Queensland Says Goodbye to Its Iconic EMU Train Fleet

Queensland will retire its final Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) this Saturday, ending a 46-year legacy that transformed public rail transport across the state. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Introduced in 1979, these trains marked Queensland’s shift into the electric age of commuting. With 88 units built in Maryborough, the fleet changed how people traveled.

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The last EMU in operation—EMU59—will run a commemorative “End of the Line Tour.” The special journey begins at Roma Street and covers the Caboolture, Ipswich, Ferny Grove, and Shorncliffe lines.

Each unit traveled nearly 12 million kilometers since entering service. EMUs played a central role during key events such as the 1982 Commonwealth Games and the Gold Coast 2018 Games.

Over the past seven years, the EMUs were gradually retired. While EMU01 and EMU04 now rest at Ipswich Workshops, EMU21 was repurposed for emergency training.

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Rob Hill, Queensland Rail’s Executive General Manager of Operations, said the fleet helped shape the state’s modern identity. He highlighted the emotional connection many riders have with the iconic trains.

“These trains symbolized progress and became part of daily life,” Hill said. “Saturday’s farewell for EMU59 will honor that legacy and celebrate what these units meant to Queenslanders.”

Queensland’s Rail Future Builds on Past Achievements

Queensland Rail continues to modernize its fleet with New Generation Rollingstock and upcoming additions from the Train Manufacturing Program. New tracks, station upgrades, and Cross River Rail are part of this transformation.

But honoring history remains a priority. The Ipswich Workshops preserve selected units for possible future exhibitions, ensuring the EMU legacy remains accessible to future generations.

As Queensland’s transport system evolves, the memory of these beloved trains endures. Their story reflects not just the progress of rail, but the broader growth of the state itself.

Source: www.railexpress.com.au

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