Central Coast commuters will soon be in for a smoother ride, with the NSW Government reaching a vital agreement to get the full complement of New Intercity Fleet trains on the tracks in the shortest possible time.
Transport for NSW and the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) has signed a deed on a final operating model for the new electric Mariyung trains, which will run on the Newcastle and Central Coast, Blue Mountains and South Coast Lines.
This deed aligns the New Intercity Fleet operating model with that of the Waratah fleet and, subject to approval by the Office of National Rail Safety Regulator, it will allow the new trains to enter passenger service in the most efficient way.
Following last year’s agreement between government and unions to modify the fleet, Transport for NSW has now confirmed the final scope and detailed design of the modifications and submitted an order with RailConnect to deliver the changes.
Meanwhile, a process has begun to transition the operation of the Mariyung trains and the majority of intercity passenger services, crew and stations from NSW TrainLink to Sydney Trains.
The transition will take advantage of the scale within Sydney Trains to help improve access to resourcing, crew availability and training that supports getting the new trains into service as soon as possible.
The New Intercity Fleet will set a new standard of travel for commuters who make approximately 26 million journeys a year on the electrified intercity network.
The improvements include wider, more spacious two-by-two seating with arm rests, tray tables and high seat backs, charging ports for mobile devices, dedicated spaces for luggage, prams and bicycles, and modern heating and air conditioning.
They will also open up greater options for travel for people with disabilities and mobility issues with dedicated spaces for wheelchairs and accessible toilets.
A timeline for the introduction of the New Intercity Fleet will be finalised with operations expected to commence in 2024.
Transport Minister Jo Haylen said the trains were supposed to be on the tracks five years ago.
“It’s been a priority of mine to ensure we get these trains out of sheds and on the tracks next year,” she said.
“We’ve finally fixed the mess that the former government made of the New Intercity Fleet.
“It took the new Minns Labor Government five months to do what the Liberals couldn’t do in five years.
“Like the passengers who rely on our intercity network, I look forward these new modern trains, with more room, more comfort and more features than any other fleet in Australia.
“Passengers deserve to have a first-class safe and reliable public transport system that helps them travel from our regions to the city to conduct business, to go to school and work and be with their families.”
Source:
NSW Government
I’ll believe it when I see it!
The two fleets prior were made in Newcastle NSW Australia without any holdups. Where were these trains built?
But with non reversible seats, a decision which has been heavily criticised. A poll of South Coast line passengers (er, “customers”) showed that over 80% were opposed to the non reversible seating arrangement, but the rail bureaucrats went ahead anyway.
And the name “Mariyung” will be too easily confusued with Marayong Station, which also means Emu in the local First Nations’ language.
These new trains have been a public relations disaster for Transport for NSW.