This year, New South Wales will launch the tender process for the acquisition of new trains as part of XPT fleet, the State’s regional rail fleet. The contract is estimated to be signed in 2019.
Minister for Regional New South Wales John Barilaro announced that the government would aim for up to 100 per cent local content in the assembly of the trains in NSW, and that maintenance of the fleet will be undertaken in regional NSW.
“This project presents a golden opportunity to stimulate local economies through the assembly and maintenance of these trains, creating sustainable employment opportunities including apprenticeships and traineeships,” Barilaro said.
The NSW Government has met with regional businesses to outline the plan to fast-track the upgrade. “The industry briefing means we are two years ahead of planning for a new rail fleet and are now looking at getting these new trains on track by the early 2020s. We’ll be consulting widely with industry to get their ideas and develop a plan to deliver the best possible solution for the people of NSW,” he added.
According to the Minister for Transport Andrew Constance, the NSW Government is spending USD 38.4 million over three years to fast-track the replacement of the ageing XPTs.
The XPT carries passengers between Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Dubbo, while travelling through a number of major regional centres including Bathurst, Orange, Taree, Coffs Harbour, Grafton, Goulburn and Albury.
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