Client Story: Tait digital radio improves train service for TasRail

“We chose DMR Tier 3 because the data capability matched our requirements and would allow us to migrate our existing analog voice traffic in the future. The digital system is also easily expandable to reflect on-going growth.”
Damien White, CEO – TasRail

Tasmanian Rail (TasRail) operates the main-line railways in the southern Australian state. It is a world-class, fully integrated short-haul rail freight business; owning and operating both the fixed track and infrastructure and the rolling stock. TasRail is owned by the Tasmania State Government, employs 260 direct employees and is committed to delivering “transport and logistics solutions that are safe, reliable and sustainable.”

Bringing in a new train control system (TCS) meant TasRail needed a digital communications network to transport data between the control system servers and computers fitted to locomotives and other track vehicles. Their existing TaitNet analog mobile radio network could not do this but the rail company was keen to continue working with Tait Communications, and were enthusiastic about Tait’s cutting-edge, open standards-based digital technology.

TasRail Chief Executive Officer Damien White explains, “We wanted to work with an experienced and trusted partner to deliver another critical communications system we could rely on to help us provide improved services to our customers and increased worker safety.”

Source: TasRail

After considering options, TasRail contracted Tait and local partner Tasmanian Electronic & Communications Services (TECS) to design, deliver and install a complete VHF digital mobile radio (DMR) Tier 3 packet data solution, across 10 sites statewide. Data across the train control system interfaces with Tait mobile radios and radio network infrastructure via linking units supplied by Tait sister company MiMOMax.

The Tait DMR solution signals where TasRail trains are at designated points on the track, and enables them to more efficiently use the track by increasing the number and frequency of trains and freight. In addition to these efficiency gains, the DMR network has the capability to provide full automation of work orders – for instance, requesting and granting permissions to move to another section of track – further improving worker and asset safety. The added long term bonus is that – if TasRail’s requirements change – the DMR network is also easily expandable, with the capability to carry both voice and data traffic.


To read more about the TasRail story, visit their client page.

You can also learn more about Digital Mobile Radio (DMR), find out what Tait DMR can do for the transport industry, or take a look at some of our other fascinating Client Stories to see how Tait is bringing safety and efficiency to industries around the globe.

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