ATMS on a roll

In early August Steve Wright, NSW Loco Division Freight Organiser, and Pacific National Branch councillor Peter Mundey, attended a workshop on the ATMS (Advanced Train Management System) project.

This project commenced in July 2008 with the announcement of $90 million investment by ARTC who entered into a $73.2 million contract with Lockheed Martin to design, develop, construct and test ATMS on 105km of interstate railway track between Crystal Brook and Port Augusta.

In September 2009, Risk workshops took place and Stage 1 consultation with Pacific National, Interail, Genesee Wyoming occurred in December 2009. However the RTBU was not involved.

During 2010 Proof of Concept trials using a specially modified high rail over the trial area were started, with the tests finally completed by January 2011.

Stage 2 testing is currently being done mainly on computer software. Stage 2 Proof of concept will take place in mid 2012 at a cost of $90 million and total network rollout is estimated at a cost of $480 million.

It is estimated that around 700 locomotives will require a fit-out prior to rollout.

Engineers who are working on the project have expressed interest in meeting with delegates to get feedback on the project from drivers. It’s hoped that the engineers will be able to fly out from the US to attend the Locomotive Divisional Council in December.

For more information please see www.atms.artc.com.au.