State pledges $50 million to new regional trains

The funding will accelerate the procurement of 60 new XPT passenger cars and replace older trains under the NSW TrainLink network.   

The new XPT will be faster, modern and more comfortable. The government will begin the process for the new XPT service in the first half of 2017, two years earlier than originally planned.

This includes an additional investigation into the replacement of 50 Xplorer and Endeavor trains.

NSW Deputy Premier Troy Grant and Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance made the announcement on Thursday afternoon. 

“We’re not going to wait. We’re getting the ball rolling now,” Mr Grant said. “This is a real commitment to rail passengers in the bush and we expect it to also generate regional maintenance jobs.”

Mr Grant said the new fleet of trains would be “used more often”, “more reliable”, and require “less work”.

“Country travellers deserve modern trains and the very real dividends resulting from the sound financial management of this government will make it happen,” he said.

Southern Tablelands Rail Users Group president Greg Price said he welcomed the announcement for a fast-track replacement of trains from the State Government.

“The Xplorer and Endeavor trains, used commonly between regional towns, are mechanically worn out,” Mr Price said. “The entire fleet should be replaced.”

Mr Price said the replacement and upgrade to the NSW train network would make Goulburn a “more attractive location for residents”. 

“People are looking towards our area for reliable and quick public transport,” he said.

“We see an opportunity here for frequent commuter morning and night services between Canberra and Sydney." 

Trains presently used in the NSW TrainLink network are up to 35 years old. The contract will be signed in the current term of government.