Transport for New South Wales awarded the RailConnect joint venture a contract extension to deliver and maintain 56 additional double-deck intercity railcars to increase the size of the Mariyung train fleet, previously known as the New Intercity Fleet.
AUD 100 million (USD 72.68 million) is the value of the new ordered double-deck intercity railcars which will bring Mariyung fleet to 610 passenger cars, from 554 cars forming 55 trains. The ten-car trains will replace the ageing V-Sets.
The RailConnect JV, which comprises Hyundai Rotem, Mitsubishi Electric Australia, and CIMIC Group company UGL, will also install an additional transformer at the Kangy Angy maintenance facility on the NSW Central Coast.
RailConnect has been delivering the Mariyung train fleet progressively since 2020. The joint venture commenced maintenance and asset management services to the fleet on delivery of the first
train in December 2020 and will continue to provide maintenance and asset management services for a period of 15 years.
The wider railcars feature more spacious two-by-two seating for extra room and comfort with arm rests, tray tables, and high seat backs, charging ports for mobile devices, and dedicated spaces for luggage, prams and bicycles and improved accessibility including dedicated space for wheelchairs and accessible toilets.
The double deck trains will offer long distance customers a more enjoyable travelling experience, with improved passenger information through digital information screens and announcements, CCTV and help points, and modern heating, ventilation and air conditioning.
In July 2021, NSW Trainlink received accreditation from the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator to operate the Mariyung into customer service. Achieving accreditation means the operating model and systems for the Mariyung fleet have been assessed as safe.
Following the first test run to Katoomba Station on the Blue Mountains Line in 2020, the first Mariyung train travelled from Sydney to Lithgow, marking the first time a new electric train has travelled to the station since the last of the V-Sets was introduced 30 years ago.
The new train fleet will provide a new level of comfort and convenience for the thousands of customers who travel between Sydney and the Central Coast and Newcastle, the Blue Mountains, and the South Coast.
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