The government of New South Wales (NSW) has begun the procurement process for 65 new intercity trains to operate long-distance services between the South Coast, Blue Mountains, Central Coast and Newcastle.
Rolling stock manufacturers have been asked to submit expressions of interest to supply and maintain a total of 520 new carriages worth $2.8 billion.
NSW hopes to roll the new trains out gradually between 2019 and 2024.
The next-generation fleet will allow NSW TrainLink to retire its V-set trains and transfer its Oscar trainsets to the Sydney Trains suburban and commuter network.
Transport Minister Gladys Berejiklian said: “We first met with prospective manufacturers in May at an industry briefing and it was clear there was a lot of enthusiasm among manufacturers from Australia and overseas to be involved in this significant project.”
She added: “I am pleased we’re now getting on with the job of bringing a new fleet on board for intercity customers, with the first trains on the tracks within the next four to five years.”
