Downer has over 100 years’ rail experience and has expertise covering all sectors from rolling stock to infrastructure and in every project phase, from manufacturing to through-life-support and operations.
Downer’s track record spans project management services, engineering design, systems engineering, supply chain engagement, systems integration, manufacturing, logistics, testing, commissioning, asset management, fleet maintenance, rail infrastructure design and construction, and through-life-support and operations.
As Australia's leading provider of passenger rolling stock asset management services, we deliver reliable and safe services to the fast-growing and dynamic public transport sector and partner with our customers to deliver solutions across all transport domains. These include: heavy rail, electric and diesel trains, light rail, bus, and multi-modal transport solutions.
Downer also offers ticketing, passenger information, wayfinding and other technology options, as well as rail security and safety solutions.
Strategic partnerships
Leveraging our global supply chain, Downer has formed strategic joint ventures and relationships with leading technology and knowledge providers including Keolis, CRRC, Hitachi and Bombardier.
The Keolis Downer joint venture is Australia’s largest private provider of multi-modal public transport solutions, including Melbourne’s tram system and Gold Coast light rail.
Flagship projects
Melbourne’s fleet of 65 high capacity metro trains is the largest order of new trains in Victoria’s history. Entering service from mid-2019, the fleet will provide an evolution in reliability, availability and timetable performance, as well as safety, comfort and convenience.
The fleet is based on CRRC Changchun’s proven A-type platform for ultra-high capacity networks and is fully customised to Melbourne’s specific needs. To support the fleet, Downer is also delivering a world-class train maintenance facility at Pakenham.
The Waratah fleet is the pride of Sydney’s network, delivering unprecedented reliability, availability, safety and comfort. As an order of 78 trains, it stands as the largest single order of rolling stock in Australia’s history.
Design and manufacturing were undertaken by Downer, in conjunction with CRRC Changchun, and through-life-support is managed by Downer at the purpose-built Auburn Maintenance Centre under an availability regime.
Downer is delivering another 24 trains and an upgrade to the Mortdale Maintenance Centre as part of the Sydney Growth Trains contract.
The innovative Sunlander Tilt Train was delivered by Downer under a pioneering alliancing model to provide a premium comfort service to regional Queensland. The Diesel fleet boasts the highest number of kilometres travelled by any train in Australia, while maintaining excellent reliability and availability.
The vehicles were manufactured in Maryborough at Downer’s Manufacturing & Maintenance Centre, including fabrication of the bodyshells and bogies as well as full assembly, testing and commissioning.
Spanning more than 250 km of double track, and employing more than 2,200 people including 1,200 tram drivers and 200 authorised officers and customer service employees, Melbourne's tram network is the largest in the world.
Operated by Keolis Downer, their mantra of 'think like a passenger' guides the team to create the best possible travelling experience for the 3.5 million passengers who use the network every week.
The next 10 years will see Keolis Downer further improve passenger service, operations and asset performance, while delivering more value for money for Victorians.
The Gold Coast's magnificent beach-front light rail service is driving prosperity and growth to one of Australia's largest cities and most popular tourist destinations.
Operated by Keolis Downer, the G:Link runs 14 trams along 13 kilometres with 16 stations from Broadbeach to Gold Coast University Hospital.
Gold Coast passengers notched up 10 million trips in its first 18 months of operation, with an average of more than 20,000 trips per day. The famous Cavill Avenue is home to the busiest station, recording almost 5,000 boardings per day. The network is currently being extended an additional seven kilometres in time to shine for the Commonwealth Games in 2018.
Downer is delivering the infrastructure of the Newcastle Light Rail project and Keolis Downer has been appointed to operate the Newcastle integrated transport system including buses, ferries, light rail and interchanges.
This exciting project will transform and revitalise Newcastle, and builds on Downer's proud history as one of the region's largest employers with over 2,000 staff in various sites.
