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
ManufacturerCAF
Built atBeasain, Basque Country, Spain
Entered service2023 (scheduled)
Number under construction117 carriages
Formation19 x 3 cars
10 x 6 cars
Operator(s)NSW TrainLink
Depot(s)Dubbo Maintenance Centre
Specifications
Prime mover(s)(?)
Engine type(?)
Power supply(?)
Electric system(s)1,500 V DC Overhead
& Bi-mode
Current collection methodPantograph
Track gauge1,435 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 on 14th February 2019 with Momentum Trains, a Consortium comprising, Pacific Partnerships, CAF IP and DIF, subcontracting CAF for Rolling Stock, CPB for depot build and UGL for the 15+5+5+5+5 year maintenance. Trains are due to commence entering service in 2023.[9] The order will comprise 117 bi-mode Civity carriages which will make up 10 long (6-car) trainsets for use on long-distance services linking Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, plus 9 short (3-car) Regional trainsets for NSW and 10 short (3-car) Intercity sets for the Southern Highlands - a total of 29 trains.[10] All will be maintained at a new facility to be built in Dubbo.[11][12]

References
  1. $1 billion overhaul to cut train travel times for XPT The Border Mail 16 March 2015
  2. Coalition promises new trains will replace XPT The Daily Examiner 17 March 2015
  3. New country train program accelerated Transport for New South Wales 28 October 2016
  4. New South Wales brings forward XPT replacement International Railway Journal 28 October 2016
  5. NSW fleet replacement accelerated Railway Gazette International 31 October 2016
  6. NSW regional train fleet to be replaced Railway Gazette International 15 August 2017
  7. "Another Milestone for Regional Rail Project". www.transport.nsw.gov.au. Transport for NSW. 30 November 2017. Retrieved 1 December 2017.
  8. "Regional Rail Project Overview" (PDF). www.transport.nsw.gov.au. Retrieved 17 January 2019.
  9. "CAF to replace New South Wales regional train fleet". Railway Gazette International. 14 February 2019. Archived from the original on 18 February 2019.
  10. "Regional Rail". Transport for NSW. Archived from the original on 26 January 2021. Retrieved 26 January 2021.
  11. NSW Region train fleet on track Transport for New South Wales 14 August 2017
  12. NSW seeks private finance for regional fleet International Railway Journal 15 August 2017
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