The first two trains of the state's new regional rail fleet have been inspected by the Minister for Regional Transport and Roads at the recently completed purpose-built rail maintenance centre in Dubbo.
These new trains, that will eventually replace the XPT, Endeavour and Xplorer fleets, are bi-mode diesel-electric hybrids, allowing them to run on overhead power when operating on electrified sections of the network.
The trains will provide new safety features, accessibility, facilities, and reliability for passengers who travel from many NSW regional centres to Sydney, as well as Canberra, Melbourne and Brisbane.
While in Dubbo, Minister Aitchison also announced that the current XPT train service between Dubbo and Sydney will be the focus of a roll-on bikes trial.
From next Monday 2 September, a small number of passengers will have the option of bringing bicycles onto the train when they board a select XPT service at Dubbo or Central, without having to put them in a bike box.
NSW TrainLink's limited proof of concept trial is designed to provide insights into the operational feasibility of transporting bikes onboard long-distance regional trains.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:
"It was great to inspect the new trains in Dubbo today, with two of the 29 new trains now in Australia.
"The bi-mode technology of the new regional rail fleet will significantly reduce carbon emissions and diesel particulates, compared to the current regional fleet.
"I am also looking forward to seeing the results of the Dubbo XPT trial of roll-on bikes, which will inform the feasibility of such an option for our regional transport network.
"I am a passionate advocate for ensuring regional rail passengers can more easily get their bikes onto trains and I want to thank NSW TrainLink, our front-line rail workers, the RTBU and bicycle advocate groups for their cooperation and consultation in the lead up to and during the trial."
