Hi there.

I’m Craig Sparrius.

Here’s a little about me.

Craig Sparrius is an experienced transport leader with a demonstrated history of delivering major service improvements across the transportation industry. Craig has managed planning and strategy for rail operators in both the Victorian and New South Wales rail networks, having responsibility for delivering numerous major timetables spanning both passenger and freight rail networks. Craig has an ability to assess and develop transport strategy and transport projects in complex networks and multi-stakeholder environments.

Craig has led timetable specification, development, design and implementation for numerous timetable changes in Victoria, including the following major changes:

  • Nov, 2012 -  Electrification of the Watergardens line to Sunbury.

  • Apr, 2012 - Weekend service uplift to Pakenham, Cranbourne, Frankston, Belgrave and Lilydale lines, and extension of the Epping line to South Morang.

  • Jul, 2010 - Service Improvements to the Dandenong and Frankston lines.

  • Nov, 2009 - Direct operation of the Werribee line to Flinders Street station and reversal of the Clifton Hill group AM services.

  • Jan 2002 - Electrification of the St Albans line to Watergardens.

Some of the other projects I have worked on include..

  • 2013 Timetable Development (TfNSW): General Manager, Timetable Development, leading the timetable development team to design, produce and implement the largest rail timetable change in NSW in over 20 years. The 2013 timetable was designed and implemented during a highly dynamic and organisational change environment.

  • Western and Northern Rail Plan (V/Line): Lead Rail Strategy Advisor providing advice to V/Line on the strategic appraisal of a series of operational concepts being developed for the Victorian rail network encompassing the entirety of Victoria’s regional rail transport corridors. These plans, being developed by the Level Crossing Removal Project (LXRP), incorporate a host of network enhancements for both the Suburban and Regional rail corridors, and seek to address the rail transport challenges resulting from the anticipated population growth that is forecast for these outer regions of Melbourne.

  • Melbourne Airport Rail (Rail Projects Victoria): Subject Matter Expert in rail operations for the appraisal of a future high-capacity metro rail line that seeks to link Melbourne Airport to the CBD using Victoria's new High Capacity Metro Trains.

  • Melton Line Upgrade (Arup): Timetable Modelling Lead and Subject Matter Expert in rail operations providing advice on planning for capacity improvements for rail services to and from Melton. Arup was part of the Rail Planning Advisory Authority (ROPA) that had been appointed by the Department of Transport and Rail Projects Victoria (RPV) to undertake the planning for Melton.

  • Suburban Rail Loop (AJM): Director of Operations for the multi-decade project seeking to connect Melbourne’s suburban rail network in an orbital manner. The project will involve new technology and be designed separate to the existing metropolitan rail network.

  • Level Crossing Removal Project (MTM): Operational Lead for the operational modelling undertaken on level crossing removals at Cheltenham and Cranbourne. This work influenced the design of high-capacity terminal outcomes at Cheltenham and Cranbourne, after developing measurable functional requirements that were modelled. The infrastructure and signalling designs were then refined to ensure optimal outcomes.

  • Melbourne Tunnel Project (MTM): Operational Lead providing advice to MTM on the Melbourne Tunnel Project (MTP). This work included leading the RailSys modelling for day one operations of the project, as well as reviewing signalling reference designs being developed. Craig’s advice led to a clear scope for additional works to support MTP, including duplication of the Cranbourne line, improved Sunbury terminal, additional stabling at Watergardens.

  • Wellington Rail Bid (Serco): Operational Advisor providing operational expertise for Serco on the Wellington Rail Bid, which was tendered by Greater Wellington Regional Council. Craig’s responsibilities included the development of key elements of the operational bid submission, including network access, staffing, safety, and timetable strategy.