After more than four decades of service, the last of Queensland Rail’s Electric Multiple Units (EMUs) made its final journey last month.
Introduced in 1979, the EMUs were the first electric fleet on the network, ushering in a new era of travel for Queenslanders.
Known for their distinctive retro design and unique character, the trains have built up quite a fanbase over the years – and have even appeared in television shows like Netflix’s Boy Swallows Universe.
Sadly, the ageing EMUs are no longer compliant with modern safety and accessibility standards.
“Any equipment does age,” said Queensland Rail Executive General Manager of Operations Rob Hill. “You deal with a number of things such as obsolescence and parts management.
“They become increasingly complex to try and manage and maintain, and quite costly to overhaul. Even when you do that, they don’t quite comply with modern accessibility standards either.”
The beloved EMUs have been progressively retired from service since 2018. The last one standing, EMU59, had its swansong on Saturday July 5, 2025.
The “End of the Line” tour departed from Roma Street station in Brisbane and ran on the Caboolture, Ipswich, Ferny Grove and Shorncliffe lines, stopping all stations to give the public a final chance to ride the rails aboard the icon.
A spokesperson for Queensland Rail said the day was a great success, with more than 1000 people turning out to say goodbye.
“The atmosphere all over the network was simply incredible,” they said. “So many customers were sharing stories, taking photos and getting into the spirit to send EMU59 off in style.”
The EMUs were built at Walkers Maryborough, with a total of 88 units delivered between 1979 and 1987.
On September 4, 1979, the state’s first electric train EMU01 made its debut on the newly electrified section of track between Roma Street and Corinda stations for testing, with first timetabled services starting on November 19 that year.
Each EMU train has travelled almost 12 million kilometres across the South East Queensland network since their introduction, with the fleet transporting customers during the Brisbane 1982 Commonwealth Games, World Expo 1988 and the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Hill recognised the significant service EMUs have provided to Queensland Rail customers over the decades.
“The EMUs have serviced our networks and provided a vital connection for our communities over the past 46 years,” he said. “These trains were a symbol of progress in their time as our great state was emerging and developing its own identity, and they will always be remembered for the role they played in shaping rail in Queensland.
“Rail in Queensland keeps rolling on and with every decade we see that revolution continue with upgraded stations, Cross River Rail, new tracks to the Sunshine Coast and brand-new trains to come online soon, but it’s important we recognise and celebrate our heritage.”
Train driver David Kelly said the very first train he ever drove was an EMU – number 11.
“I was so excited at the time that when we got back into the yard, I had my tutor take a photo of me standing in front of it,” he laughed.
“They’re just a special train, it’s as simple as that. They’ve got personality. Every one of the EMUs is a little bit different to the other.
“When you first start driving them, you’ve got to take a station or two to learn the personality of the EMU you’re driving, to get the best out of it.”
Kelly said the EMUs are a piece of Queensland history.
“There are so many people in Brisbane today who grew up catching these trains to school. They’re passionate about that.
“They’re memories of where we come from, and they speak to where Brisbane’s come from. It’s sad to see them go.”
Two EMUs (EMU01 and EMU04) are currently in storage at the Ipswich Workshops, while another one was gifted to the Queensland Fire Department for its training facility at the Port of Brisbane.
Queensland Rail said it is looking at options for the other EMUs, for future commemorative and community purposes, while the remainder will be disposed of in line with legislative requirements.
The rail network will continue to be serviced by the New Generation Rollingstock and Queensland Rail’s Interurban Multiple Units and Suburban Multiple Units. The Queensland Train Manufacturing Program is set to deliver 65 new six-car passenger trains, built at a manufacturing facility in Torbanlea. Recruitment has already begun for the program, which will ramp up manufacturing in 2026, with the fleet expected to be delivered in time for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
