Automatic Train Protection

Reviewed

Transport for NSW is improving safety across the electrified rail network by delivering new Automatic Train Protection (ATP) technology.

ATP is a generic name used globally to describe a range of train safety technologies. Both ATP and Digital Systems Program use European Train Control System (ETCS) technology.

Key benefits

The use of ATP technology in our rail network ensures our:

  • Trains operate within the permitted track speed
  • Train crews are supported in ensuring that customers have a safer train journey

What does it involve?

The ATP system involves the installation of technology on the trains themselves and the tracks (trackside) The ATP technology provides information to the driver and ensures that the train is always operated within the speed limits.

This involves:

  • Installing balises (electronic transponders) in the rail corridor between existing trackside infrastructure to monitor train speeds
  • Installing equipment on suburban and Intercity trains which provides speed monitoring and braking information to the driver, and will safely reduce speed and stop the train if required.

Discover more in the Automatic Train Protection diagram (PDF, 445.45 KB) and ATP Overview animation. 

Current status

The ATP trackside infrastructure rollout was completed in mid-2022 and is now operational across the majority of the Sydney Trains metropolitan network as well as the South Coast Line to Kiama, the Blue Mountains Line to Lithgow, and the Central Coast / Newcastle Line.

Sydenham to Bankstown on the T3 line is not in scope due to the Sydney Metro Southwest rollout, while Erskineville to Bondi Junction on the T4 line is being delivered by the Digital Systems Program. Sydney Trains is commissioning ATP at Gosford as part of the Gosford Area Remodelling project.

The ATP system is being retrofitted to most existing Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink trains. New trains are delivered with ATP technology already installed. Visit the Rolling Stock Delivery page for more information on the train fleet roll out.

Since the commencement of the ATP Project in 2014 we have achieved the following:

  • 322 track possessions issued (average of 1 everyday 3 days)

  • 14 separate trackside commissioning events conducted 

  • More than 600 kilometres of track completed and commissioned 

  • 5216 electronic transponder balises installed 

  • 76 campaigns covering feasibility, onboard and trackside testing throughout project life cycle 

  • More than 100 onboard reliability running hours tested for each train set type 

Project Documents

Tagged as