Train manufacturing jobs coming back to the Hunter

ALMOST 40 years since the Tangara trains were built in Newcastle, the work to extend their life is coming back to the Hunter, with the establishment of two new production lines at the rail facility in Cardiff.

This NSW Government investment will create around 100 new jobs and 20 apprenticeships in the Hunter region.

The $447 million Tangara Life Extension program will extend the life of 55 eight-carriage trains by over a decade by replacing internal cladding, the computer operating system, installing more accessible emergency help points, emergency door release, passenger visual displays, upgrades to the passenger address system, and CCTV.

The two new production lines in the Hunter, in addition to the existing three lines at Auburn and Flemington, will increase the pace of train upgrades from 12 per year to 20.

The Tangaras are some of the oldest rolling stocks and refurbished carriages will help to reduce maintenance faults.

To date, four Tangara trains are undergoing upgrades with the first train now in the network undergoing dynamic testing activities before it re-enters service on the network.

Minister for Transport John Graham said, “I lived in Newcastle when it was a proud train building city.

“We’re now bringing train manufacturing jobs back to the Hunter, the home of the original Tangara fleet.

“This investment accelerates the life extension of our Tangara fleet while creating real jobs and skills development in the Hunter region.”

Sydney Trains Chief Executive Matt Longland said, “The Tangara Life Extension Program is the most comprehensive refurbishment of its kind ever undertaken by Sydney Trains.

“Our teams in Sydney and soon, in the Hunter, are carrying out critical system upgrades, modernising on‑board technologies and improving safety and accessibility features to bring these trains in line with contemporary standards.”