4Tel was engaged in the Newcastle Light Rail project to supply a turn-key, fit-for-purpose communications, signalling and control solution to support the integrated operation of the Newcastle Light Rail network with other transport modes. We were thrilled to take part in what we saw as a pivotal, innovative project for Newcastle, and were humbled that as a local technology company, were able to deliver a world-class technology to this first-of-its-kind light rail system in Australia.
Located in Newcastle, New South Wales, the network is the first catenary-free light rail system in operation in Australia. This significant project was designed to promote economic growth in the city by removing the secure rail corridor limiting pedestrian access from Newcastle CBD to the river front, and extending public transport to Newcastle Beach. Construction began in September 2017, with the network opening for passenger journeys in February 2019.
The 4Tel solution was required to address some unique design challenges set out by Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW). These included:
- Integration with the road traffic management system to provide priority of way for light rail vehicles.
- Integration with the Electrical SCADA system to facilitate efficient charging of the light rail vehicles and remote control of stop lighting.
- Minimising wayside infrastructure to simplify operations and maintenance of the network; and more.
The scope of work for 4Tel involved designing and implementing a turn-key solution which featured a range of proprietary products including:
- 4LRMS is 4Tel’s Light Rail Management System – this system provides the light rail.
- 4Site™ for SCADA and remote infrastructure control and monitoring.
- 4Trak™ for real-time service management, tracking and reporting.
- 4Trip for timetable management.
- 4PIDS™ software for real-time passenger information management.
To learn more about 4Tel’s Light Rail capabilities, read our case study on the Newcastle Light Rail project.
4Tel and 4AI Systems Founder, Derel Wust will present an ‘Innovation Spotlight’ at the Light Rail 2024 conference in San Diego on 13 November. We invite you to connect with him at the event or via LinkedIn.