Permissive Signalling System

MTM Response to Recommendation RO-2014-016-SR-038
1. MTM agrees with this action.
2. MTM refers to and repeats the proactive safety actions already taken by MTM since the incident, as acknowledged in the Report.
3. In addition:
a) MTM has been pursuing a rulebook re-write and has obtained agreement from PTV and all large infrastructure managers who use the same/similar rulebook. The rulebook re-write will have specific focus on reviewing degraded mode operations. This will include consideration of the application of Rule 1 – Section 3.
b) MTM is continuing to apply the Train Protection Warning System (TPWS) in areas of the network utilised by V/Line and removal of dark territory on a riskbased approach progressively as projects are being delivered. A proposal to apply the TPWS to additional signals identified as a risk across the network (i.e. signals not already covered by projects) has been submitted to PTV for funding and approval. Regarding Train Protection Warning System (TPWS) whilst it is acknowledged that the application of TPWS will not enforce compliance with Rule 1 – Section 3, the facility does provide an ‘electronic’ train stop facility for the V/line TPWS fitted fleet.
c) In the interim, risk relating to Dark Territory continues to be managed in accordance with MTM's Enterprise Risk Management procedure. In addition to managing risks associated with Dark Territories, MTM is working with PTV to determine funding requirements and priority. The removal of dark territory, in conjunction with a re-write of the rulebook (as per above), will further support the management of degraded mode scenarios, including management of automatic signal failures which have a direct relationship to Rule 1 Section 3.

MTM advised in relation to the deployment of TPWS:

• a comprehensive master list of TPWS eligible signals had been developed.
• a priority signal list (approximately 73) based on the number of scheduled V/Line services, signal protective function, historical SPAD data had been determined and funding agreed with DoT.
• design and field works had commenced and were anticipated to be completed in 2022 (currently had completed $11m worth of work).

MTM advised in relation to the removal of dark territories:

• a project had been developed and funded under the MR4 franchise contract with DoT to eliminate dark territories not already convered by major project activity.
• project initiation commenced in 2018 with main field works scheduled from 2020 through to completed in 2025.
• majority of benefit in relation to visibility of previous dark territory areas will not be realised until the final phase of the works. 
• that there is a significant reliance on 3rd party vendors to deliver this multi-year program. 

This does pose a risk to the program as these vendors have s significant workload within the rail industry. This risk is under active management. 

The ATSB accepts MTM's proposed safety actions on this safety recommendation.