The last of Queensland Rail’s iconic Electric Multiple Units (EMUs) is retiring this week after more than four decades of service.
EMUS were introduced in 1979 as the first electric train fleet on the network, ushering in a new era of travel.
The trains, which stand out for their retro design and unique character, have been progressively retired from service over the past seven years.
The last train left, EMU59, will have its swan song this Saturday July 5 – when the public can catch a final ride on its special “End of the Line Tour”.
The tour will depart from Roma Street station and run on the Caboolture, Ipswich, Ferny Grove and Shorncliff lines, stopping all stations.
The rail network will continue to be serviced by the New Generation Rollingstock, Queensland Rail’s Interurban Multiple Units and Suburban Multiple Units, with the addition of the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program fleet set for future delivery.
The EMU fleet was manufactured in Queensland, at Walkers Maryborough, with a total of 88 units delivered between 1979 and 1987.
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, the World Expo ’88 and the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Retired trains EMU01 and EMU04 are being stored at Ipswich Workshops, while EMU21 was gifted to the Queensland Fire Department for their training facility at the Port of Brisbane.
Queensland Rail Executive General Manager of Operations Rob Hill said the EMUs have provided a significant service to Queensland Rail customers over past 46 years.
“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,” he said.
“Many members of the public came out to celebrate EMU01’s retirement in 2019 so we are looking forward to recreating some of that excitement again on Saturday and ensuring the final unit, EMU59, gets the send-off it deserves.”
Hill said that with each new decade, Queensland Rail evolves.
“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.
“We already have some units set aside at the Ipswich Workshops for possible commemorative offerings in the future, so the community can retain that heritage.”
