V-set trains retirement ends 55 years on Sydney rails

An era on Sydney’s intercity network ended today with the V-set trains retirement, as the last set was withdrawn from service after 55 years on the rails, as outlined in a New South Wales government ministerial release.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

After five-and-a-half decades in operation, the final Sydney Trains V-set fleet service rolled into Sydney this morning. Introduced in 1970, these long-running workhorses carried millions of passengers and, over their lifetime, travelled a distance said to equal 298 trips to the moon. The trains were best known for their stainless-steel, panelled exterior and, for the farewell trip, they appeared in the classic Blue Goose livery of royal blue and grey.

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For the last run, the train left Lithgow at 5.47am and reached Sydney’s Central Station at 8.32am today.

Sydney Trains said at least four carriages from the final service will be retained for heritage purposes. A decision is still pending on the remaining 81 retired V-set carriages. The operator also ran an Expressions of Interest process to allow the public — including heritage groups and private collectors — to apply to acquire retired carriages, with applications now under assessment, as noted by Railway Supply.

V-set trains retirement and the Mariyung fleet rollout

With the last V-set now retired, the modern intercity Blue Mountains Line Mariyung fleet has been fully introduced on that route. The new trains include accessible toilets and designated spaces for wheelchairs, bikes and prams. They also offer extra leg room, high seat backs, tray tables for laptops and charging ports for mobile devices — the Mariyung intercity trains features set out on Transport for NSW’s Mariyung fleet project page.

Final Lithgow to Sydney Central service draws a response

Even as the changeover continues, some enthusiasts are mourning the end of the V-sets, often pointing to their comfortable seats and robust design. When V-sets first entered service between Sydney and Gosford — and later to Newcastle and the Blue Mountains — their double-deck format was seen as a new chapter in high-capacity rail travel. They were also praised for delivering a smooth ride on longer intercity routes.

Mariyung trains began replacing V-sets on the Central Coast & Newcastle Line in December 2024. They were then introduced on the Blue Mountains Line from October 2025. The fleet is targeted to be launched on the South Coast Line by the first half of 2026.

Investment and official remarks on the fleet changeover

The Mariyungs form part of a $458 million New South Wales government investment aimed at improving rail reliability. New South Wales Minister for Transport John Graham said the V-sets carried “over two generations” of tourists, commuters and train lovers, and were widely recognised by their distinctive stainless-steel exterior with the Blue Goose livery.

He also referenced the “bush plum” coloured seats inside — often nicknamed “eggplant” — and said the farewell coincides with the full introduction of the intercity Mariyungs on the Blue Mountains Line, describing it as a major uplift in comfort and accessibility.

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