Sam Hibbins to ask the Minister for Public and Active Transport —
With reference to the Department of Transport & Planning Train Horn Working group:
(1) What action is being taken to address the concerns of noise pollution and ensure minimal disruption to the community.
(2) Are there opportunities for affected community members to provide input.
(3) What is the latest update on the new horn units for the X’Trapolis train fleet.
Response from the Minister for Public and Active Transport
I thank the Member for Prahran for his question.
Train horns are a safety-critical device used as a warning signal to prevent accidents and ensure safe railway operations for rail staff and passengers. I recognise that certain areas of the metropolitan rail network experience a high frequency of train horn noise due to proximity of level crossings, stations and other high-risk elements. However, safety on the rail network is our priority and train horns are an essential component of this.
The Train Horn Working Group activities are focused on internal assessment of the rail operator’s implementation of proposed operational changes, in line with the Rail Industry Safety Standards Board (RISSB) code of practice for train horns. The RISSB code of practice was developed with public consultation.
The Train Horn Working Group has recommended a new horn unit for the X’Trapolis train fleet with a lower noise level to comply with Australian Standards. The installation of the new units was completed on the X’Trapolis fleet in December 2023. X’Trapolis trains make up approximately 50 per cent of trains on the metropolitan network.
In addition, the Working Group has recently completed a trial at Croxton station, which reviewed the location of whistle boards using a risk-based methodology rather than the existing rules-based approach, with the aim to reduce the frequency of horn use while maintaining safety requirements. Associated rule changes from the trial are currently being reviewed for potential implementation later this year.
