ARA launches new research to boost rail sector growth

The ARA has initiated several new research projects to support Australia’s rail industry by improving operations, expanding market share, and strengthening investment in infrastructure. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

ARA updates key reports on rail impact and market outlook

The ARA has commissioned Deloitte to update its 2020 Value of Rail report. The new version will detail rail’s economic, social, and environmental contributions across each state. Scyne will deliver the companion Future of Rail report, which analyzes megatrends likely to shape the sector over the next 15 years.

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These trends include automation, population shifts, energy transitions, and funding strategies. The study also examines passenger and freight developments, as well as the supply chain behind rail infrastructure and rollingstock manufacturing.

In parallel, the ARA partnered with Oxford Economics Australia to refresh the Rail Market Outlook. This report extends historical analysis and forecasts over ten years, offering insights into construction, maintenance, and rollingstock contracts across states. A new major project table adds cost, status, and funding stage details.

ARA supports equity, passenger trends, and sustainability

The ARA is finalizing the Road/Rail Competitive Neutrality Project, which evaluates the access and regulatory disparities between non-bulk road and rail freight. This data will support advocacy at both state and national levels.

To improve ridership, the association launched fresh consumer research assessing how new rail projects influence public transport habits in major cities. This builds on its 2022 findings.

Equity remains a key focus. The First Nations engagement project—delivered with Social Traders, Akina, and Humanize Media—analyzed experiences of First Nations employees and businesses in rail. A report is now under review and will include a custom cover by a Ngunawal artist.

As part of the Infrastructure Net Zero initiative, the ARA collaborates with Infrastructure Australia and Engineers Australia to map skill needs for decarbonizing infrastructure. The project identifies which roles will drive the most progress toward net zero emissions by 2030.

These initiatives reflect the ARA’s strategic commitment to building a more inclusive, efficient, and future-ready rail system.

Source: www.railexpress.com.au

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