19 Dec 2025
ARISO The Standard – Edition 1 December 2025
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Edition 1, December 2025 A message from Alan Fedda | CEO Welcome to the first edition of The Standard, our new ARISO newsletter designed to keep you informed and connected with the work shaping the future of Australia’s rail industry. We recently became the Australian Rail Industry Standards Organisation (ARISO), signifying the changes we are making as we take on a strengthened role in the national rail reform agenda, and a name that reflects our continuing evolution as Australia’s rail industry-led technical standards body. This is more than a name change; it signifies a new era in our service to members and the industry. ARISO’s new role will be to support the development of mandatory standards, lead harmonised standards and support industry where local standards are required. We will build stronger technical capability and focus our resources on delivering standards of national importance, being more impactful and influential for our members and industry. Collaboration remains central to everything we do. ARISO is proud to bring together operators, infrastructure managers, suppliers, unions, regulators and governments to ensure our standards are practical, technically strong and nationally relevant. The contribution and expertise of our members are what makes this work possible. The Standard will provide you regular updates on how we are progressing with the changes that will set ARISO up for success and how you can get involved in shaping future standards. We will continue to update you with the progress of our 2025-2026 Work Plan, newly released publications and events. In this edition, read about a key piece of work critical to this change – the national harmonised standards prioritisation methodology which will underpin our approach to the harmonisation of standards, as well as updates on several national standards including the 25kV AC Rail Traction Systems and the Lighting and Visibility Standard. Thank you for your continued support as we move forward together. 
A national approach to harmonised standardsWork is underway to develop a national approach to harmonised standards, supported by a new prioritisation methodology that ensures effort is focused on achieving the greatest national benefit. To lead the harmonisation of standards, it is important to understand how harmonised standards fit within Australia’s co-regulatory model and the role ARISO will play in leading them. The methodology evaluates potential harmonised standards through three lenses. This structured approach will provide transparency how priorities are set and is being developed collaboratively with the industry. PRODUCT SPOTLIGHTAS 7662.1 – 25kV AC Rail Traction Systems The release of AS 7662.1, a new national Standard that aligns the design, construction, and operation of 25kV AC electrified rail networks will usher in a new era of harmonisation, safety, and efficiency. Developed in close consultation with industry stakeholders, this Part 1 of a new series of Standards, addresses one of the rail sector’s long-standing challenges – the fragmentation of electrification practices across projects and jurisdictions. ARISO PRODUCT UPDATESLuminance contrast testing for AS 7531 Lighting and VisibilityLuminance contrast testing was a key phase in the review of AS 7531 Lighting and Visibility. Conducted by the Monash Institute of Railway Technology (MIRT), these tests evaluated performance across different environments and lighting conditions. Data and insights from this testing have informed the draft Standard, which is now open for public consultation. 
In the newsThis month's Rail Express features a new ARISO standard which will usher in harmonisation, safety and efficiency. AS 7662.1 - 25kV AC Rail Traction Systems aligns the design, construction and operation of 25 kilovolt AC electrified rail networks. Developed in close consultation with industry, it address long-standing challenges of fragmentation of electrical practices across projects and jurisdictions. Current calls for Public ConsultationAS 7531 Lighting and Visibility AS 7711 Signalling Principles Current calls for Development GroupsAS 7641 Rail Gauge Corner Lubrication Management Code of Practice – Type Approval Signalling Have a safe holiday seasonAs the year draws to a close, we thank our members, partners and contributors for your continued support and collaboration. Your commitment has helped drive positive change across the rail industry. 2025 has marked real progress toward stronger, industry-led national standards that advance safety, lift productivity and support a more connected, interoperable network. Together, we are building a more resilient and efficient rail system for the future. We wish you a safe and restful holiday season and look forward to working together in the year ahead. 
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