Vital XPT rail fleet refurbishment program ramps up

Published

The NSW Government is continuing work to build better regional communities by undertaking vital upgrades to the XPT rail fleet which services Grafton and other regional centres across the state.

The XPT fleet has reached an impressive 40-plus years in service and work is underway to ensure the fleet continues to provide passengers with a safe and comfortable service until the next generation Regional Rail Fleet is ready to be introduced into passenger service.

The NSW Government has committed $40.3 million over five years for the XPT Life Extension Project.

The upgrades of the XPT fleet, to be carried out locally in NSW by Sydney Trains, include:

  • extensive mechanical work to improve service reliability;
  • new carpeting and refurbished seats;
  • maintenance to improve operation of the air-conditioning and toilets; and
  • repaint and refurbishment of the power cars.

To allow for these essential upgrades of the XPT fleet, NSW TrainLink will operate two out of the six daily rail services between Grafton and Sydney with premium coaches for approximately 12 months from mid-March 2025. The remaining four daily rail services will continue to operate with XPT trains.

NSW TrainLink is going through a public tender process to secure a coach provider to provide premium wheelchair accessible vehicles for this service.

This will provide travellers from Grafton the opportunity to choose between premium quality coach services or rail options, depending on their time of travel.

The community will be updated before the two new coach services start with details about the timetable.

Ticket prices will be the same as the rail service and bookings will continue as usual through transportnsw.info/regional-bookings or by calling 13 22 32.

Read the full media release here (PDF, 116.14 KB)

For more information: Temporary service changes for some XPT trains between Sydney and Grafton

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