XPT replacement trains unlikely to arrive in Gloucester anytime soon

THE wait for XPT replacement trains looks set to continue for the foreseeable future, with Transport for NSW Deputy Secretary Camilla Drover unable to put a date on when the new trains would come into service. 

“I’m not willing to commit to a hard and fast date,” she said at a recent Parliamentary budget estimates hearing.

According to the Transport for NSW website, “The NSW Government is replacing the ageing NSW regional rail fleet of XPT, XPLORER and Endeavour trains with 29 safe, comfortable and more accessible trains for customers travelling across NSW and between, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne and Brisbane.”

In February, Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said in a statement, “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.”

Since then, XPT services to the Mid North coast, including Gloucester, have been reduced while the ageing XPTs are refurbished.

The new trains were originally planned to be running by January 2023, but so far few of the 29 trains ordered have arrived.

News Of The Area sought comment from Transport for NSW as to whether the fact the refurbishment will take five years, also means the new trains will not come into service for at least five years, and whether Gloucester will continue to receive a limited service during that time. 

“The XPT Life Extension Project is to ensure the current fleet continues to provide passengers with a reliable and comfortable service until the next generation Regional Rail Fleet is ready to be introduced into passenger service,” a Transport for NSW spokesperson said.

“A timeline for the new Regional Rail Fleet’s entry into service will be confirmed once the trains have progressed through testing, assurance and the relevant verifications on the NSW and Australian rail networks.  

“There is a significant amount of work to be done before the new trains enter passenger service.

“For a 12-month period during the XPT Life Extension Project, premium coaches are replacing XPTs on the Grafton route. 

“Trains are scheduled to resume on the Grafton service next year.”

By John WATTS