Network Rail has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Transport for NSW in Australia to develop rail technology, improve reliability, and drive sustainability that will benefit millions of rail passengers on both sides of the world.
It marks the collaboration between two organisations committed to accelerating decarbonisation and reducing carbon emissions by adopting more sustainable practices, driving innovation, and improving reliability and safety on the rail network.
Network Rail was the first railway organisation in the world to set ambitious science-based targets and aims to reach net-zero emissions by 2045 in Scotland and by 2050 across the rest of Britain. Transport for NSW has set a similar goal, targeting net zero embodied emissions by 2045 and 2050 across the entire organisation.
Over the next five years, the MoU will focus on four key areas:
- Sustainability & Net Zero Carbon – Implementing solutions to reduce emissions and environmental impact.
- Asset Performance & Reliability – Improving infrastructure resilience and operational efficiency.
- Workforce & System Safety – Enhancing rail workers and passengers’ safety measures.
- Research Development & Innovation – Fostering innovation to make train travel more accessible, reliable, sustainable, and affordable.
Robert Ampomah, Network Rail’s chief technology officer, said: “We are delighted to be working with Transport for NSW. We face many of the same challenges and share many of the same goals.
“By exchanging knowledge, best practices, and innovative approaches to rail renewals, maintenance and decarbonisation, we’re paving the way for a more sustainable, efficient, and resilient rail network that is fit for the future —benefiting passengers, freight operators and the planet alike.”
Camilla Drover, Transport for NSW’s deputy secretary of infrastructure, projects and engineering, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for us to work with Network Rail, given we share similar priorities for the future of our respective rail networks.
“Our mutual goal to advance the safety, innovation, sustainability and reliability of our rail networks will enable us to better connect people and goods to where they need to be.”
The agreement, signed on 19 February, builds on Network Rail’s existing global partnerships with leading rail organisations, including SBB (Switzerland), ProRail (Netherlands), BaneNor (Norway), the Korean Rail Research Institute, Transport for London, and Trafikverket (Sweden).
Image credit: Network Rail
