Train reporting numbers are used on Australian railway networks to help network operators, and other users, coordinate train movements and identify trains. The numbers are used similarly to airline flight numbers, and enable a train to be identified to network controllers and other relevant authorities, and are also used by train operators for internal train management purposes.
Although Australian train reporting number systems are based on the United Kingdom system, each state has developed its own numbering system, with some similarities and differences. They generally include an indication of an origin and/or destination of a train, but differ in the way they denote the various features of the train, such as the operator, the type of train, the type of load, and whether the train is travelling in an up or down direction.
To date, there has been no significant move towards standardisation of the numbering system.
National (ARTC) The national interstate network is managed by the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC), which uses a system-wide train reporting number (comprising letters and numbers) to identify trains operating on its network. The train operating number is different depending on the designated part of the network on which the train is operating. These include the Interstate Network, the Heavy Haul (Hunter Valley Coal) Network, and the ARTC-managed lines within state boundaries (Intrastate Networks). Passenger trains are sometimes numbered differently. Other systems are used for specific circumstances, such as light engines, maintenance trains, or heritage trains.
Interstate network numbering The interstate network connects all main capital cities and uses a four-character numbering system, which applies to both freight and passenger trains.
First Digit(Day of Departure)Second Digit(Origin)Third Digit(Destination)Fourth Digit(Order of Departure)1 = Sunday2 = Monday3 = Tuesday4 = Wednesday5 = Thursday6 = Friday7 = Saturday A = AdelaideB = BrisbaneC = Junee/Cootamundra/GriffithD = DarwinF = Mudgee/Dubbo/CowraG = ParkesH = Hunter ValleyJ = Victoria North EastK = Victoria North WestL = Alice SpringsM = MelbourneN = NewcastleO = Fisherman IslandsP = PerthQ = MoreeR = Port PirieS = SydneyT = Taree – MurwillumbahU = Broken HillV = Goulburn/Moss Vale/CanberraW = NSW South CoastX = Spencer Junction/Port AugustaY = WhyallaA = AdelaideB = BrisbaneC = Junee/Cootamundra/GriffithD = DarwinF = Mudgee/Dubbo/CowraG = ParkesH = Hunter ValleyJ = Victoria North EastK = Victoria North WestL = Alice SpringsM = MelbourneN = NewcastleO = Fisherman IslandsP = PerthQ = MoreeR = Port PirieS = SydneyT = Taree – MurwillumbahU = Broken HillV = Goulburn/Moss Vale/CanberraW = NSW South CoastX = Spencer Junction/Port AugustaY = WhyallaSequentially allocated based on order of departureNumber 8 is reserved for passenger services
Heavy haul network numbering The Heavy Haul network covers both the Hunter Valley Coal network and other coal traffic in NSW.
Hunter Valley Coal Network The Hunter Valley Coal network is one of the largest haulage networks in Australia. It uses a five-character numbering system but with three groupings of numbers to describe the train.
First and Second Digits(Load/Unload point)Third and Fourth Digit(Destination)Fifth Digit(Loaded Status)AH = AshtonAS = AustarAT = Macquarie Generation AntieneBC = Bulga CoalBE = Boggabri EastBF = BloomfieldBG = BengallaBO = Boggabri Coal Loading LoopBW = Mount ArthurCW = CamberwellDK = DartbrookDR = DraytonDS = Donaldson/BloomfieldDU = DuralieER = Eraring Power StationGD = GunnedahHV = Hunter ValleyJU = Wambo/UnitedJW = Wambo/Jerry PlainsLD = Liddell Power StationMB = Maules CreekMN = MangoolaMO = Mount OwenMP = Mount PleasantMR = MoolarbenMT = Mount Thorley Bin 2MW = Warkworth Bin 2NA = Donaldson/Bloomfield (Southern)NB = NarrabriND = NewdellNM = Macquarie GenerationNW = NewstanPW = Port WaratahRB = MuswellbrookRC = Rixs CreekRV = RavensworthSF = StratfordTB = TeralbaUL = UlanVP = Vales Point Power StationWC = Werris CreekWG = WilpinjongWH = Whitehaven CoalWK = Warkworth Bin 1WS = Walsh Point100, 200, 300 Series = servicing the two Port Waratah Coal Services (PWCS) terminals in Kooragang and Morandoo400, 800 Series = Sydney Trains services500 Series = Gunnedah Basin services600 Series = North Coast services700 Series = Macquarie Generation services 900 Series = National Coal Infrastructure Group (NCIG) terminal on Kooragang IslandOdd Number = Empty trainEven Number = Loaded Train
South and West Coal Network The South and West Coal network serves those mines not part of the Hunter Valley network, including those in the Central West and the Illawarra. It uses a slightly different five-character numbering system.
First and Second Digits(Load/Unload point)Third and Fourth Digit(Sequential order of Departure)Fifth Digit(Loaded Status)AR = AirlyBB = Baal BoneCA = ClarenceCB = CharbonCC = Coal CliffCG = Cringila BHPIH = Inner HarbourLS = LidsdaleLG = LithgowMC = Metropolitan CollieryTM = Tahmoor CollieryTL = ThirroulWW = Wallerawang From (time) 00:01 to 06:00 - Train numbers between 00 and 25From 06:01 to 12:00 - Train numbers between 26 and 50 From 12:01 to 18:00 - Train numbers between 51 and 75From 18:01 to 24:00 - Train numbers between 76 and 99Odd Number = Empty trainEven Number = Loaded Train
Intrastate network numbering The ARTC operates a number of branch lines within state boundaries. These are often standard gauge lines that would otherwise be isolated, or important lines that connect different parts of the ARTC network but are not part of the Interstate or Heavy Haul networks. Depending on the line, different numbering systems are used depending on the state in which the line is located. These systems are often based on the one used by the state's own rail operator. For example, the line numbering system used in NSW is similar to the ARTC system used on NSW networks. (Refer to the state numbering systems below.)
Other numbering Other systems are used for passenger trains, light engines, maintenance trains or heritage trains. They are detailed in the relevant Train Operating Manual, but are consistent with those used in the numbering systems of the state's own rail operator.
New South Wales There are two other rail network administrators in New South Wales: UGL for the Country Rail Network, and Sydney Trains for the metropolitan network bounded by Berowra, Emu Plains, Macarthur and Waterfall. Source for all information in this section:
NSW Country Rail Network The NSW Country Rail Network numbering system is a continuation of the system developed over time by the NSW Government Railways and its successors. It is currently managed by UGL, though numbering remains the property of Transport for NSW.
Train numbers on the NSW Country Rail Network use a four-number system for freight trains.
First Digit(Origin)Second Digit(Destination)Third Digit(Operator)Fourth Digit(Up or Down)1 = Sydney Trains Network2 = Goulburn 3 = Junee4 = Newcastle5 = Werris Creek6 = North Coast7 = Lithgow – Merrygoen8 = Orange9 = Illawarra1 = Sydney Trains Network2 = Goulburn 3 = Junee4 = Newcastle5 = Werris Creek6 = North Coast7 = Lithgow – Merrygoen8 = Orange9 = Illawarra00 – 09 = Sydney Trains (Freight)10 – 19 = Qube20 – 39 = Pacific National40 – 49 = Southern Shorthaul Railroad50 – 59 = Aurizon60 – 69 = Qube70 – 79 = Southern Shorthaul Railroad80 – 89 = Freightliner Australia90 – 99 = Sydney Rail ServicesOdd numbers - Down trainsEven numbers - Up trains
As with the national system, there are specific numbers for passenger trains, heritage trains and maintenance/inspection trains. Interstate trains and coal network trains are numbered as per the National Interstate network numbering above.
Metropolitan Network Within the Sydney Trains Network, normal, in-service (passenger) services are assigned numbers consisting of four alpha-numeric characters. The number is made up of a 'run' identifier and followed by a 'trip' identifier. A train will generally keep the same 'run' identifier for the whole day and increment its 'trip' identifier. The 'run' identifier is a 1-3 digit number, with dashes (-) added to make it 3 characters long. The numbers are generally allocated in blocks by scheduled train class. For example, as of October 2019, 1-22 are allocated to B sets. An exception is the Olympic Park line, which has alpha-numeric 'run' identifiers, with the first letter representing its destination (S=Sydney Central, B=Blacktown, L=Lidcombe). The 'trip' identifier is one character, or one for shorter lines, such as the Olympic Park line. The whole train reporting number is officially referred to as the 'run number'. +Examples of Sydney Trains Run NumbersExample'Run' Identifier'Trip' IdentifierMeaning1--A1AFirst trip of the day for train allocated run 115-B15BSecond trip of the day for train allocated run 1548AC48ACThird trip of the day for train allocated run 48133D133DFourth trip of the day for train allocated run 133L2AEL2AEFifth trip of the day for train allocated run L2 (shuttle service between Olympic Park and Lidcombe) The interurban/intercity (NSW TrainLink) network is slightly less organised, with no link between each successive run performed by a train. Train numbers are four characters, beginning with a one/two letter prefix, followed by numbers. The letter identifies which region the train is operating in: +PrefixStands forLinesNNorthCentral Coast & Newcastle LineVHunter LineCCoastSouth Coast Line - Trains to/from SydneyKKemblaSouth Coast - Trains to/from Coalcliff (usually empty)KNKiama-NowraSouth Coast - Kiama to Bomaderry (Nowra) Diesel ServiceWWestBlue Mountains LineSNSouthernSouthern Highlands LineHInterurban trains running empty within suburban network
Heritage Operated Trains Within the ARTC, Sydney Trains and Country Regional Networks, services operated by accredited Heritage Rail organisations have a unique four-digit train number that identifies the individual operator and the type of motive power deployed in the train consist. Numbering uses a convention of NANN.
First Digit(Operator)Second Digit(Motive Power)Third DigitFourth Digit(Up or Down) 4 = Lithgow State Mine Railway5 = East Coast Heritage Rail6 = Transport Heritage NSW7 = Rail Motor Society8 = Lachlan Valley Railway9 = Sydney Rail Services D = Diesel Loco (Light Engine)E = Electric LocoL = Diesel LocoR = Diesel Multiple Units and Rail MotorsS = Steam LocoX = Electric Loco (Light Engine)Z = Steam Loco (Light Engine) 0 to 9 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 (even numbers) = Up Trains1, 3, 5, 7, 9 (odd numbers) = Down Trains
Train movements comprising mixed locomotives that include Electric locomotive(s) are to use the letter "E” to avoid the possibility of electric locomotive being turned onto unwired roads, or sections of track from which the current has been removed. This will apply with the pantographs in the raised or lowered positions.
Heritage services retain their original number for the entire journey even when travelling in the Up or Down direction.
NSW based Heritage Operated services use this train numbering system when working on the ARTC Network in Victoria and South Australia.
Victoria Weekly Notice 4/77 (25 January 1977) advised that the "Train Describer Numbering System" was to be introduced. Originally introduced for trains in the Melbourne suburban area, it was being used state-wide by 1981. It is a four-digit system, and all trains in Victoria are allocated a train number for use in the radio communications system.
The following is a summary of how the system works.