The Public Transport Authority (PTA) is currently undertaking the necessary project definition and planning works for the High Capacity Signalling (HCS) Project, a project which will replace the existing Transport rail network signalling system and control system technology with an Automatic Train Control (ATC) system.  The recommended technology for ATC in Perth is Communications Based Train Control (CBTC), a global de-facto standard for maximising signalling capacity of metro railways which has been assessed to be the most suitable technology option.

The project also includes the provision of a new purpose-built Public Transport Operations Control Centre (PTOCC), which will be a highly resilient facility which will operate 24 hours, 7 days a week, and accommodate the following operation functions:

• Network Control Centre (NCC);
• Train control support functions;
• Central Monitoring Room (CMR);
• Space for Centralised Signalling Equipment Room (CSER);
• Spatial provision for future light rail;
• Two levels of general office accommodation which will be used by the PTA.

The provision of a new PTOCC, formerly known as the Rail Operations Control Centre (ROCC) will facilitate an ergonomically designed working environment which meets the growing needs of a higher capacity and expanding rail and bus network.

The new PTOCC is primarily necessary to overcome the following problems associated with the implementation of an ATC system:

• Staging – the existing NCC cannot be used for the migration to a new Automatic Train Supervision (ATS) system without significant risk of disruption to train operations functions; and
• Capacity and resilience – the PTA’s existing facilities do not have the capacity or infrastructure resilience required to accommodate ATS equipment.

The provision of a new PTOCC also presents an opportunity for the project to:

• Improve rail operations management and coordination with the co-location of the NCC, security monitoring, incident control and service planning functions in a single, purpose built facility; and
• Provide an ergonomically designed working environment which meets the growing needs of a higher capacity and expanding rail network.