Newcastle and Central Coast passengers were the first to enjoy Sydney Trains' new Mariyung train which rolled out of Newcastle Interchange today on its first ever passenger service.
The first Mariyung Train to carry passengers began its journey from Newcastle Interchange to Sydney Terminal at 8:21am, stopping at 20 stations, including Hamilton, Broadmeadow, Cardiff, Fassifern, Morisset, Wyee, Warnervale, Wyong, Tuggerah, Gosford, Point Clare, Tascott, Koolewong, Woy Woy, Berowra, Hornsby, Epping, Strathfield, before arriving at Sydney Terminal.
The first new intercity trains in almost two decades will provide the millions of train passengers who travel on the Newcastle and the Central Coast line each year with an unmatched level of comfort.
Passengers will enjoy a much quieter journey with modern air-conditioning, dedicated luggage spaces, and easier to read information screens as well as enhanced safety, improved accessibility and more spacious and comfortable seating.
Closed-circuit television systems throughout the new trains will enhance the safety and security of passengers and staff and help deter anti-social and criminal activity.
The older trains have been a hotspot for trespassers, graffiti vandals and other antisocial behaviors but the Mariyung will house the latest in-train surveillance.
Last year, more than 12.7 million trips were taken along the Central Coast and Newcastle Line, and it's hoped the much-anticipated new fleet will boost patronage.
The new state-of-the-art 610-carriage fleet offers two-by-two seating for extra room with tray tables, arm rests, high seat backs and charging ports for mobile devices.
The Mariyung also offers the highest level of accessibility across the Sydney Trains fleet, with designated spaces for wheelchairs, bikes, prams and accessible toilets.
The locally modified Mariyung trains will progressively enter service on the Central Coast and Newcastle line over the coming months before it is rolled out on the Blue Mountains Line, and the South Coast Line.
They will also will progressively replace older fleets including the V-sets, that were first introduced to NSW in the 1970s and the Oscar trains that debuted in 2006.
The express service will stop at 20 stations between Newcastle and Central Station initially, with an all-stations service available next year, as more trains progressively enter service.
Named after the Darug word for Emu, the Mariyung can operate in 4-car, 6-car, 8-car or 10-car configurations, and seat more than 820 passengers in a 10-carriage train.
Modifications to the Mariyung fleet have been undertaken locally after an agreement with the Rail Tram and Bus Union in August 2023.
Modifications include relocation of CCTV viewing screens and passenger door controls, changes to the digital radio system, adjustments to fire detection management and fire-resistant materials, and emergency door release functions.
Modifications have also been made within the rail corridor to support the changes made to the Mariyung fleet operating model, including station platform extensions, relocation of train stopping markers, signaling equipment and overhead wiring structures.
Minister for Transport, Jo Haylen said:
"It should have never taken this long but the wait is finally over. Passengers on the Newcastle and the Central Coast line can finally enjoy the Mariyung trains.
"I'm so glad to be able to join passengers and our staff to welcome the first Mariyung service to Sydney. These trains will deliver for the communities on the Hunter and Central Coast Line for decades now that we have finally been able to get them on the tracks.
"These state-of-the-art trains will make travel between Sydney and our regional cities safer and more comfortable. Passengers on the Hunter and Central Coast Line will be the first to get them, but they will be coming to the Blue Mountains and the Illawarra and South Coast too."
"These trains were supposed to be on the tracks 5 years ago. It's been a priority of mine to ensure that we got them out of sheds and on the tracks by the end of this year. I'm incredibly proud that our Government has been able to deliver that."
Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison said:
"These new trains will provide a new level of comfort and convenience to Hunter locals and I'm pleased passengers on the Newcastle Central Coast Line, who had been travelling on the oldest trains around, will now benefit from better services.
"As the roll out of more new trains continues in the new year, I know Blue Mountains, Illawarra and South Coast passengers are looking forward to enjoying the benefits next."
Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley said:
"This train isn't just about getting from A to B - it's about strengthening community ties, creating opportunities, and supporting the Hunter's growth."
"Reliable, safe, and accessible transport is the backbone of a thriving community, and this new service is a commitment to keeping the Hunter region moving forward."
"When communities are connected, they prosper - and this train is a big win for the Hunter, its residents, and its future."
Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said:
"It's fantastic that after four years the new Mariyung trains have hit the tracks to serve the Central Coast Community.
"The beloved V Sets, some that have been in service since 1977, are being retired and replaced by modern intercity trains. The V Sets have served our community well, but unfortunately, they are well past their economic use by date"
Parliamentary Secretary for Disability Inclusion, Liesl Tesch said:
"As a train buff, this is an extremely exciting day! These brand new trains are comfortable and more accessible than the trains they replace. There's dedicated space for wheelchairs, big accessible toilets and clear audio and visual announcements about upcoming stations. An added bonus is I'll even be able to charge my phone on the way to Sydney!"
Member for Charlestown, Jodie Harrison said:
"I've seen these trains out on the line testing, and it's exciting to see them finally carrying passengers! I can't wait to see everyone jump on board and take these trains for a test ride.
"In addition, design work is also underway to upgrade Kotara Station and make it fully accessible, which will make access to these trains even easier for everyone in the future."
Member for the Entrance, David Mehan said:
"We've seen a fantastic upgrade at Tuggerah Station, and now our trains are getting a brilliant upgrade too. I'm so pleased the New Intercity Fleet is finally out of storage and on the tracks."
Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery said:
"I am glad to see that Wallsend residents will be getting to and from Sydney in style aboard the new train. The older models have served us well, but it's time for a refresh."
"It's good to see that these new trains will be more accessible than previous models, helping Wallsend locals living with disability to travel more easily."
Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp said:
"It's great to see that these trains are now on the tracks after years of delay. The upgraded fleets will make travelling a much more pleasant experience for Novocastrians.
"The modifications will enable a much safer and more accessible journey for everyone."
Member for Lake Macquarie, Greg Piper said:
"The new trains on the Newcastle Central Coast line will make commuting safer and help growing regional cities, including Lake Macquarie, to thrive."
Chief Executive of Sydney Trains Matt Longland said:
"Today is an exciting chapter for our staff and customers and especially those passengers travelling to and from Sydney on the Central Coast and Newcastle Line.
"The Mariyung trains are quieter and roomier and will provide our passengers with a much improved and more comfortable travelling experience for decades to come."
"This project has been incredibly complex, but we are pleased we have been able to work with the unions to locally modify these trains and get them into service."
