Gilbert + Tobin has advised Transport for NSW (TfNSW) on the engagement of Network Rail Consulting as System Integrator in the first step towards delivering the Government’s Digital Systems Program.
In June 2018 the NSW Government announced an $880 million investment in technology improvements to modernise the Sydney Trains network, a key component of which is the Digital Systems Program (the Program).
The Program is part of the Government’s broader “More Trains, More Services” agenda, and contains three main elements:
- replacing trackside signalling equipment with the latest European Train Control System Level 2 technology;
- implementing Automatic Train Operation, which will be used to assist drivers – who will still remain in control – and provide faster and more consistent journey times; and
- introducing a Traffic Management System for more effective incident management and service regulation across the network.
The role of the System Integrator is critical in managing TfNSW’s collaboration with key partners and assisting with the procurement of major supplier packages.
G+T’s Technology + Digital team, led by partners Sheila McGregor, Lesley Sutton, Simon Burns and Alex Danne, and supported by lawyers Jen Bradley and Nikhil Shah, are partnering with the TfNSW legal team on all legal aspects of the project.
Procurement of other key packages in the Program will continue in 2019, with services coming online from the early 2020s.
Partner Sheila McGregor said of the project, “We are delighted to be assisting the TfNSW team on such an innovative project that will ultimately deliver more value and better transport solutions for the people of NSW. We are able to draw on our understanding of emerging technology and our project experiences in advising on the implementation of digital systems to help structure this unique program.”
Gilbert + Tobin's Technology + Digital team is ranked top tier by both Chambers Asia-Pacific 2018 and Legal 500 2018.