Background:

The Public Transport Authority (PTA) is undertaking a High-Capacity Signalling (HCS) Project to replace the existing Transperth rail network signalling and control system with a state-of-the-art, radio-based, in-cab system. The new Automatic Train Control (ATC) system will allow increased service frequencies to meet the rail demand forecast under long-term transport planning.

PTA will deliver the HCS Project under an Alliance contract model and is currently in the late stage of the associated procurement process; having nominated a Preferred Proponent. Subject to the successful conclusion of negotiations with the Preferred Proponent and required approvals, the PTA will award delivery and maintenance contracts in mid-2024.

The scope of the HCS Project includes:

• replacement of the existing ‘fixed-block’ signalling system with a ‘moving-block’ ATC system for safe operation of trains at shorter intervals, enabling capacity increases;
• provision of an automatic train supervision and regulation system to replace the existing Train Control System with higher levels of efficiency and automation;
• semi-automatic train operation, supporting drivers to achieve more consistent and punctual services;
• simplified secondary signalling for operation of ATC-unfitted third-party trains (e.g., Indian Pacific, freight trains);
• replacement of the PTA’s life-expired signalling assets system for improved safety of train operations; and
• a reduction of field signalling equipment for higher reliability and a reduced maintenance requirement.

Scope of Services:

The PTA is seeking Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) systems engineering Services to support the PTA’s Project Management Engineering Team (PMET) in the delivery of the HCS Project.

The Consultant is to provide appropriately experienced and qualified personnel (the ‘Consultant Personnel’) to join the PTA’s “HCS Project Team”.

The initial requirement is for specialist support in the following areas:

• Automatic Train Supervision (ATS) system engineering services specialised in CBTC systems, particularly those involving conventional signalling; and
• Communications engineering services specialised in the Long-Term Evolution (LTE) and Backbone Transmission applications for CBTC systems.

The Consultant Personnel will lead the execution of CBTC engineering responsibilities, including ATS and LTE, for the PTA’s PMET.

The Consultant Personnel will be expected to have performed similar services / roles on complex rail signalling system projects and have a demonstrated ability in successful planning, design and delivery of major complex rail signalling system projects for public transport organisations. Under the direction of the PTA’s HCS Technical Lead, the Consultant Personnel shall provide advice and support services to perform activities related to the PTA engineering activities, and the integration of the HCS systems into the PTA’s operational and maintenance environment. The Consultant Personnel will provide technical advice and support in the planning, engineering, stakeholder engagement and assurance activities associated with the PMET’s deliverables. The Consultant Personnel will be expected to support and take the lead on initiatives as delegated by the PTA’s HCS Technical Lead, to ensure successful implementation of the HCS Project.

The scope of work for the proposed CBTC system engineering Services, including ATS and LTE, has been developed based on the Scope of Work and Technical Requirements (SWTR) documentation and relevant HCS Project Management Plans.

The Consultant Personnel will be required to:

• undertake activities related to the project system changes and integration management activities;
• undertake Interdisciplinary Design Reviews (IDRs) on behalf of the PTA;
• accept of the HCS Alliance’s discipline specific technical deliverables, if appointed as PTA Project Engineer;
• assist the PTA with collecting performance and reliability data on existing and emerging communication equipment, as well as developing new systems required by the HCS but not delivered by the HCS Alliance; and
• assist the HCS Alliance and PTA’s System Integration Manager with changes to legacy and new systems associated with the HCS Project but not part of the HCS Alliance scope.

The Consultant Personnel will have provided similar services on complex signalling system projects and have a demonstrated ability in the successful delivery of complex major signalling system projects for comparable organisations.

The CBTC system engineering Services include provision of support to the HCS Technical Lead and the HCS Project Director in providing design, technical advice, and coordination of all HCS works within the stated scope.

The ATS system engineering Services will include:

• delivering comprehensive Project Engineering services as outlined in PTA Engineering Management for Projects (PTA doc. 8110-100-013);
• offering Subject Matter Expert advice as needed by the HCS Technical Lead;
• as part of the HCS Project PMET, leading the team's ATS and Train Control related engineering activities and reporting to the HCS Technical Lead;
• overseeing the ATS and train control components of the HCS Alliance contract works and ensure that all interface and legacy components meet the PTA’s and HCS Alliance needs;
• working closely with the RAMS Engineers, Communications Engineer, Change Manager, Electrical Engineer, Human Factors consultants and Cyber Security consultants to ensure the Safety, Maintainability and Reliability requirements for the system are met;
• working closely with HCS Project Engineers, Transperth Train Operations, Network and Infrastructure division, IT/OT Division and HCS Alliance personnel in developing maintenance plans, training, and documentation to meet the PTA’s requirements;
• developing scope of works and supervising minor PTA contracts not covered by the HCS Alliance contract but required to enable the HCS Project;
• participation and leading system design reviews for the ATC system to ensure adherence to HCS Project requirements, codes of practice, safety standards and industry standards;
• participation in testing and commissioning works for HCS related ATS works;
• provision of specialist technical guidance and assistance to the HCS Project team;
• developing and apply signal standards, codes of practice, technical specifications, engineering maintenance instructions, service schedules, work practices, type approvals, technical training manuals, drawings, and associated documentation to enable safe, reliable and efficient delivery of ATC system equipment;
• if required, lead the establishment of predictive system health monitoring and diagnosis to analyse faults and derive trends; and
• other activities as required by the HCS Technical Lead or HCS Project Director, that are within the limits of the Consultants’ skills, competence, and training.

The Communications engineering Services will include:

• delivering comprehensive Project Engineering services as outlined in PTA Engineering Management for Projects (PTA doc. 8110-100-013);
• offering Subject Matter Expert advice as needed by the HCS Technical Lead;
• as part of the HCS Project PMET, leading the team's communication engineering activities and reporting to the HCS Technical Lead;
• acting as the HCS Project’s primary technical interface to PTA’s Radio System Replacement (RSR) Project;
• specifying and leading development of the new LTE radio, Backhaul Transmission Network, open channel radio, telephony, Gigabit Ethernet, MPLS transmission systems, and other legacy communications backbone equipment, to enable the PTA’s and HCS project’s requirements;
• working closely with the HCS RAMS Engineers, ATS Engineer, Change Manager, Electrical Engineer, Human Factors consultants and Cyber Security consultants to ensure the Safety, Maintainability and Reliability requirements for the system are met;
• working closely with HCS Project Engineers, Transperth Train Operations, Network and Infrastructure division, IT/OT Division and HCS Alliance contractors in developing maintenance plans, training and documentation to meet the PTA’s requirements;
• developing scope of works and supervision of minor PTA contracts not covered by the HCS Alliance contract but required to enable the HCS Project;
• participation and leading system design reviews for the ATC system to ensure adherence to HCS Project requirements, codes of practice, safety standards and industry standards;
• participation in testing and commissioning works for HCS related communications works;
• provision of specialist technical guidance and assistance to the HCS Project team;
• developing and applying signal standards, codes of practice, technical specifications, engineering maintenance instructions, service schedules, work practices, type approvals, technical training manuals, drawings and associated documentation to enable safe, reliable and efficient delivery of ATC system equipment; and
• other activities as required by the HCS Technical Lead or HCS Project Director, that are within the limits of the Consultants’ skills, competence, and training.