Sydney Trains and SYSTRA will partner to support the development of the business case and integration plan for the NextGen Digital Train Radio System.

The program will upgrade the Digital Train Radio System (DTRS) to enable reliable communication between trains and operational systems, helping guide the transition from the current GSM-R platform toward the next generation standard – the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS). The DTRS is a core communications capability for train operations across the Sydney Trains network and is an enabler for future applications that will deliver improved reliability and performance.

As Sydney Trains advances modern signalling and control systems, this partnership will address equipment obsolescence and support a shared longer-term vision to deliver more reliable services and enhance network productivity.

“We are excited to be working alongside Sydney Trains on the NextGen DTRS. We’re committed to working as one team to deliver a smooth, standards‑aligned transition, drawing on our local and global capabilities in systems integration, telecommunications, asset management, and human factors. We are pleased to be part of this program.”Tom Warner, Executive General Manager – Systems, SYSTRA

This program is important for the future of our network. Upgrading our train radio capability will support more reliable communications for operations and the safety of our customers and staff. We look forward to working together as the project progresses. Andrew Constantinou, Program Director – Digital Train Radio System, Sydney Trains

As part of the partnership, SYSTRA will provide advisory and integration planning to support investment decisions and staged delivery, drawing on prior work with the rail sector and experience across telecommunications, signalling, and systems integration. The engagement will prioritise safety, reliability and interoperability, supported by local engineering capability and global expertise.