Network Rail is developing technology worldwide after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Transport for NSW in Australia on Wednesday, 19th February.

The agreement provides for the development of rail technology to improve reliability and drive sustainability to benefit millions of rail passengers on both sides of the world.

The two organisations will collaborate in developing technology to accelerate decarbonisation and reduce carbon emissions through more sustainable practices, driving innovation and improving reliability and safety on the railway network.

When Network Rail set ambitious science-based targets, it was the first railway organisation in the world to do so. It has set a target date of 2045 for net-zero emissions in Scotland and by 2050 for the rest of the UK.

In Australia, Transport for NSW has set similar goals, with a target of 2045 for net zero embodied emissions and 2050 across the entire organisation.

During the next five years, the Memorandum of Understanding will focus on four key areas:
Sustainability & Net Zero Carbon by implementing solutions to reduce emissions and environmental impact.

• Asset Performance & Reliability by improving infrastructure resilience and operational efficiency.
• Workforce & System Safety by improving safety measures for rail workers and passengers.
• Research Development & Innovation to foster innovation in making train travel more accessible, reliable, sustainable, and affordable.

Network Rail already has partnerships with leading rail organisations worldwide, including SBB in Switzerland, ProRail in the Netherlands, BaneNor in Norway, the Korean Rail Research Institute, Transport for London, and Trafikverket in Sweden.

In addition to collaborating with overseas organisations, Network Rail is collaborating with Transport for London on the management of assets, maintenance, and environmental sustainability.

“We are delighted to be working with Transport for NSW. We face many of the same challenges and share many of the same goals. “By exchanging knowledge, best practices, and innovative approaches to rail renewals, maintenance and decarbonisation, we’re paving the way for a more sustainable, efficient, and resilient rail network that is fit for the future —benefiting passengers, freight operators and the planet alike.”

Robert Ampomah, Network Rail’s chief technology officer

“This is an exciting opportunity for us to work with Network Rail, given we share similar priorities for the future of our respective rail networks. Our mutual goal to advance the safety, innovation, sustainability and reliability of our rail networks will enable us to better connect people and goods to where they need to be.”

Camilla Drover, Transport for NSW’s Deputy Secretary of Infrastructure, Projects and Engineering