How Portaramp partnered with Queensland Rail to design, manufacture and deliver over 500 bespoke railway boarding ramps, improving accessibility, passenger safety and operational efficiency across one of Australia's largest rail networks.
Queensland Rail is a Queensland Government-owned organisation responsible for operating passenger rail services across Queensland, Australia. The network provides suburban services throughout South East Queensland as well as long-distance routes connecting regional and remote communities across the state.
Alongside operating passenger services, Queensland Rail is responsible for maintaining much of Queensland's rail infrastructure, ensuring safe, reliable and accessible travel for millions of passengers every year.
With accessibility continuing to be a key priority, Queensland Rail sought an innovative boarding solution that would better support passengers with reduced mobility (PRM) while improving operational efficiency across its extensive rail network.
Queensland Rail approached Portaramp after identifying that its existing railway boarding ramps no longer met the organisation's accessibility requirements or operational expectations.
The organisation required a solution that would:
Finding the right partner was essential. Queensland Rail needed a manufacturer with proven expertise in railway accessibility solutions and the ability to design, manufacture and deliver bespoke products at scale.
The initial introduction came through a Queensland Rail Operational Performance Advisor who had previously worked with Southeastern Railway in the UK and was already familiar with Portaramp's reputation for delivering high-quality railway boarding ramps.
Following the initial enquiry, Portaramp presented a range of existing rail ramp solutions while demonstrating the company's bespoke design capabilities.
Rather than offering a standard product, Portaramp showcased how each ramp could be engineered to meet the unique operational requirements of Queensland Rail.
The presentation led to Queensland Rail ordering several sample ramps in different configurations, allowing its teams to evaluate the products in real operational environments before committing to a full network rollout.
At Portaramp, every project begins with collaboration.
Over the following 18 months, Portaramp's design engineers worked closely with Queensland Rail to develop a solution tailored specifically to its operational needs.
Following extensive on-network trials during 2024, valuable feedback from Queensland Rail's operational teams helped refine the design even further.
Together, both organisations focused on optimising:
This collaborative design approach ensured the final product met Queensland Rail's exact requirements before entering full production.
Following successful product trials, Queensland Rail placed an order for more than 500 bespoke portable railway boarding ramps, making it Portaramp's first major rail project in Australia.
The finished solution combined lightweight construction with exceptional strength and reliability, providing Queensland Rail with a standardised boarding solution suitable for use across its network.
Key Features
The ramps now provide Queensland Rail with a dependable accessibility solution that supports safe, efficient boarding across a wide variety of stations and rolling stock.
Manufacturing more than 500 bespoke railway boarding ramps represented a significant milestone for Portaramp.
Once production was complete, the ramps were carefully packed and shipped from the UK to Australia using two full shipping containers before being delivered to the Port of Brisbane.
The successful international delivery demonstrated Portaramp's ability to manage complex logistics while maintaining the highest standards of product quality and customer service.
Today, the ramps are fully deployed throughout the Queensland Rail network and have received excellent feedback from operational teams.
Following the successful rollout of the network-wide boarding ramps, Queensland Rail once again turned to Portaramp for support.
As part of its 160th anniversary celebrations, Queensland Rail planned a special heritage train tour that would travel throughout the network.
To support this landmark event, several bespoke boarding ramps were required within an extremely tight timeframe.
Portaramp responded immediately.
Working closely with Queensland Rail, our engineering and manufacturing teams designed, produced and air-freighted the required ramps within just one month—delivering them approximately six weeks ahead of our normal production schedule.
The project highlighted Portaramp's ability to respond quickly to customer requirements without compromising on quality, safety or performance.
Queensland Rail was delighted with both the finished products and the exceptional level of service provided throughout the project.
The partnership has delivered significant operational and accessibility improvements across the Queensland Rail network.
Improved Passenger Accessibility - Passengers with reduced mobility now benefit from safer, more reliable and dignified boarding assistance throughout the network.
Reduced Dwell Times - The portable ramps can be deployed quickly, allowing staff to assist passengers more efficiently while helping trains maintain punctual departure times.
Enhanced Staff Safety - The ergonomic, lightweight design reduces manual handling requirements, improving safety and reducing physical strain for frontline staff.
Consistent Network Operations - Introducing a standardised boarding ramp across the network simplifies staff training while ensuring a consistent passenger experience at every station.
Robust, Reliable Equipment - Designed specifically for demanding railway environments, the ramps provide Queensland Rail with dependable equipment that meets rigorous operational safety standards day after day.
The successful completion of this project has laid the foundation for a long-term partnership between Portaramp and Queensland Rail.
Discussions are already underway regarding the potential supply of Portaramp's Train-to-Train Evacuation Bridge solution. Initial costings have been provided, and both organisations are exploring the next phase of collaboration.
Queensland Rail is also preparing for the introduction of a new fleet of trains between 2026 and 2027, being supplied by a Korean train manufacturer.
As part of these discussions, Queensland Rail has already expressed interest in Portaramp supplying bespoke boarding ramps for the new fleet, presenting an exciting opportunity to further strengthen accessibility across the Australian rail network.
Portaramp looks forward to continuing its partnership with Queensland Rail and supporting future accessibility initiatives across Australia.
Accessibility is no longer simply about meeting compliance requirements—it is about creating transport networks that enable every passenger to travel safely, independently and with confidence.
This project demonstrates how collaboration between operators and manufacturers can deliver innovative accessibility solutions that improve passenger experiences while supporting operational performance.
For Portaramp, the Queensland Rail project represents far more than the successful delivery of over 500 railway boarding ramps.
It marks our first major project in Australia, reinforces our reputation as a global leader in portable rail accessibility solutions, and demonstrates our ability to deliver bespoke engineering projects at an international scale.
As rail operators around the world continue to prioritise accessibility, Portaramp remains committed to designing innovative products that improve safety, efficiency and inclusivity for passengers and operators alike.
Portaramp is the UK's leading specialist in the design and manufacture of lightweight portable access ramps.
With more than 25 years of experience, we are recognised as a market leader in rail accessibility solutions, providing bespoke products for rail operators, rolling stock manufacturers and transport providers across the UK and internationally.
Our end-to-end service includes product design, manufacture, installation, training, maintenance and asset management, ensuring customers receive a complete accessibility solution tailored to their operational requirements.
From portable railway boarding ramps and train evacuation bridges to bespoke access solutions for multiple industries, Portaramp continues to innovate to improve accessibility, safety and operational performance worldwide.
Whether you're modernising an existing rail network or specifying accessibility solutions for new rolling stock, Portaramp provides bespoke portable rail ramps and safe access solutions designed around your operational requirements.
Contact our team today to discuss your project and discover how Portaramp can help deliver safer, more accessible rail travel.
