The Digital Train Radio System (DTRS) is a new communication system being installed on RailCorp's electrified network.
The DTRS is a modern, flexible technology that will enable train controllers, train drivers, train guards and signallers working on passenger and freight services to use a single system for voice and data communication.
Based on the European GSM–R standard of communication systems, the DTRS meets strict safety, reliability and operational requirements and is the preferred technology of major rail operators in Europe and Asia. The GSM-R communications system works in a similar way to a mobile phone network.
Overall the DTRS will provide a substantial improvement over the current system and will be able to operate in tandem with the existing system while it is still in use.
2. Why is it being implemented?
Implementing this system will fulfil important recommendations from the Special Commission of Inquiry into the Waterfall rail accident.
The DTRS will replace RailCorp's current analogue communications system, MetroNet, which is coming to the end of its operating life with a modern and secure digital train radio system.
3. Where will it be implemented?
The DTRS will be installed throughout RailCorp's electrified network. This network is bounded by Kiama, Macarthur, Lithgow, Richmond, Bondi Junction and Newcastle.
DTRS equipment will be installed at about 250 locations and more than 60 sites in tunnels.
The first installations will be between Sutherland and Waterfall, to the south of Sydney. Construction is scheduled to begin at the end of 2011.
4. How long will it take?
Installing DTRS facilities throughout RailCorp's electrified network is expected to take several years. The project is being conducted in stages and this website will be updated with information about the individual sites before construction is scheduled to begin.
Construction, installation and commissioning of the DTRS equipment will take, on average, six weeks to complete at each site.
5. What will the DTRS look like?
DTRS facilities will vary from site to site. At most locations a mast with antennas attached will be installed in the rail corridor, accompanied by equipment cabinets. These masts will be similar in appearance to those installed by telecommunication companies.
Where possible, DTRS equipment will be added to existing infrastructure such as masts, station buildings, stanchions and electrical substations.
6. Where will the new masts be located?
Most will be located inside the rail corridor.
Waterfall Inquiry
1. What are the recommendations of the Waterfall Inquiry?
The Special Commission of Inquiry into the Waterfall accident made a number of recommendations in relation to communications. These also included recommendations resulting from the inquiry into the earlier Glenbrook train accident.
a) Recommendation 38: There must be compatibility of communications systems throughout the rail network. It is essential that all train drivers, train controllers, signallers, train guards and supervisors of trackside work gangs in New South Wales are able to communicate using the same technology.
b) Recommendation 46: There should be interoperability of communications equipment between all trains operating on the New South Wales rail network.
2. Why has it taken so long to do something about recommendations made by the Special Commissions of Inquiry?
After the 2003 Waterfall train accident, RailCorp conducted a thorough review of its existing train radio system.
At that time, digital train radio technology was not in use or development in Australia. This meant RailCorp needed to investigate similar technology used in other countries to ensure its compatibility with its complex network.
Safety
1. How will DTRS improve the safety and reliability of train services? Will trains be safer?
The DTRS will enable people involved in staffing and controlling passenger and freight services in RailCorp's electrified network to use a single system for voice and data communication.
Technology
1. What kind of technology will be used?
The DTRS is based on the European GSM–R standard of communication systems which meets strict safety, reliability and operational requirements and is the preferred technology of major rail operators in Europe and Asia.
GSM-R communications systems work in a similar way to mobile phone networks.
2. Where is this technology operating successfully overseas and in Australia?
GSM-R systems are operational in countries including Norway and Holland and under development in countries including Great Britain, France, Austria and China.
In Australia, this system is being installed on the Melbourne train network by the Victorian Government.
3. Are the masts safe? What about radiation and electromagnetic emissions?
The masts will operate in a similar way to mobile phone towers. But unlike mobile phone networks which send signals in all directions and over the largest area possible, the DTRS will tend to focus signals up and down the train lines.
RailCorp's DTRS facilities will generate significantly less than one per cent of the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency's (ARPANSA) exposure limit at 1.5 metres above ground. The range of DTRS emissions is expected to be from 0.001% to 0.20% of ARPANSA's limit.
4. How can the community be assured that they will not be at risk from emissions?
The RailCorp DTRS masts will operate in accordance with Australian safety standards. In Australia, the safety standards for emissions from facilities like DTRS masts are set by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (APRANSA).
By law, each site must be checked for compliance with these standards and RailCorp is fulfilling this requirement..
5. How can the community access independent information about emissions?
Detailed information will be provided to ARPANSA and the Australian Communications Media Authority to verify that the DTRS complies with appropriate standards. If you would like to obtain independent information, you can visit ARPANSA's website - www.arpansa.gov.au - or call the agency on 1800 022 333.
Environment
1. Will trees be cut down to make way for these masts?
This will depend on the design of each site. Generally, RailCorp will endeavour to select sites to minimise disturbance to the environment.
2. Will there be much noise?
During construction there will be activities that may generate some noise audible in the surrounding area. This noise is likely to be from trucks, machinery and boring for the masts' foundations. These activities will short in duration and mitigation measures will be in place to ensure noise is kept to a minimum. Local residents will be notified before construction begins.
The site will not generate noise when it is operational.
3. Will the work create dust?
Dust may be generated by the disturbance of soil during construction. Mitigation measures will be used to ensure minimal dust is produced. These measures may include covering stockpiles and watering regularly to reduce the risk of dust.
4. Will the work affect plants and animals in the area?
Plants and animals were considered during selection of the mast locations. It is not expected there will be any significant impact on plants and animals during construction or operation. Mitigation measures will be used to ensure minimal impact on plants and animals and may include:
- removing or preventing the spread of noxious weeds;
- covering or backfilling of trenches and other excavations at the end of each day;
- regular site inspections looking for trapped or injured animals; and
- fencing off any protected flora and fauna habitats.
5. Has RailCorp complied with relevant environmental legislation?
The proposed works are being assessed under Part 5 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, (EP&A) 1997. Reviews of Environmental Factors (REFs) are being prepared to address the requirements of the EP&A Act. The REF for each site considers all key environmental impacts. View available REFs and provide feedback.
6. Has RailCorp received all the necessary approvals for this project?
RailCorp is ensuring approvals are provided in full compliance with associated legislation. This will include a comprehensive community consultation process for each site forming part of the DTRS.
Community and stakeholder engagement
1. How can the community comment on /make complaints about the project or construction?
RailCorp will consult with nearby residents, businesses and other stakeholders approximately eight weeks before work begins at each site. A letter detailing DTRS and the scope of work will be delivered to all properties within a 500 metre radius of the site. This letter will also invite the community to provide feedback about RailCorp's plans.
Information about the scope of work, potential impacts and their mitigation can be found in a review of environmental factors (REFs) for each site. The community will be given 21 calendar days to comment on work proposed at each site. View available REFs and provide feedback.
Face-to-face consultation will be undertaken with residents, businesses and other stakeholders who are very close to the site. We will also contact nearby community members and arrange meetings to discuss the DTRS works.
2. How will the community be informed about construction/implementation of the project?
RailCorp will deliver another letter to nearby residents, businesses and other stakeholders approximately five working days before construction begins. This letter will explain what DTRS is, what work is planned and, if applicable, any changes to traffic conditions.
Fact sheets and posters will be also displayed at nearby stations.
This website will be updated regularly as the project progresses.
3. Will you liaise with the local council and do you need their approval in begin DTRS works?
RailCorp will liaise with local council and other regulatory authorities where required. As the works are in the rail corridor, RailCorp does not require council approval for the installation and commissioning of DTRS.
Before construction
1. Can I comment about the proposed work before construction?
Yes, you can provide comment before construction begins. Consultation will be undertaken with nearby residents, businesses and other stakeholders approximately eight weeks before work is scheduled to begin.
A letter detailing the DTRS and the scope of work to be undertaken will go to all properties within a 500 metre radius.
The community will be given 21 calendar days to comment on the proposed works. View available REFs and provide feedback.
Face-to-face consultation will be undertaken with residents, businesses and other stakeholders who are very close to the site.
RailCorp will also contact nearby community members and arrange meetings to discuss the DTRS works.
2. My house is near the proposed construction site and I'm concerned about what's going to happen.
The construction work involved at DTRS sites will include:
- site establishment;
- boring of mast foundations;
- construction of new masts with DTRS or retrofitting of DTRS equipment to existing infrastructure in the rail corridor;
- preparing and pouring concrete;
- installing equipment cabinets and cables;
- site demobilisation, restoration and revegetation; and
- testing and commissioning the new system.
3. My house is near the proposed mast and I'm concerned about the visual impact/detriment to the value of my property.
Some nearby properties may experience some visual impact from the mast. The appearance and height of the mast has been designed to minimise the impact as much as possible.
4. I live near one of the construction sites. Will there be a lot of noise and/or traffic disruption due to the works?
There will be activities that may generate some noise or traffic disruption in the surrounding area during construction. Noise is likely to be from trucks, machinery or boring for the mast foundation. These activities will be short in duration and mitigation measures will be in place to ensure that noise and traffic disruption are kept to a minimum. Local residents and businesses will be notified before construction begins.
The site will not generate noise when it is operational.
5. Why is a DTRS mast going to be installed near my property? Can't the mast go somewhere else?
Locations have been chosen to minimise impact on the community and environment whilst still ensuring essential communication can get to and from train controllers, train drivers, train guards and signallers. Moving mast locations would impact the reliability of communications with train crew.
6. Will RailCorp contact me with more information about what will happen in my area before work starts?
Yes. RailCorp will deliver letters containing specific information about DTRS activities to residences, businesses and other stakeholders within a 500 metre radius of the site approximately five working days before construction begins.
During construction
1. At what times during the day will work occur? Is any night work planned?
The DTRS works are planned to occur during the day between 7:00am to 6:00pm Monday to Friday and on Saturday from 8:00am to 1:00pm.
There are no night works planned at this stage. If this changes RailCorp will notify the nearby community beforehand and work to minimise the impact of any night works.
2. What materials and equipment will be used on site?
Sites will be graded using appropriate equipment with some excavation/boring and piling works to prepare foundations for the mast. Concrete will be delivered to the sites and used to pour foundations for the mast. Precast concrete slabs will be delivered to form a base for the cabinets. Some cutting and forming of reinforcing steel will be undertaken as part of the foundation works.
At some sites cranes will be used to erect the masts, while at other sites a hydraulic arm will be used for this purpose.
Work will be site specific and individual notices will be provided to communities close to each site.
3. Will any of my power, phone or other services be affected by works?
Existing services like power and phone will not be impacted by DTRS works.
4. I am concerned that you may block the road or make it unsafe while trucks are accessing the rail line.
Individual traffic management plans will be prepared for each site to ensure traffic disruption is minimised.
5. I catch the train to work regularly. Will the DTRS construction cause additional trackwork?
No. The DTRS program is planned to fit within RailCorp's existing trackwork schedule. The majority of work will occur during business hours on Mondays to Fridays and, possibly, Saturdays until 1.00pm.
6. Is there anyone I can contact if I have more questions on DTRS in my area?
Yes. There is a dedicated project team that can assist you with enquiries about DTRS works. You can contact the team via e-mail, use the online feedback form or write to us at:
DTRS Feedback
RailCorp Community Relations
PO Box K349
Haymarket NSW 1238
After construction
1. What testing will be undertaken to ensure the DTRS equipment has been installed safely?
The DTRS will operate safely in accordance with Australian standards. Detailed information will be provided to ARPANSA and the ACMA to verify that the DTRS complies with appropriate standards.
2. When will the DTRS get turned on in my area?
Once the requirements of both ARPANSA and the ACMA have been satisfied, DTRS sites will be turned on.
