The rollout of the new Regional Rail Fleet has passed another major milestone, with more than half of the fleet now in Australia.
Sixteen of the fleet's twenty-nine trains are now in the country, including nine of the ten long regional trains and seven of the nine short regional trains.
The milestone comes as four long regional trains are currently being tested on the NSW rail network as part of the fleet's extensive testing and commissioning program.
The trains can operate on both electric and diesel power, allowing them to travel across electrified sections of the network as well as regional routes where overhead power is not available.
This technology is a first for regional passenger trains in Australia and is undergoing extensive testing to ensure it performs safely and reliably in a range of conditions.
This testing and commissioning work is being done at the purpose-built Mindyarra Maintenance Facility in Dubbo, where 50 workers will maintain the fleet once the trains enter service.
Before carrying passengers, the fleet must complete thousands of kilometres of trial running across metropolitan and regional rail lines.
This assesses braking performance, signalling and communications systems, passenger information systems and onboard safety features.
The first two Long Regional trains recently completed the required passenger service kilometre testing, a significant milestone and a key requirement before undergoing additional modifications. Once the modifications have been completed, the train will undergo further testing.
Planning is now underway for the first passenger service to operate on the Sydney to Dubbo route. This will occur upon the completion of testing, modifications and safety accreditation from the Office of National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR).
The new Regional Rail Fleet will replace the ageing XPT, XPLORER and most of the Endeavour trains and provide a more modern, comfortable and accessible travel experience for customers travelling between Sydney, regional NSW and interstate destinations.
While the new fleet is being prepared for passenger service, the Government's $40.3 million XPT life extension program is continuing to ensure safe and reliable services remain in place while testing and accreditation are completed.
Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison said:
"Under the Minns Labor Government, the roll out of the new Regional Rail Fleet is back on track.
"With over half of these fleet now in the country, we're one step closer to welcoming passengers on board these modern, reliable trains.
"This is a fantastic milestone for communities like Dubbo, who have waited too long for these new trains to enter service.
"It hasn't been a simple task, but since day one we've been working to get this project moving, dismantling the former Liberal-National Government's failed Public Private Partnership and fast-tracking delivery."
Roger Weeks, Chief Executive NSW TrainLink said:
"For many regional communities, rail is a lifeline that keeps people connected to family, work, education and essential services. That's why reliable regional rail services are so important.
"As we work toward the introduction of this new fleet we are focused on our core purpose - bringing communities together, making it easier for people to travel, stay connected and participate in the opportunities that help regional NSW flourish."
