Hi there, I just returned from Australia after an exciting journey immersed in ETCS and the challenges it presents for the local rail community, from policy making and regulation, and from infrastructure management to fleet operation. Here is a recap…
18 Nov – Leaving Brussels, ETCS ready to roll
With a conference, trade fair and many meetings booked in my agenda, I am still confident that I’ll carve out some time for my passion, surfing. Even if I can’t check in my board, our ETCS software-defined solution is so small it fits in two easy-to-roll cases. Australia here we come!
21 Nov – First stop: on-board survey with an old friend and business partner
Today, I met up with Ben Walsh for an on-board survey, on one of the many locomotives responsible for moving freight across this vast and beautiful country. Based in Brisbane, Ben is an old friend and CEO of Theta International, The Signalling Company’s agent for the Australian market.
24 Nov – Second stop: presentation to the NTC Future Rail Technology Forum
Today, I’m in Melbourne for the Future Rail Technology Forum 2025, hosted by the National Transport Commission. I am co-presenting with Wabtec to talk about the efficiencies that the ETCS standard opens up for cost effective non-urban signalling on freight dominated rail lines, illustrating what we believe to be the optimum economically sustainable blend of signalling tech for the Australian rail network.
Throughout the day, various experts take the stage heralding Australia’s adoption of ETCS and advent of a harmonized national implementation. We are deeply honoured to have been invited and warmly thank Sandra McKay, Stephen Lemmon, and the rest of the team at National Transport Commission (NTC).
26 Nov – Stop 3: AusRail Plus exhibition – taking the market pulse
For 3 days, I proudly host our ETCS exhibit at the largest rail event in the Asia-Pacific region. Kindly spotlighted by our friends Wabtec on their superb booth, I got to spend quality time with clients challenged by the need to assure interoperable and economically viable safety for urban and non-urban rail lines and rolling stock. Huge thanks to Dwayne, Aaron, and the rest of the Wabtec team for being such gracious hosts.
Final Stop: see you soon Australia
Time to bid adieu to this amazing country and people. Time has simply flown by. I am tired but inspired to return soon with more members of our team to help Australia realize its ETCS plans quickly and sustainably. Until next time… signing off!
