TasRail Sets New Standards in Rail Safety 

“Serving Cement Australia is a major priority on our network. We needed a system that kept our people and infrastructure safe while delivering for our customers.”  – Corrie Summers, Risk & Compliance Principal at TasRail

Overview 

locomotive operator in front of train with cattron locomotive remote control

TasRail, Tasmania’s sole rail freight provider, operates a 613 km network that includes more than 350 bridges, three tunnels and 100+ active level crossings with many over 150 years old. Serving customers like Cement Australia, TasRail plays a critical role in the state’s economy, moving essential freight safely and efficiently to ports and industry.

The Challenge

Like many small communities, CranTasRail’s rail network presents unique operational risks: 

  • Challenging terrain requiring precise control 
  • 24/7 cement operations vital to Australia’s construction industry 
  • High safety requirements for personnel, infrastructure, and freight 

TasRail needed a system that could meet stringent safety standards while improving efficiency across demanding routes. 

The Solution

After a rigorous review of vendors and safety standards, TasRail selected Cattron’s EC/LO Pro™ locomotive remote control system. The technology delivered: 

  • Independent SIL 3 certification (exceeding TasRail’s requirements) 
  • Configurable features to match TasRail’s specific operational needs 
  • Robust design to handle Tasmania’s diverse environments 

The Results

The implementation has reshaped TasRail’s operations: 

  • Safety First: multi-layered safeguards, from man-down alerts to automatic emergency braking. 
  • Efficiency Gains: dynamic braking improved unloading, reduced product loss, and allowed single-operator control. 
  • Confidence in Operations: human-centered design and training support built strong operator adoption. 

A Model for the Industry

The five-year implementation demonstrated TasRail’s commitment to innovation, safety, and collaboration. By successfully integrating world-class remote control technology into one of Australia’s most complex freight networks, TasRail is setting a new benchmark for rail operations across the region. 

Download the full case study (PDF) to explore the complete journey and technical details.