AFTER a 12-month disruption, normal XPT services are due to return to Gloucester in April 2026.
However, a date has still not been announced for the introduction of the new regional fleet to replace the ageing XPT fleet.
NOTA reported in March 2025 that XPT train services to and from Gloucester would be significantly disrupted for at least 12 months from mid-March that year, with buses replacing trains on two services.
The services where buses replaced trains were Route 36 from Grafton to Sydney and Route 35 Sydney to Grafton.
Before the change, Route 36 heading to Sydney normally departed Gloucester at 10.56am, and Route 35 heading north normally arrived into Gloucester at 4.22pm.
The reason given for the disruption by Jenny Aitchison, Minister for Regional Transport, was to facilitate essential upgrades to the XPT fleet.
The Chief Executive of NSW TrainLink Roger Weeks has now informed NOTA that NSW TrainLink is planning a late April return of trains on the two daily Grafton services, which will include stops at Gloucester.
“Until then, coaches will continue to replace the 5.15am Grafton to Sydney and the 11.44am Sydney to Grafton services to allow for work on the trains under the XPT fleet refurbishment program,” said Mr Weeks.
“Gloucester continues to be serviced by the two other North Coast XPT services – to and from Brisbane and Casino with four daily services arriving/departing at Gloucester.
“A timeline for the new regional rail fleet’s entry into service on the North Coast line will be confirmed once the trains have progressed through testing and the relevant verifications on the NSW and Australian rail networks.”
By John WATTS
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