NSW Regional Rail fleet update: two new trains enter testing

The NSW Regional Rail fleet update says two new trains are now being tested on the network. It comes as the state progresses its Regional Rail project, as reported by Rail Express.

What the NSW Regional Rail fleet update covers?

The New South Wales Government says the Regional Rail project will replace the current regional rail fleet. It will replace XPT, XPLORER and Endeavour trains. The new trains are for travel across New South Wales and between Sydney and Canberra, Melbourne and Brisbane. The fleet will include 29 “safe, comfortable and more accessible trains”. In addition, nine of the 29 trains are now in Australia.

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All of the long regional trains have been manufactured. Half of the short regional trains have been built. Production is underway on the remaining carriages. Meanwhile, one train is expected to arrive at Port Kembla every six to eight weeks, on average. That schedule is outlined by Transport for NSW.

Regional Rail project: train testing and bi-mode capability

Train testing is also progressing, with around 1500 hours completed so far. Two trains are currently undergoing intensive trials across electrified and non-electrified rail. The trials are testing their bi-mode capability. This uses both overhead electric and diesel rail. It is a first for passenger rail in Australia, according to the NSW Government.

Separately, the $40.3 million XPT life-extension program is moving forward, as previously covered by Railway Supply. It is intended to ensure “safe and reliable trains” continue to run. This is while the new fleet goes through testing and accreditation. Accreditation is with the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator.

Contract, manufacturing in Spain, and NSW TrainLink operations

The Regional Rail Fleet contract was awarded in February 2019 to Momentum Trains. Momentum Trains is a consortium of CAF, UGL Rail and Pacific Partnerships. Also, the trains are manufactured in Spain. They begin testing there before being transported to Mindyarra Maintenance Centre in Dubbo. In Dubbo, they go through train completion work. They then undergo testing, both within the centre and out on the network.

Once the train fit-out and static testing are completed, dynamic testing will be carried out from Mindyarra Maintenance Centre and Auburn Heavy Maintenance Centre. NSW TrainLink will operate the new long and short regional trains. This will replace the current XPT and XPLORER fleet. Sydney Trains will operate the new regional intercity trains. This will replace most of the current Endeavour fleet. The new trains were originally meant to enter service in 2023.

Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison has blamed the former Liberal Government’s offshore private model for the delay. “We will always make sure regional passengers have safe, reliable and high-quality transport,” she said. “People can now see the distinctive orange fleet on the tracks across NSW. “We are rebuilding confidence in regional rail and delivering the fleet regional NSW deserves.”

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