The NSW Government will fast-track the delivery of another 17 new air-conditioned Waratah Series 2 trains in response to growing demand across the Sydney Trains network.
This is in addition to 24 new trains currently in delivery, bringing the total of new Waratah Series 2 trains to 41.
Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance said the investment in the new trains is only possible because of the strong economic management of the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government.
“We are investing record amounts into the existing rail network and delivering a world class turn-up-and-go service in Sydney Metro at the same time,” Mr Constance said.
“Already 12 of the new Waratah Series 2 trains have been introduced to the suburban network, and the rest are being progressively rolled out over the next few months.
“By bolstering our order by another 17 trains, we will make the network more reliable and more comfortable for customers.”
The newest trains will start rolling onto the tracks from 2020.
“This investment in new trains is needed because we have seen rapid growth across the rail system,” Mr Constance said.
“There has been a 30 per cent increase in patronage over the last five years, with the number of trips a year increasing from 300 million to more than 413 million last year.”
The new trains feature:
- Double deck carriages;
- Air-conditioning with temperature control;
- High definition customer information screens;
- Internal and external CCTV and customer help points;
- Priority seating, wheelchair spaces and hearing aid loops.
The NSW Government has already employed 450 additional train drivers since 2016 helping to deliver about 1500 extra train services each week.