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Technology | Transport & Logistics
14 Oct 2024, by Informa Insights
Rail transport holds immense promise for New Zealand, offering a sustainable and efficient solution to the country’s most pressing challenges. As its cities grow and traffic congestion intensifies, rail has the potential to provide a high-capacity, low-emission alternative to road transport. Not only does this reduce the nation’s carbon footprint, but it also creates economic opportunities by improving connectivity and reducing travel times.
The benefits extend beyond transportation. A modern, well-functioning rail system can enhance urban development, create jobs, and make commuting accessible and affordable for everyone. By shifting more passengers and freight to rail, New Zealand can alleviate the strain on its road network, cut down on vehicle emissions, and contribute to a more environmentally friendly future.
As the NZ Rail Conference approaches, experts will gather to explore the future of rail. Among them, Mick Spiers of Siemens will present the pivotal role of technology in unlocking the full potential of rail at the same time as addressing the barriers that hold people back from taking rail and leaving their cars at home.
In his presentation, Spiers will explore how innovative technologies such as Automated Train Operations (ATO); European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2; and AI-driven maintenance can drive a more efficient optimisation of the rail network.
“Technology holds the key to enabling a smarter, more connected rail system in New Zealand” Spiers said ahead of the conference. “By improving throughput, service reliability, and reducing delays and disruptions we can unlock the full potential of the existing rail infrastructure whilst encouraging people to take rail as their preferred mode of transport.”
Spiers’ insights come at a time when New Zealand is focused on reducing its carbon footprint and shifting to greener transport solutions.
“You cannot build your way out of congestion; you need to use smart technology to maximise the efficiency of the existing infrastructure,” Spiers said.
Technologies such as ATO over ETCS use in-cab signalling and continuous supervision to run trains more frequently and on-time. AI-Driven maintenance ensures network resilience and reduce costly downtimes.
These systems ultimately help make rail a more attractive option, encouraging people to leave their car at home and use public transport for their daily commute.
“Our vision is to transform the everyday. To create a world where people can move freely around their cities without delays, without disruption, and without stress, smart technology enables us to make this vision a reality,” Spiers said.
Further insight
Sharing more about the role of technology in maximising the value of rail, Mick Spiers will present at the upcoming NZ Rail Conference, hosted by Informa Connect.
This year’s event will be held 16-17 October at the AOTEA Centre Auckland.
About Mick Spiers
Mick Spiers is the Chief Operating Officer for Rail Infrastructure at Siemens Mobility in Australia and New Zealand. Spiers is a highly respected innovator and industry thought leader who has held global and regional roles with Thales, Cubic and now Siemens.
About Siemens
As a leader in intelligent transport solutions for more than 175 years, Siemens Mobility is constantly innovating its portfolio. Its core areas include rolling stock, rail automation and electrification, a comprehensive software portfolio, turnkey systems as well as related services.
With digital products and solutions, Siemens Mobility is enabling mobility operators worldwide to make infrastructure intelligent, increase value sustainably over the entire lifecycle, enhance passenger experience and guarantee availability.
Siemens has been in Australia & New Zealand for more than 150 years. It employs over 600 people from 41 different nationalities, with offices in all major capital cities and manufacturing sites in Melbourne and Perth.
Siemens aims to be the first major industrial company to achieve a net-zero carbon footprint by 2030 and a partner in Australia’s first carbon neutral rail infrastructure project.
Informa Connect Australia is the nation's leading event organiser. Our events comprise of large scale exhibitions, industry conferences and highly specialised corporate training.
