OUR ENGINEERING PROJECTS

SRL East is a new 26 km orbital metro line with twin tunnels, six underground stations, stabling facilities, and a fully automated CBTC system. SRL North (in planning) extends the corridor by a further 31 km, creating a major new high-capacity orbital rail link across metropolitan Melbourne.

Macari Consulting served as the RailSys Modelling Technical Lead, developing and validating the complete operational model. Deliverables included turnback capacity assessments, CBTC-referenced headway modelling, journey-time envelope analysis, routing behaviour verification, station performance review, and tunnel ventilation section (TVS/FLS) compliance modelling. We refined rolling-stock and infrastructure parameters, resolved modelling inconsistencies, and ran multi-scenario dynamic simulations to establish the project’s operational performance baseline.
 

A major multi-corridor freight planning program assessing current and future (2031–2051) freight demand, road and rail capacity, and infrastructure needs across Western Sydney and the Port Kembla supply chain. The studies evaluate freight growth, network constraints, interactions with passenger services, and the impacts of potential port development scenarios. 

Macari Consulting undertook detailed assessments of corridor capacity, freight pathing, gradient and alignment constraints, passing-loop limitations, and shared-corridor interactions across the Main West, Illawarra, South Coast, MFN and associated lines. We identified bottlenecks, validated demand assumptions, and assessed future passenger service plans and their impact on freight access windows.
 

The Ruthven Street Level Crossing Removal Project south of Macleod Station involves crossover relocation, signalling reconfiguration and track upgrades impacting runtime and headway on the Clifton Hill Group.

Macari Consulting was engaged by the North West Program Alliance (NWPA) as RailSys Modelling Lead to assess runtime and timetable impacts. We implemented infrastructure changes, completed technical runtime and headway comparisons, quantified crossing penalties and follow-on improvements, identified peak conflicts, and developed mitigation strategies to maintain timetable robustness and future operational capacity.
 

Sydney Metro West is a 24 km fully automated, high-frequency metro line between Parramatta and Sydney’s central business district. It includes new tunnels, stations, and high-capacity rolling stock operating under CBTC.

Macari Consulting delivered end-to-end RailSys operational modelling, constructing the complete infrastructure and rolling-stock model, validating speed and braking profiles, and testing performance across the entire 24 km corridor. We assessed turnback capacity, station dwell throughput, stopping patterns, fleet utilisation, stabling operations, and peak/off-peak timetable structures. Dynamic simulations were carried out to validate that the line can reliably sustain its target automated headways.
 

Provision of RailSys Simulation and Modelling services for MTMS Stage 3A; RailSys dynamic simulations of the Sector 2 and 3 2024 timetable to assess against current performance; review the structural integrity of the Sector 2 morning peak 2024 timetable design; reconcile RailTable and RailSys run times; and develop alternative off-peak 2024 concept timetables to improve journey times, interchange connections, and freight windows.

Produce six different concept timetables for multiple upgrade options on Murray Basin Freight Network | Update entire network infrastructure model with latest NSP document  | Apply Safe working systems including Train Order Working in Railsys Model | Produce concept timetables for five days a week following constraints on ARTC network

RailSys operational modelling in support of the $4bil Geelong Fast Rail Project business case. Provision of All-day timetable concept design options, modelling of multiple operational and infrastructure scenarios, Southern Cross Terminal platform capacity and design assessment, and network-wide impact assessment across  RRL/MTP/Northern Group lines. Modelling multiple operational scenarios to assess the impact of various infrastructure investments on network-wide operation. The modelling tasks include Newport Group, MTP, Northern Group, City Loop and Flinders Street, Geelong, Wyndham Vale, Melton and Ballarat Line upgrade, as well as Bendigo in some scenarios. 

Provision of operational planning and RailSys modelling services for the Melton Upgrade Project. Operational impact assessment of various single line running options on the Ballarat corridor during the Melton Occupation on behalf of MTM and V/Line. Review infrastructure and timetable models.

Develop the Day 1 Suburban and Regional Weekday Timetable for the $11bil Metro Tunnel Project, based on the latest infrastructure configuration states. Assess the signalling capacity (using RS Top Green) on the surface under conventional signalling and create a morning and evening peak timetable that addresses multiple fixed requirements under a series of challenging constraints. RailSys Dynamic Simulation of the evening peak timetable to identify key ‘hot-spots’, and quantify likely on-time performance against prior states.

RailSys Dynamic Simulation of the evening peak MAR Day 1 Option 18B concept timetable options, to identify key ‘hot-spots’ and quantify likely on-time performance against prior states and alternative MAR Day 1 Option 16.

Rail freight demand evaluation and develop network-wide timetable models to satisfy the demand in conjunction with passenger traffic between 2026 and 2051. Identify the major infrastructure required to deliver the required freight traffic.

Developed concept timetables and conducted RailSys modelling for Shepparton service uplift based on track and signalling from Seymour to Shepparton as part of the Victorian Regional Rail Revival project. Minh examined various concept of operations on North East rail corridor to identify feasible service plans that satisfies project objectives for both passenger and freight services. This modelling exercise is conducted to support the RPV project delivery.

Provision of operations modelling for the BMC SWA Bid – a GoA4 CBTC line from St Marys to Aerotropolis. Development of timetable, infrastructure, and rolling stock models. Terminus headway calculations, and RailSys dynamic simulations to asses likely on-time performance based on historical delay events from a similar PNU APM CBTC rail system.

Produce a concept timetable model and evaluate the corridor infrastructure upgrade requirements to meet future demand and stakeholder requirements. Run dynamic simulations to evaluate the impact of new infrastructure elements and timetable scenarios on the line's performance.

Developed concept timetables and conducted RailSys modelling for outer regional service uplift to Ararat and Maryborough. Minh examined various concept of operations on Western rail corridor to identify feasible service plans that satisfies project objectives for both passenger and freight services. This modelling exercise is conducted to support the RPV business case submission.

Preparing a Concept of Operations document and concept timetable for the corridor's stage 2  and 3 development (infrastructure modelling). Develop timetable scenarios and test models with the rest of the RRL network. Run dynamic simulations to evaluate the impact of new infrastructure elements and timetable scenarios on the line's performance.

Developed concept timetables and conducted RailSys modelling for outer regional service uplift to Sale and Bairnsdale. Minh examined various concept of operations on Gippsland line to identify feasible service plans that satisfies project objectives for both passenger and freight services. This modelling exercise is conducted to support the RPV business case submission.

Operational Modelling in support of short form business case for Regional Network Development Plan Phase 2 (RNDP2) initiative to deliver service uplift of 5 return Bairnsdale and 2 return Sale services, and 48-hour freight cycle. Modelling outcomes included development and assessment of a passenger and freight concept timetables, fleet requirements, and Single Simulation incident delay tests to asses Project Case against Base Case resilience.

Develop a RailSys infrastructure and timetable model from Sherwood to Byford to assess two alternative Armadale Station platform/crossover/turnout configurations in the value engineering phase. The analysis identified key operational risks with the alternative option and challenged the rationale behind a variant of the original scoped option.

Develop RailSys 2036 morning peak and interpeak network wide passenger and freight timetable across the Sydney Suburban and Intercity Network – as part of the Greater Sydney Integrated Network Plan. Assuming ETCS Level 2, identify key fleet, stabling, and infrastructure enablers to support the forecast service plans. Identify key risks/challenges/issues for further exploratory modelling.

Provision of operational planning and RailSys simulation and modelling services for the Pakenham Upgrade Project. Operational assessment of various upgrade options at Pakenham East on behalf of MTM and V/Line. Capacity assessment of a Berwick Turnback occupation timetable, and design peak timetable options based on various fleet, stabling and infrastructure limitations. Operational Impact Assessment of occupation single line running upside of Pakenham Station.

Develop RailSys 2036 morning peak and interpeak network-wide passenger and freight timetable across the Sydney Suburban and Intercity Network – as part of the Greater Sydney Integrated Network Plan. Identify key fleet, stabling, signalling and infrastructure enablers to support the forecast service plans. Identify key risks/challenges/issues for further exploratory modelling.

Develop a detailed infrastructure model in RailSys, including Geo nodes, Level crossings, track profiles, PSRs and TSRs. Runtime results of the model matched actual freight trains runtime (+/-2%)

Provision of RailSys Simulation and Modelling services for MTMS Stage 4; comprising of infrastructure, signalling and fleet upgrades to meet long term demand on T1 (Western/North Shore Lines) and T9 (Northern Line). The services include timetable concept design, RailSys model calibration and project case simulations, rapid assessment of junction capacity and track quadruplication, and forensic analysis of existing performance on the Sector 3 network.

Lead the dynamic simulation and timetable concept design to integrate Melton Electrification Stage 1 (Caroline Springs) to the MTP Project. Develop PM peak model of the Dandenong to Sunbury corridor (new HCMT rollingstock, and CBTC signalling). Modelling also integrates the Bendigo and Traralgon V/Line services. 

Produced an all-day 2028 concept timetable across six corridors (Bendigo, Ballarat, Geelong, Wyndham Vale Electfictation, Melbourne Airport Line) through to Southern Cross Terminus. RailSys dynamic simulations to stress test operational performance of the 2028 concept timetable, various Sunshine Hub options, Spion Kop Junction, and detailed modelling of Southern Cross Terminus.

​Infrastructure modelling of the new quad track in RailSys, as per IMG modelling procedures and guidelines.

Detailed assessment of current network state, including platforms and stabling utilisation, performance and dwell time analysis, service level and shunting moves. Headway and capacity analysis based on UIC 406 compression method. Operational assessment of multiple options, journey time analysis and capacity evaluation. Concept timetable assessment based on four future case scenarios, including the new Southern Cross platform reconfiguration plan.

Managing a simulation modelling team in support of the Regional Rail Revival Program, providing operational capacity assessment, optimising crossing loop locations, level crossing modelling 
impacts, and Static and Dynamic modelling of AM peak, Inter-peak and PM Peak weekday timetables.

Provision of RailSys timetable and infrastructure modelling of Sector 2 and 3 for operational blueprint development of NWRL Integration.

Simulation modelling calibration of suburban and regional network to facilitate future modelling of $5 billion Regional Rail Link Project.

Impact assessment of South East freight shuttle service on 2014-2026 suburban services, utilising RailSys simulation.

Provision of an Operations Simulation Plan, demonstrating characteristics of vehicle and systems infrastructure under a range of normal and abnormal conditions. The modelling informed the impact of single line sections on system stability.

Provision of an Operations Simulation Assessment of existing performance, development of infrastructure and operational solutions to address key service issues and bottlenecks.

New design of South Morang and Hurstbridge Weekday Timetable, with commissioning of Epping Line duplication and line extension to South Morang. Work involved journey time analysis, service pattern options, load predictions, timetable development, simulation and sensitivity modelling, risk analysis and stakeholder meetings.
New design of Northern Group Weekday Timetable with commissioning of Sunbury Electrification Project.

Develop and assess future operational and infrastructure options for the Upfield, Craigieburn and Sunbury Lines out to 2017.

Assist the client with operational design options for a $5 billion infrastructure project separating regional and suburban services, and assessed against key performance indicators. 

Manage TLS2RailSys Systems Interface Project. Conversion of Train Location System data into RailSys format for display and assessment of recorded train operations at a macro and microscopic level. Responsible for concept and specification development, user acceptance testing and commissioning.

Utilise RailSys and TLS2RailSys to identify key bottlenecks, root causes of delay and delay propagation. Results presented to management and key stakeholders.

Operations modelling and calibration of Sector 1 in support of new timetable design.