FED: New communications for rail freight

AAP General News (Australia)
04-13-2005
FED: New communications for rail freight

NEWCASTLE, April 13 AAP - A new $62 million communications system will boost the efficiency
of rail freight movements in Australia, federal Transport Minister John Anderson said
today.

The deputy prime minister said $42 million would be spent on a scheme to provide a
single communications network across the entire interstate rail system.

He also announced $20 million to computerise in-cab signalling in trains, provide a
satellite-based train tracking system and new computerised warnings to alert drivers to
any dangers.

Mr Anderson said the upgrade would allow more trains to run on the same track, improving
freight capacity.

"The system will enable the Australian Rail Track Corporation to operate more trains
on the same track with a higher level of safety," he said.

Mr Anderson made the announcement in Newcastle, saying the improvements would allow
the Hunter Valley rail network to increase the number of coal trains it can handle.

AAP dcr/bd/nf/gjr/jlw

KEYWORD: FREIGHT

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