Regional Rail

We are replacing the ageing regional rail fleet of XPT, XPLORER and Endeavour trains. A purpose-built maintenance centre, named Mindyarra, is being constructed in Dubbo to support the new fleet.

The total budget for the project is $2.8 billion. This includes a capital cost of $1.26 billion for the new fleet, the Mindyarra Maintenance Centre, some minor network enabling works and project costs, as well as costs associated with maintenance services for 15 years.

An Expression of Interest process was held in 2017 to shortlist tenderers,. Momentum Trains, Regional Futures and the Bombardier Consortium were then invited to participate in a Request for Proposal.
 

Bombardier Consortium withdrew from the process in 2018. Proposals were assessed against the following criteria: 

• customer-focused outcomes
• train solution
• maintenance centre and asset management solution
• jobs, skills and industry participation
• commercial solution; financial structure and capacity and
• price.

The NSW Government signed a contract with Momentum Trains in 2019.

Transport for NSW undertook industry engagement and market sounding to look for suitable applicants from Australia and overseas to participate in an Expression of Interest, seeking applicants who could deliver the best possible customer experience as well as value for money.
 

Both shortlisted applicants proposed overseas fleet manufacture, which ensured the best combination of value for money, proven contemporary train design and faster delivery of new trains into service.
 

Based on industry benchmarking, supplier experience and previous train order costs, manufacturing the Regional Rail fleet overseas saves around 25 percent, which will be invested in other infrastructure and services.
 

Train completion work, including some of the interior fit-out, train testing and commissioning, will take place at the new Mindyarra Maintenance Centre in Dubbo and on the regional rail network.

• Construcciones y Auxillar de Ferrocarriles (CAF) – based in Spain and Australia
• UGL Rail Services – based in Australia
• Pacific Partnerships – based in Sydney
• CAF Investment Projects – based in Spain
• DIF Infrastructure V Coöperatief – based in The Netherlands.

Momentum Trains will:

• finance the project
• design build and maintain the new fleet
• design, build, maintain and operate the Mindyarra Maintenance Centre in Dubbo.

The contract also covers upgrading, operating and maintaining the Sydenham Maintenance Centre to use as a metropolitan base for refuelling, provisioning, and corrective maintenance.

A copy of the contract can be found at:  
www.transport.nsw.gov.au/industry/contractsawarded.

The new Regional Rail fleet consists of 117 new carriages forming 29 trains:  

• 10 regional intercity trains of 3 carriages each will replace the current Endeavour fleet
• 9 short regional trains of 3 carriages each will replace the current XPLORER services 
• 10 long regional trains of 6 carriages each will replace the current XPT fleet.

Some features of the new Regional Rail fleet include:

• directional seating with seat pockets and tray tables
• charging points for mobile devices at each seat
   
• enclosed overhead luggage storage
• digital screens and announcements.

The new long and short regional trains will have two travel classes:

• economy-class with two-by-two reclinable seating
• premium-class with two-by-one reclinable seating
   

The new long and short regional trains will have an open-style buffet car, bay seating areas, and toilets with baby changing facilities in every carriage.
 

Design of features such as door buttons, help points, light switches and overhead luggage storage is still in progress. Functionality, reliability, accessibility, and hygiene factors are all taken into consideration during the design process.

The new Regional Rail fleet will use bi-mode diesel-electric hybrid technology, a first in Australia. Bi-mode will allow the fleet to run on overhead power when operating on the electrified train network to reduce carbon emissions. 

For more information on Bi-mode technology on the new fleet please visit Bi-mode fact sheet (PDF, 313.1 KB).

The new Regional Rail fleet is being designed and built to comply with the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport (DSAPT) legislation.
 

All trains in the new fleet will have:

• single deck carriages
• wider doors than the current fleet
• accessible help points
• accessible toilets with raised tactile and braille signs
• accessible spaces with foldable tray tables and handrail.  

Real-time, internal and external visual displays and audible announcements will help customers to keep track of their journey. Hearing augmentation in all passenger areas of the train will assist customers with hearing impairment. 
 

There is a gap between the train and the platform at some stations on the regional rail network, making it difficult for customers to board and alight the train. The new fleet will feature a retractable external step to bridge this gap  and improve access. A manual boarding ramp will also be deployed by staff to enable access for customers who can’t use the steps.
 

The colour schemes in the train are being designed to help those with vision impairment move around with ease.

The new trains will have improved internal and external lighting, including dimmable corridor lighting for a more comfortable journey. 
 

Light switches on the new fleet are located on the ceiling above the seats. An accessible location for light switches in accessible spaces is still being finalised.

The process for designing the new Regional Rail fleet includes engagement activities with customers, NSW TrainLink staff, human factors specialists, people with disabilities or specific needs, and Transport for NSW’s Accessible Transport Advisory Committee.

The program of engagement around train design was carried out by Momentum Trains. Feedback from these engagements is being taken into consideration to refine the fleet design and make sure we deliver the best possible train fleet for our customers.

The new Regional Rail fleet will be fully Wi-Fi-enabled. Wi-Fi service options for customers are currently in development.

The new fleet will have overhead luggage storage and storage space at the end of each carriage for larger bags, as well as a checked luggage system for long and short regional train trips.
 

Overhead enclosed storage is being designed to safely carry small luggage and provide extra security for customers’ personal belongings. We are finalising the design of the overhead luggage storage to fit a standard sized carry-on bag.
 

The luggage racks of the new trains are being designed to prevent items falling when the train is in service and maximise storage.

The new regional intercity trains will have dedicated bike spaces.

The new long and short regional trains have been designed for bicycles to be stored in line with current NSW TrainLink procedures, but these methods will be reviewed before the new regional fleet is introduced. As part of this review process, concept testing is being carried out regarding the feasibility and viability of taking and storing bikes on-board without boxing.

Transport for NSW is committed to the safety of our customers and staff. We will undertake vigorous testing and commissioning of the new fleet before it enters customer service. 
 

Analysis and testing is being carried out according to Australian and international standards, with the consideration of local track conditions, and is subject to an independent review process. 
 

Transport for NSW has a set of rolling stock reference standards, including Australian and International Standards, which Momentum Trains must comply with for the design, testing and delivery of the new Regional Rail fleet.

There are a set of TfNSW reference standards for rolling stock design, including Australian and International Standards, which Momentum Trains must comply with for design, testing and delivery of the new Regional Rail fleet.

The Regional Rail Project team is working closely with Momentum Trains, to monitor train production in Spain. We are reviewing and assessing all aspects of the fleet design, which is supported by an independent third-party review, and will carry out additional reviews at key stages of production.
 

Independent physical inspections are being carried out simultaneously with fleet manufacturing in Spain. These will continue during the production of all Regional Rail trains.
 

Testing of the new fleet will be carried out in Spain and in NSW. 

Government-owned operator NSW TrainLink will continue to operate the Regional Rail fleet.

The new fleet will be capable of speeds of up to 160km/h. Actual speeds depend on other factors, including infrastructure, network speeds and other services using the rail corridor.
 

While some time savings may be possible through timetable changes, increasing train speed would require significant upgrades to train tracks, stations, and platforms. These upgrades are not part of the Regional Rail Project.

The Regional Rail Project is committed to delivering sustainable regional jobs, with a diverse workforce. This includes Aboriginal participation, women in non-traditional trades and people under 25 years old.

The project will provide opportunities for long term employment and skills development within the Central West. The development of transferable skills from one project phase to another, and onto other projects in the region, will support long term prospects for people living in regional NSW.

For more information about Jobs, Skills and Industry Participation, visit https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/jobs-skills-and-industry-participation