Transport for New South Wales signed with Momentum Trains consortium a AUD 2.8 billion (USD 2 billion) contract for design, build, finance and maintain NSW Trains regional fleet. Momentum Trains is an international consortium comprising CAF, UGL Rail Services, Pacific Partnerships, CAF Investment Projects and DIF Infrastructure V Coöperatief.
The new regional fleet will comprise 117 new carriages to form 10 regional intercity trains, 9 short regional trains and 10 long regional trains that will be operated by NSW TrainLink.
Momentum Trains will start work on detailed designs for the Dubbo maintenance facility and the new fleet in 2019. The first new trains are expected to be running by 2023, with the full fleet coming into service progressively.
Under the contract a new purpose-built maintenance facility in Dubbo will be constructed, where the final fit out and commissioning of the trains will take place.
The project includes capital costs of AUD 1.26 billion (USD 896 million) for the diesel-electric train fleet, the new maintenance facility in Dubbo, network enabling works and other project delivery costs. The contract also includes maintenance services for the first 15 years.
Pacific Partnerships is providing leadership and equity financing for the contract term. CPB Contractors will design, construct and commission the maintenance facility at Dubbo, whilst UGL will maintain both the fleet of 117 rail cars and the maintenance facility. CAF will manufacture the rail cars, as well as CAF Investment Projects and independent fund manager DIF, both of whom are also providing equity financing alongside Pacific Partnerships.
Some of the new features will include more comfortable, reversible seating, window blinds, charging points for electronic devices and overhead luggage storage similar to what is available on airlines.
“For trips on the regional network, we’ll be introducing new economy and premium classes. Economy class will have a two by two seating layout while premium class will feature an increased number of seats, set in a two by one layout. Trains for longer regional journeys will also feature buffet cars and will be more comfortable for those who require wheelchair access,” Minister for Transport, Andrew Constance, said.
The new trains will replace the existing XPT, Xplorer and Endeavour trains, some of which are close to 36 years old and nearing the end of their lifespan.
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