NSW TrainLink Regional Train Project
The NSW TrainLink Regional Train Project is an initiative of Transport for NSW to procure new bi-mode CAF Civity trains to replace NSW TrainLink's Endeavour, Xplorer and XPT fleets.
| New Regional Trains | |
|---|---|
An artist's impression of the new regional rail fleet | |
| Manufacturer | CAF |
| Built at | Beasain, Spain |
| Family name | Civity |
| Replaced | |
| Entered service | 2023 (scheduled) |
| Number under construction | Total delivery of 117 carriages (19 3-car sets and 10 6-car sets) |
| Operator(s) | NSW TrainLink |
| Depot(s) | Mindyarra Maintenance Centre |
| Specifications | |
| Electric system(s) | 1,500 V DC (nominal) from overhead catenary (electrified sections only) |
| Current collector(s) | Pantograph |
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge |
History
In the lead up to the 2015 state election, the Baird Government committed itself to replacing the XPT fleet (19 power cars and 60 carriages) if re-elected.[1][2] Having been returned to office, in October 2016, the government announced it was also considering replacing the Xplorer (23 carriages) and Endeavour (28 carriages) diesel multiple unit fleets.[3][4][5]
In August 2017, the government announced it had decided to proceed with the replacement of all three fleets.[6] In November 2017, three consortia, led by Bombardier, CAF and Downer, were shortlisted for the contract to build the trains.[7] In May 2018, the Bombardier Consortium withdrew from the process.[8]
A contract was signed in February 2019 with Momentum Trains, a consortium of CAF, DIF Infrastructure and Pacific Partnerships.[9] The order will comprise 117 bi-mode Civity carriages which will make up a total of 29 trains:[10][11]
- 10 long (6-car) trainsets for use on long-distance Regional services (replacing the XPT fleet)
- 9 short (3-car) short-distance Regional trainsets (replacing the Xplorer fleet)
- 10 short (3-car) Intercity sets (replacing the Endeavour fleet)
All trains will be maintained at the new Mindyarra Maintenance Centre to be built in Dubbo.[12][13]
As at 18/01/2023 there is no delivery date on the Project website.[14] An article in the Sydney Morning Herald dated 26 Dec 2022 [15]indicates a 35 month delay in the project. This pushes the delivery date out to late 2026 or 2027.
References
- ^ $1 billion overhaul to cut train travel times for XPT The Border Mail 16 March 2015
- ^ Coalition promises new trains will replace XPT The Daily Examiner 17 March 2015
- ^ New country train program accelerated Transport for New South Wales 28 October 2016
- ^ New South Wales brings forward XPT replacement International Railway Journal 28 October 2016
- ^ NSW fleet replacement accelerated Railway Gazette International 31 October 2016
- ^ NSW regional train fleet to be replaced Railway Gazette International 15 August 2017
- ^ "Another Milestone for Regional Rail Project". www.transport.nsw.gov.au. Transport for NSW. 30 November 2017. Retrieved 1 December 2017.
- ^ "Regional Rail Project Overview" (PDF). www.transport.nsw.gov.au. Retrieved 17 January 2019.
- ^ "CAF to replace New South Wales regional train fleet". Railway Gazette International. 14 February 2019. from the original on 18 February 2019.
- ^ "Regional Rail". Transport for NSW. from the original on 26 January 2021. Retrieved 26 January 2021.
- ^ "Regional Rail Project - Regional Rail fleet: Frequently asked questions July 2021" (PDF). Transport for NSW. Retrieved 12 September 2021.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ NSW Region train fleet on track Transport for New South Wales 14 August 2017
- ^ NSW seeks private finance for regional fleet International Railway Journal 15 August 2017
- ^ https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/regional-rail
- ^ https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/carriage-changes-dispute-delays-new-trains-20221220-p5c7rj.html
External links
- Project information