Interesting rail AD in Tuesdays Australian.

[mauried@commslab.gov.au (Maurie Daly)]

This ad appeared in Tuesdays Australian News paper.
Quote "Telecommunications Facilities Management Expressions of Interest."
"As one of the largest transport businesses in NSW,the Rail Access Corporation 
is seeking expressions of interest for the selection of a facilities 
management company to assist RAC in managing the Corporations extensive 
telecommunications resources."

The ad then goes on detailing the role of RAC and its Telecommunications 
resources.

Maybe Im just plain stupid , but I understood the RAC simply existed to 
negotiate access agreements to the tracks for private Rail Operators.
Since when has RAC become one of the largest transport businesses in NSW.
I dont beleive it even owns a single wagon or loco, and why on earth does it 
need an extensive telecommunications Network,or is this yet another example of
Govt owned GBEs simply doing there own thing.

If one believes the content of SRAs Home Page then the following is the 
stated function of RAC.

RAIL ACCESS CORPORATION is a small organisation with its main responsibility 
being the provision of access to the railway for train operators. It owns the 
essential fixed rail infrastructure and set operating standards (train 
loadings, radiofrequencies etc) for operators who want to use it. It
 negotiates with train operators to provide the train paths they need to run 
their timetables and charges fees for access. It does NOT do its own 
maintenance, repair or train control. Instead, these functions are contracted 
to the other rail businesses.



cheers
MD