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overview
Melbourne is gearing up to host the Urban Rail Conference in 2025!
Victoria’s Big Build predicts that by the 2050s, Melbourne city is projected to grow to 9 million people. To prepare for this future in Melbourne, transformative projects like level crossing removals, the Metro Tunnel, and the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) are reshaping the way people travel across Victoria.
We need smart, sustainable and interoperable rail options right across Australia and significant rail projects such as Sydney Metro, Parramatta Light Rail, Cross River Rail, Gold Coast Light Rail, and METRONET are revolutionizing passenger networks in the nation’s primary urban hubs.
Urban Rail 2025 will showcase the transformative work shaping the future of urban rail/mobility, making it an invaluable experience for Government Agencies, Rail Operators, Developers, Contractors and Rolling Stock Manufacturers.
Bringing together stakeholders across every level of the light rail, suburban rail, metro, and high-speed rail passenger sectors, the event will feature cutting-edge case studies and valuable lessons learned from both local and global projects. Attendees benefit from the collaborative atmosphere, with industry experts readily sharing their expertise and perspectives.
Celebrating how urban rail is reshaping the Australasian landscape by reducing traffic congestion, lowering greenhouse emissions, and transforming the way we travel. With a focus on smart solutions and multimodal connections, the event will highlight the vital role rail is playing in modernising urban mobility highlighting advancements in rail technology and sustainability and the continuous developments and strides being made to improve accessibility underscoring the industry’s commitment to enhancing the customer experience across urban rail networks.
With new dedicated networking opportunities and interactive sessions act now to book your place!
Speakers
Michael Hopkins
Chief Executive Officer, National Transport Commission
Josh Bull MP
Parliamentary Secretary for Transport and Infrastructure Delivery
Dr Deborah Hume
Deputy Director-General | Translink Division, Department of Transport and Main Roads-QLD
Frankie Carroll
Chief Executive Officer, Suburban Rail Loop Authority
Amy Lezala
Chief Engineer – Rail, Network Design & Integration, Department of Transport and Planning – Victoria Government
Dr Natalie Pelham
Chief Executive, ONRSR
Brian Brennan
Chief Executive Officer, Transdev Australia & New Zealand
Graham Nelmes
General Manager Customer, Place and Operations, High Speed Rail Authority
Ben Phyland
Head of Rollingstock & Ticketing, Network Design & Integration, Department of Transport and Planning – Victoria Government
Alan Fedda
CEO, RISSB
Georgia Gosse
Manager Sustainability, Queensland Rail
Emilie van de Graaff
Managing Director, Elleeva Associates
Paul O’Halloran
Executive Director Network Assets & Assurance, Metro Trains Melbourne
Carly Grigg
Industry Engagement Manager, Rail Industry Skills Australia
Duncan Edghill
Chief Executive Officer, ALTRAC Light Rail
Dianne Banks
Head of Engineering, Civil and Structural Systems, Yarra Trams
Daniel O’Connell
Head of Testing & Commissioning, Cross River Rail Delivery Authority
Professor Ravi Ravitharan
Director, Monash Institute of Railway Technology
Dr Frank Heibel
Director, Doc Frank Rail Services
A/g Assistant Secretary Sophie Bazzana
Critical Infrastructure Partnerships and Policy, Cyber and Infrastructure Security Group, Department of Home Affairs
Lloyd Salas
General Manager Passenger Readiness, Metro Trains Melbourne
William Bolton
General Manager Technical Capability - SEQ Assets, Queensland Rail
Leo Murray
Chief Executive Officer, Riding Sunbeams
Mark Switkowski
Executive Director, Asset Communications & Strategy, Department of Transport and Planning
Donna Watson
Director of Passenger Experience, Yarra Trams
Sudha Niles
General Manager Products and Innovation, RISSB
Agenda
Pricing
High Capacity Signalling Workshop
Date: 24 June 2025
High Capacity Signalling (HCS) is a major trend in all major Australian cities and generally everywhere where growing city populations warrant an increased patronage demand for public passenger rail transport. Current initiatives in Melbourne and Perth are explicitly named High Capacity Signalling while similar activities in Sydney or Brisbane pursue the same objective under different labels. In all cases, High Capacity Signalling will provide increased railway capacity to cater for patronage growth for the coming decades, in a much more cost-efficient way than alternative capacity-enhancing measures.
Yet merely introducing new technology for signalling and train control is not sufficient for achieving the desired capacity targets. A solid understanding of how to achieve higher capacity, and what not to do that could undermine capacity-enhancing pursuits is required to develop and implement strategies for High Capacity Signalling that actually achieve the required outcome.
Join us in Melbourne this June for this intensive one-day workshop focusing on the benefits for advancing High Capacity Signalling in Australia.
Topics to be addressed include:
- What is High Capacity Signalling and which technologies can support it
- The benefits and challenges of upgrading signalling systems
- Lessons learned from past High Capacity Signalling strategies
- Essential elements of feasible High Capacity Signalling strategies
- Recommendations for implementing the new strategy for maximum benefit
- Case studies and future trends
COURSE FACILITATOR: Dr Frank Heibel
A chartered professional electrical engineer with international experience in railway signalling since 1991, Frank is recognised as one of Australia’s leading independent experts on modern high-capacity signalling. Having managed significant projects across Australia introducing modern communications based in-cab signalling, as well as several technical lead roles for modern Automatic Train Control, including ERTMS/ETCS and CBTC, he applies his project, technical and business experience to his mission of disseminate signalling knowledge and insights for signalling and non-signalling people alike.
WORKSHOP PARTNER
Urban Rail Conference Dinner
25 June 2025 | Grand Hyatt Melbourne | 7:00pm-10:30pm
Come together to celebrate and reflect on the learnings and industry advancements showcased at this key industry event. Following the relaxed networking cocktail reception for at 5pm, the Urban Rail Conference dinner takes place on the evening of day one the 25th June from 6pm at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne. Join us for this unique networking function.
*The dinner is available for sponsorship*
Acceleration Allies
Informa Rail ‘Acceleration Allies’: #MarchForward at every event
Launched in 2024, ‘Acceleration Allies’ is a program across all Informa Rail events that calls on organisations to commit to gender equality. In 2025, starting with Urban Rail #MarchForward in your commitment to advance the ‘Rights. Equality. Empowerment.’ of ALL and everyone in your organisation.
Organisations achieving 30% or more female representation—across speakers, delegates, sponsors, and attendees—will be acknowledged as ‘Acceleration Allies’.
- Why It Matters: Public recognition as a leader in gender diversity positions your organization at the forefront of industry innovation and inclusivity.
What’s in It for You?
- Exclusive Recognition: Featured acknowledgments as an as ‘Acceleration Ally’.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded industry leaders who prioritise equality and empowerment.
- Positive Brand Visibility: Show stakeholders, clients, and partners your commitment to diversity and inclusion.
How to Get Involved: Simple Steps to Make an Impact
- Step 1: Assess your current representation and identify female colleagues to attend, speak, or participate.
- Step 2: Register your organisation and track your progress towards the 30% goal.
- Step 3: Celebrate your achievement and enjoy the recognition of being an Acceleration Ally at Urban Rail.
#MarchForward
- Elevate the women in your organisation. Champion gender equality, diversity and change.
- Secure your place as an Acceleration Ally today!
Next Generation Conference Scholarships
Do you have an idea that could disrupt or bring greater awareness of urban rail in Australia and New Zealand?
We invite all rail sector personnel aged 30yrs and under to submit their innovative ideas for the opportunity to win one of 10 scholarships to attend the Urban Rail conference.
Your idea may take inspiration from or could be applied to any discipline or field within the urban rail sector such as light rail, passenger rail, metro rail and trains, new technology, customer service and sustainability and decarbonisation – in 200-300 words describe your idea or concept and how it could enhance or promote the benefits of Urban Rail.
WINNERS WILL RECEIVE:
- Complimentary attendance to Urban Rail conference and dinner
- Opportunity to network with industry representatives
- Certificates of acknowledgement at the conference dinner
- A featured Professional Profile on the Next Generation Hub within the event app
KEY DATES:
- Competition opens: 29 April 2025
- Competition deadline: 27 May 2025
- Winners announced: 30 May 2025
Eligibility: Open to all recent graduates and young railway professionals who are 30yrs or under (as at 25 June 2025) A maximum of 3 winners will be selected from the same organisation.
2024 Event Photos
View images from Urban Rail 2024
Insights
Light rail is coming to Auckland
Read more >>
The very light rail technology that will make trams two thirds cheaper to install
Read more >>
Understanding machine learning within rail asset management
Read more >>
Delivering a world class light rail project
Read more >>
CAF’s light rail expansion in Australia
Read more >>
The role of light rail in an integrated future transport network
Read more >>
Bombardier’s solution for tram networks in growing cities
Read more >>
Innovative approach for LRT and Tramway Management
Read more >>
Light Rail Project In Jerusalem: Opportunities & Challenges
Read more >>
ABB – Innovations in Light Rail DC Traction Networks
Read more >>
Event Code Of Conduct
This code explains our expectations and rules, which includes general good practice behaviour – because actions can impact others and everyone has a role to play in getting it right.
Anyone not following these rules or behaving in an unacceptable way will be asked – and expected – to stop doing so immediately and may be removed from the event. Read our Event Code of Conduct here.
ConnectMe + Streamly
ConnectMe • Networking enhanced
All of our events utilise a bespoke dynamic smartphone app, ConnectMe – which guarantees attendees a premium event experience. Logins are sent prior to the conference commencement allowing you to check who’s attending, schedule in meetings and catch ups, participate in live Q+A and interactive polls, and much more. ConnectMe ensures you never miss a beat prior, during and post event.
Streamly • On-Demand video vault
Streamly is a new video platform from Informa Connect – hosting hours of session recordings from our events and more. Select the Streamly add-on at the checkout to receive year round access to exclusive On-Demand session recordings from all of our related transport events*. Login information will be sent post event. For more information visit our Streamly page.
* Note: In a minority of cases, speakers may request their sessions to be excluded from Streamly access.
FasterForward
FasterForward is Informa’s approach to sustainability, moving faster to become a zero waste and net carbon business. Our goal is to become carbon neutral across our events by 2025 and a zero waste and net carbon business by 2030.
when & where
25 - 26 Jun 2025
Grand Hyatt Melbourne
123 Collins St,
Melbourne VIC 3000
SPECIAL ACCOMMODATION RATE
Secure your accommodation at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne with a $50 discount* off the best available flexible rate.
To book this rate, click here and enter EVENT in Special Offer Code, or call call 13 1234 (provide offer code EVENT).
* Rooms and rates are subject to availability at the time of booking, we suggest booking early to avoid disappointment.
contact
Still have a question?
General Information & Registration
Customer Service
+61 2 9080 4307
[email protected]
Sponsorship & Exhibition Opportunities
Sarah Ingram
+61 406 530 043
[email protected]
Speaking Enquiries
Kate Twentyman
Senior Conference Director
[email protected]
Marketing & Media Enquiries
Chris Shorthouse
Marketing Manager
[email protected]