Interoperability in rail operations is gaining momentum as a central part of the national agenda to improve productivity of Australia’s rail networks – but what does it mean, how could it shape the future of Australia’s rail sector and what actions do rail transport operators need to be taking now to prepare?
In 2023, a review of Rail Safety National Law was initiated by Australia’s Infrastructure and Transport Ministers and undertaken jointly by the National Transport Commission (NTC) and rail expert Tom Sargant. The targeted review of the legislation was designed to assess whether it remained fit for purpose and how it could, and should, serve the Australian rail industry - and most importantly the Australian public - for the next decade and beyond.
In its final report on the review, the NTC made 25 recommendations that cover how the law could be amended to strengthen the link between safety and productivity, and to deliver a long-held ambition for a more interoperable Australian rail network that facilitates:
The ability of a rail transport operator’s railway systems to operate together with those of other rail transport operators to enable the rail transport operator’s railway operations to be undertaken seamlessly and safely across multiple rail networks.
The NTC consulted with industry in late 2024 on a regulation that requires operators on the National Network for Interoperability (NNI) to consider interoperability when making changes to their operations. For any changes that will impact interoperability, operators will be required to prepare an Interoperability Management Plan (IMP) as part of their safety management system. The new regulation commenced on 1 November 2025 and, after a transition period, operators will be required to comply from 28 February 2026.
ONRSR is working with the NTC and the Rail Industry Safety and Standards Board (RISSB) to produce guidance material to support operators to consider interoperability in compliance with the regulation.
Interoperability in the Australian rail industry refers to the ability of different rail systems, technologies, rules and operators to work together safely, seamlessly and efficiently across the NNI.
Historically, Australia’s railways developed in isolation across states, resulting in inconsistent standards, signalling systems, communications and operational rules.
Improving interoperability and establishing the NNI reduces safety risk from system complexity and increases freight and passenger productivity. It also supports the adoption of modern digital rail technologies and national harmonisation initiatives led by ONRSR, the NTC and industry stakeholders. In practical terms, interoperability enables a more connected, efficient and future-ready rail system for Australia.
Australian rail networks currently operate with multiple signalling systems, mixed train control methods and varying safeworking rules. Without advancements in interoperability, these differences create operational inefficiencies and complexities and the potential for reduced safety. A lack of interoperability can also result in increasing costs where the integration of technology and training is concerned.
Specifically, a focus on interoperability on the NNI can deliver improvements in:
Advancing interoperability includes establishing a key Australian rail network (the NNI) that works as one connected system instead of a collection of separate state-based networks. It’s about improving safety, reducing costs, and boosting national productivity by making trains, systems, and people compatible across the country.
A fully interoperable rail network enables safe integration of multiple technologies across jurisdictional boundaries and is essential for improving safety, modernising the network and supporting national freight mobility.
Improving the interoperability of the nation’s rail networks will also play a pivotal role in reducing Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to a sustainable national economy.
The new requirements only apply to accredited rail infrastructure managers that are part of the NNI and accredited rolling stock operators that have accreditation to operate on the NNI. Operators that are determined by the Regulator to be a tourist and heritage operator will be exempt from the new requirements.
To support operators with implementation of the new requirements, ONRSR has worked with the National Transport Commission (NTC) and Rail Industry and Safety Standards Board (RISSB) to develop an Interoperability of Railway Operations Guideline. ONRSR consulted on the draft guideline between 27 October 2025 and 14 November 2025. We are now going through the submissions received and if required, the draft guideline will be updated before a final version is published.
Interested parties can view the draft Interoperability of Railway Operations Guideline, noting it is subject to change following consideration of the feedback received.