We provide access to New Zealand’s rail network, to rail operators who hold track access agreements and who meet the National Rail System Standards.
The standards provide a framework for the management of safety and change within the Rail Safety System (RSS). They also meet legislative requirements and Land Transport New Zealand’s Rail Safety Licensing and Audit Guidelines.
What the standards cover
The standards apply to all activities involving the operation of rail service vehicles on the national rail system. Standards cover:
- safety
- environment
- mechanical engineering
- rail operations
- incident and occurred reporting
- auditing standards (audits are conducted by Land Transport NZ and its selected service provider).
The standards are developed by the National Rail System Executive, a body of representatives from KiwiRail, ONTRACK (also secretary and administrator), Veolia Transport Auckland Ltd, and other organisations.
The standards are reviewed and updated from time to time. If you find any inaccuracy please report it immediately to ONTRACK.
NRSS 1 - Definitions (Issue 2, Effective Date 11-06-2007)
NRSS 1 will help people applying for access to rail land and creates standard terms for use in the rail industry, to reduce confusion. It contains a glossary of terms used in the National Rail System Standards.
NRSS 2 - Safety Management (Issue 2, Effective Date 11-06-2007)
NRSS 2 creates a framework for safety and change with minimum requirements for access providers and rail operators on New Zealand’s rail network. It contains safety standards, practices and procedures for operating safely on the national rail system.
NRSS 4 - Risk Management (Issue 2, Effective Date 11-06-2007)
NRSS 4 has guidelines for risk handling in each organisation’s rail system. It contains information on risk management in terms of occupational, operational and engineering, responsibilities, documentation and associated change.
NRSS 5 - Occurrence Management (Issue 2, Effective Date 26-5-2010)
NRSS 5 creates an environment that continuously improves operating processes. It contains primary procedures and responsibilities for dealing with rail based occurrences such as accidents.
NRSS 6 - Engineering Interoperability Standards (Issue 3, 26-04-2010)
NRSS 6 outlines what is needed to ensure a safe and effective interface with the national rail network. It contains design and maintenance features and characteristics that operators’ rail vehicles require.
NRSS 7 - Rail Operations Interoperability (Issue 2, Effective Date 11-06-2007)
NRSS 7 contains high level requirements for the safe operation of rail vehicles by operators and other parties with other rail users. Heritage operators should also see NRSS/11.
NRSS 8 - Document Control (Issue 2, Effective Date 11-06-2007)
NRSS 8 establishes controls to ensure clear, accurate and relevant information is provided in a timely manner. It contains requirements for controlled documentation for the national safety standards.
NRSS 9 - Audit (Issue 2, Effective date 11-06-2007)
NRSS 9 creates a generic guide to policy requirements for access providers and operators. It contains definitions and methodology for management system auditing as defined within the rail safety system.
NRSS 10 - Crisis Management Procedures (Issue 2, Effective Date 11-06-2007)
NRSS 10 helps the organisation(s) involved to resolve a crisis. It contains guidance for developing individual and joint crisis management plans.
NRSS 11 - Heritage Vehicle and Train Management (Issue 1, Effective date 11-06-2007)
NRSS 11 contains standards for the registration and operation of heritage vehicles, expectations and requirements for heritage operators using the national rail system.
More information A hi rail vehicle is modified so it can be driven along a track and a road. The Hi Rail Operations booklet contains requirements for hi rail vehicles and trailers. It includes design and operational standards, vehicle certification, and driver licensing requirements.
Hi Rail Operations booklet (PDF)