THE Sydney to Grafton XPT train service is set to return from 28 April, after a year of coach replacements during fleet upgrades.
Sydney to Grafton train services – travelling through the Central Coast, Hunter and Mid North Coast – will resume from Tuesday, 28 April at 11.47am while return services from Grafton to Sydney kick off 29 April with the 5.15am service.
During the long-term absence, the train restoration work included mechanical work to improve service reliability, new carpeting and refurbished seats, and maintenance to improve operation of the air-conditioning and toilets.
The returning trains will also have a retro look.
As a nod to the popularity of the original livery, two power cars – called ‘The City of Sydney’ and ‘The City of Grafton’ – and six carriages will be painted in the distinctive black, red, silver and warm white branding used by the State Rail Authority in the 1980s when the XPTs were first introduced into service.
The first return service of the Grafton XPT will run as a full set in this livery.
Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said, “We made a clear commitment to the people of Grafton and communities along the line that coaches would only replace the Grafton train service for 12 months while we carried out these major upgrades.
“We have delivered on that promise.
“I want to thank the community for their patience over the past year.
“It has meant we have been able to fast track the $40.3 million, five-year program to refurbish our ageing XPTs – the workhorses of our current regional rail fleet.”
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