The NSW Government is undertaking upgrades to the XPT rail fleet which services Grafton and other regional centres across the state.
The XPT fleet has been in operation for over 40 years and work is underway to ensure it “continues to provide passengers with a safe and comfortable service” until the next generation Regional Rail Fleet is ready.
The Minns Labour Government has committed $40.3 million over five years to the XPT Life Extension Project.
The upgrades of the XPT fleet will be carried out locally in NSW by Sydney Trains and include extensive mechanical work to improve service reliability, new carpeting and refurbished seats, maintenance to improve operation of the air conditioning and toilets and a repaint and refurbishment of the power cars.
To allow for these upgrades, NSW TrainLink will operate two out of the six daily rail services between Grafton and Sydney with “premium” coaches for approximately 12 months from mid-March 2025.
The remaining four daily rail services will continue to operate with XPT trains.
NSW TrainLink said it is going through a public tender process to secure a coach provider to provide wheelchair accessible vehicles for this service.
This will provide travellers from Grafton the opportunity to choose between coach services or rail options, depending on their time of travel.
Transport for NSW will update the public with details about the timetable before the two new coach services start.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said: “The Minns Labor Government is committed to building a better transport system for regional NSW including the network of NSW TrainLink trains and coaches.
“To ensure passengers can continue to travel safely, comfortably and reliably in the longer term, over $40 million in essential upgrades are getting underway on the ageing XPT fleet now.”
A new fleet was announced by the former Liberal Nationals Government more than a decade ago, but no new regional trains have yet been delivered.
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