BRITISH infrastructure manager Network Rail (NR) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Transport for New South Wales in Australia to collaborate on rail technology, improve reliability, and enhance sustainability.
The agreement will focus on four key areas over the next five years:
- sustainability and net zero carbon - implementing solutions to reduce emissions and minimise environmental impact
- asset performance and reliability - enhancing infrastructure resilience and operational efficiency
- workforce and system safety - strengthening safety measures for both rail workers and passengers.
- research development and innovation - promoting innovation to make train travel more accessible, reliable, sustainable, and affordable.
NR is aiming to reach net-zero emissions by 2045 in Scotland and by 2050 across the rest of Britain. Transport for NSW has set a similar objective, aiming for net-zero embodied emissions by 2045 and full net-zero emissions by 2050 across its entire organisation.
“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,” says Robert Ampomah, NR’s chief technology officer
NR already has partnerships in place with Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), Dutch infrastructure manager ProRail, Norwegian infrastructure manager BaneNor, the Korean Rail Research Institute, Transport for London, and Swedish infrastructure manager Trafikverket.
