Transport for NSW has shortlisted three bidders to deliver a new fleet of trains to the state’s regional railways.
Consortium leaders announced on the shortlist on November 30 are Downer, Bombardier, and CAF.
The Regional Rail contract is to deliver trains to replace the 60 XPTs and over 50 XPLORER and Endeavour trains currently operating between Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Brisbane and major regional centres.
It also includes construction of a maintenance facility, with the NSW Government saying earlier this year it would like such a facility to be built at Dubbo.
“We are looking for high-quality, innovative and value for money proposals from the three applicants,” NSW transport and infrastructure minister Andrew Constance said.
“They will be asked to provide details of how they will deliver trains that provide improved comfort, safety and reliability for regional customers.
“This program gives us the opportunity to incorporate modern benefits for those travelling long distances as we replace trains which are up to 35 years old.”
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said a maintenance facility at Dubbo to service the trains would be a huge win for the local economy.
“I am glad to see this project progressing well, and it means we are getting closer to rural and regional NSW getting a much-deserved improvement to transport,” Barilaro said.
“This project has the capacity to bring long term, sustainable jobs – including traineeships and apprenticeships to the Orana region. We want to make sure that services that deliver for country areas are supported by local jobs.”
Transport for NSW aims to award a contract for the new fleet in 2019, with the first trains anticipated to be on the tracks in the early 2020s.
The trains will be operated by NSW TrainLink, the NSW Government’s regional rail and coach service operator.
Perhaps NSW Transport could randomly send a few thousand people, who’ve travelled on the units to be replaced, a list of questions asking for feedback on what passengers think, would likely improve the new units.