Responsibilities
ARTC does not operate any trains, but provides and maintains the infrastructure for train operators to run on. The tracks controlled by ARTC are located across five states, which were previously run by six separate state railways, in an uncoordinated fashion that has gave an edge to road transport. By combining the infrastructure under one corporation it was expected that a more coordinated one stop shop would be created.
ARTC does not control any of the narrow gauge track in Queensland or South Australia, nor broad gauge track in Victoria. It does control the Albion to Jacana freight line which has been partially converted to dual gauge for use as a passing lane but is considered a main line on the broad gauge network.
Read more about this topic: Australian Rail Track Corporation