Sydney Metro West communications contract: BAI selected

BAI Communications Pty Ltd has secured the Sydney Metro West communications contract, taking on the delivery of radio communications systems intended to support both metro operations and passenger connectivity, as reported by Rail Express.

The company will work alongside the Metro Trains West Pty Ltd (MTW) consortium on the Sydney Metro West project.

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The award follows the New South Wales Government’s December decision to appoint MTW for the Trains, Systems, Maintenance and Operations (TSMO) contract, as set out in an NSW Government ministerial release. MTW is a joint venture between MTR Corporation (Australia) Pty Limited and CRRC (Hong Kong) Co Limited. The line is scheduled to open in 2032, with BAI tasked with designing, delivering and integrating communications infrastructure across the corridor.

Sydney Metro West communications contract scope: Private 5G and public safety coverage

At the centre of the package is a mission-critical train communication system built around a Private 5G network, designed to enable operational radio systems, train communications and rail signalling along the route.

The scope also includes public safety network connectivity to help New South Wales emergency services maintain reliable coverage throughout the corridor. In addition, BAI is responsible for end-to-end delivery, from design and installation through to testing, commissioning and operational readiness.

Public mobile connectivity across stations and tunnels

For passengers, the Sydney Metro West communications contract covers public mobile connectivity as well, with continuous 4G/5G service planned for Telstra, Optus and TPG customers across stations and tunnels. The intent is seamless coverage across the full journey.

BAI says this is Australia’s first contract to deliver a 5GMCX Based Radio Communication System purpose-built for next-generation rail communications. The company also frames the approach as a pathway toward the Future Railway Mobile Communications System (FRMCS), the global standard expected to replace legacy GSM-R networks over the coming decade.

What Sydney Metro West is designed to deliver?

Sydney Metro West is intended to double rail capacity between Parramatta and the Sydney CBD. The project includes 16 next-generation, driverless metro trains and 24 kilometres of tunnel and station infrastructure, with the broader aims of cutting travel times, easing congestion on existing lines and supporting urban renewal, in line with a contract package overview published by Railway Supply. It is described as one of the most significant public transport infrastructure investments in Australia’s history.

BAI has pointed to its experience delivering and managing large-scale, mission-critical networks in Australia, including national TV and radio broadcast networks and public safety systems. The company also notes that, before the separation of BAI and its sister company Boldyn Networks, the business delivered communications infrastructure for rail systems in London, New York City, Hong Kong and other cities.

Elyssa Rollinson, Chief Commercial Officer at BAI Communications, said the company is proud to be part of a project expected to reshape mobility across Greater Sydney. She said BAI’s “always on” network experience positions it to deliver robust, future-ready infrastructure for a metro system of this scale, and welcomed the partnership with MTW.

Rollinson added that the communications systems will provide passengers with seamless mobile connectivity, while also underpinning the signalling and control systems required for safe and reliable operations, demonstrating BAI’s ability to deliver integrated solutions for government, communities and public safety agencies.

Anthony Warren, CEO of Metro Trains West Pty Limited, said Sydney Metro West requires communications infrastructure that can meet both mission-critical rail needs and passenger connectivity expectations now and into the future. He said BAI brings proven global expertise in complex, integrated delivery and welcomed the company to the team.

Work on tracks, power, ventilation and communications systems is expected to start in 2026 after the tunnelling phase is completed, with around 1000 workers anticipated to be operating in the tunnels beneath the city.

The line will serve stations at Westmead, Parramatta, Sydney Olympic Park, North Strathfield, Burwood North, Five Dock, The Bays, Pyrmont and Hunter Street, providing high-frequency services between Parramatta and the Sydney CBD.

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