Transport for NSW has awarded the RailConnect consortium a $2.3 billion contract to supply the state’s next generation of intercity trains.
The consortium, which includes Hyundai Rotem Company, Mitsubishi Electric Australia and UGL Rail, will initially supply and maintain 512 double-deck carriages for the state, with deliveries expected to take place between 2019 and 2022.
The order includes options which could take the number of carriages up to 648.
Artist impressions of the new trains have been released showing passengers in Newcastle, the Central Coast, South Coast and the Blue Mountains what they can expect. Features will include charging points at every seat and digital passenger information screens.
Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance said: “For customers travelling more lengthy trips, these trains will be more spacious, more comfortable and have features never before seen on our long-distance services.”
The new trains will be built by Hyundai Rotem in South Korea, prompting concerns from some officials about what impact the decision could have on domestic train building.
