It’s the end of an era today as the last V-set train has been retired from the tracks.
After five-and-a-half decades in service, the last V-set pulled into Sydney for the final time this morning.
The iconic fleet of workhorse trains have travelled the equivalent distance of 298 times to the moon since they first hit the tracks in 1970, serving millions of Sydney Trains passengers.
The fleet was well-known for its stainless-steel panelled exterior and was freshly painted in its classic ‘Blue Goose’ livery of royal blue and grey for its final run – leaving Lithgow at 5.47am and arriving at Sydney’s Central Station at 8.32am today.
At least four carriages of the V-set used for the final service will be kept for heritage purposes, while the future of the remaining 81 retired V-set carriages is still being determined.
Sydney Trains recently held an Expressions of Interest process which allowed the public – including heritage groups and private collectors – to apply to acquire the retired carriages. Applications are currently being assessed.
The retirement of the last of the V-set fleet marks the full introduction of the modern intercity Mariyung fleet on the Blue Mountains Line.
The new trains come with accessible toilets, designated spaces for wheelchairs, bikes and prams, extra leg room, high seat backs, tray tables for laptops and charging ports for mobile devices.
However some train enthusiasts are mourning the end of the V-set trains, which many admired for their comfortable seats and robust design.
When the V-sets first entered service, between Sydney and Gosford and later to Newcastle and the Blue Mountains, their double-deck design marked a new era in high-capacity rail travel and were lauded as a smooth ride on the longer intercity routes.
Mariyung trains began replacing V-sets on the Central Coast & Newcastle Line in December 2024 and were then introduced on the Blue Mountains Line from October 2025.
The fleet is targeted to be launched on the South Coast Line by the first half of 2026.
The Mariyungs are part of a $458 million investment in rail reliability from the New South Wales government.
New South Wales Minister for Transport John Graham said: “These are the trains that for over two generations have carried visiting tourists, weary commuters and train lovers alike.
“We all know these trains, whether that’s by their distinctive stainless-steel exterior with the ‘blue goose’ livery or the ‘bush plum’ coloured seats inside, often referred to as ‘eggplant’.
“Happily, this farewell marks the full introduction of the intercity Mariyungs on the Blue Mountains Line bringing a major step up in comfort and accessibility.”
