NSW TrainLink Intercity Train Project

New Intercity Trains

Renders of the exterior and lower deck
Manufacturer Hyundai Rotem
Entered service 2019-2022
Number under construction 512 carriages
Operator(s) NSW TrainLink
Depot(s) Kangy Angy Maintenance Centre
Line(s) served
Specifications
Electric system(s) 1,500 V DC catenary
Current collection method pantograph
Track gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in)

The NSW TrainLink Intercity Train Project is an initiative of Transport for New South Wales to procure 512 new carriages to replace NSW TrainLink's Intercity electric multiple unit fleet. The trains will operate on services from Sydney to Newcastle, Lithgow and Kiama. The trains are expected to enter service between 2019 and 2022.[1]

History

In May 2014, the Government of New South Wales announced its intention to purchase new carriages for the NSW TrainLink intercity network. The new trains will replace the V sets and allow at least some H sets to be transferred from Intercity to Sydney Trains services.[2][3]

In August 2014, expressions of interest from manufacturers were called for.[4][5] The following parties responded:[6][7]

In July 2015, the government announced that Alstom, Downer/Changchun, Stadler, and UGL/Mitsubishi Electric/CSR had been shortlisted to tender.[8] Following the merger of CSR and the parent company of Changchun Railway Vehicles, Hyundai Rotem replaced CSR as a partner in the UGL/Mitsubishi Electric consortium.[9] The consortia provided two variants of their designs - a longer train and shorter train.[9] The Hyundai Rotem/UGL/Mitsubishi Electric consortium was announced as the successful bidder in August 2016. The companies formed a joint venture called RailConnect to manage the project.[10] The trains will be built by Hyundai Rotem in South Korea.[1]

The contract covers the supply and maintenance of the 512 carriages and the fit out and operation of a maintenance facility at Kangy Angy.[8][11][12] The maintenance contract runs for fifteen years from the delivery of the first train with an option for a five-year extension.[1]

Design

The trains are double deck electric multiple units. They will include accessible toilets and dedicated space for luggage, prams, bicycles and wheelchairs. Fixed seats on the upper and lower decks will be in a two by two arrangement. The seating will include cup holders, tray tables and arm rests. Each seat will feature a charging station for mobile devices.[10] The trains could be operated without guards, with tender documents stating the trains must support one-man operation.[13]

The new trains are wider than the V sets they replace and require modifications to be made to parts of the Blue Mountains Line route to create sufficient clearance from adjacent structures.[12] H sets are not permitted to operate beyond Springwood due to the same issue.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "UGL as part of RailConnect NSW to deliver $2. 3 billion New Intercity Fleet" (PDF). UGL Limited. 18 August 2016.
  2. ↑ NSW Government to invest $2.8 billion in new intercity trains, making all trains air-conditioned Transport for New South Wales 8 May 2014
  3. ↑ Intercity Fleet Program Transport for New South Wales
  4. ↑ Expressions of interest called for new $2.8 billion intercity train fleet Transport for New South Wales 11 August 2014
  5. ↑ New $2.8 billion intercity train fleet for NSW Rail Express 13 August 2014
  6. ↑ Strong local and international interest in $2.8 billion intercity fleet project Transport for New South Wales 9 October 2014
  7. ↑ Firms line up for intercity train deal PSnews online 15 October 2014
  8. 1 2 "Transforming regional train travel: Shortlist announced for new intercity fleet". Transport for NSW. 9 July 2015. Retrieved 9 July 2015.
  9. 1 2 "Industry asked to tender for delivery of new intercity fleet". Transport for NSW. 4 September 2015.
  10. 1 2 "Comfort comes first with New Intercity Trains". Transport for NSW. 18 August 2016.
  11. ↑ "New Intercity Fleet Maintenance Facility - Notice to Residents and Businesses (September 2015)" (PDF). Transport for NSW. Transport for NSW. Retrieved 1 October 2015.
  12. 1 2 New intercity trains too wide for rail line to stations in Blue Mountains Sydney Morning Herald 7 October 2016
  13. ↑ O'Sullivan, Matt (26 September 2016). "Train guards in firing line from NSW's $2.3 billion intercity fleet renewal". The Sydney Morning Herald.
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