This paper describes the approach used by the author to assure that the New Southern Railway Project in Sydney, Australia achieved the required levels of safety, reliability and availability.It examines, by practical example, some of the pitfalls to avoid in infrastructure project definition and delivery processes that are often the root cause of faults. Of primary interest are the many interfaces (machine-machine, man-machine, man-man) which need to be identified, configured and managed.In particular, the paper will demonstrate how fundamental infrastructure design inputs need to be derived from these interfaces and from ultimate operating requirements and not just from engineering or construction requirements.The approach used by the author is derived from railways being socio-technical systems, a crucial aspect that is so often not recognised or under played. The paper concentrates on passenger railway systems but the philosophy is universal.
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