Queensland Train Manufacturing Program

Challenge

We are the appointed Independent Safety Assessor (ISA) for the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program (QTMP).

The QTMP will deliver 65 six-car passenger trains for the region's rail network, as well as the establishment of a new rolling stock manufacturing facility at Torbanlea, near Maryborough, and a maintenance and stabling depot at Ormeau. 

Having previously awarded the Design, Build and Maintain (DBM) contract to Downer, the Queensland Government sought an independent third party to ensure safety was taken into account throughout every aspect of the project.

The QTMP was initiated in response to South East Queensland's forecasted population and economic growth, and is also part of a package of infrastructure investments ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Approach

As the ISA, our teams are responsible for ensuring all safety requirements for the new vehicles and their ongoing maintenance are fully addressed throughout their development, build and entry into service. Our services will extend to the Torbanlea manufacturing site and the Ormeau maintenance facility.

In our regular reports and audits submitted to the Queensland Government, we provide safety observations and recommendations, and will ultimately determine whether, in our impartial view, every possible measure has been taken to ensure the new fleet and support facilities are safe and fit to operate.

Results

The client has stated that a key factor in awarding the role to Ricardo was our commitment to providing a local team of assessors - bringing a deep knowledge of domestic rail standards and practices - who could also draw on the wider insights and experience of a global network of railway technicians and assessors whenever required.