The first trains are testing a crucial expansion of the Mayne Yard train depot, which will significantly improve stabling capacity ahead of Cross River Rail's opening and marks the next step in Queensland's rail revolution.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey, who rode one of the first trains into the new Mayne Yard North expansion today, said Queensland Rail was testing the new facility delivered through the Cross River Rail project ahead of its use.
"This is a really significant milestone for Queensland's rail revolution," Mr Bailey said.
"Mayne Yard North is the first step in preparation for the pipeline of rail investment we'll see over coming years.
"The new stabling facility will allow up to 17 six-car trains to be stabled on site, boosting stabling capacity at the inner-city depot.
"While it forms part of the wider enabling works underway at Mayne Yard and Clapham Yard in preparation for Cross River Rail, it will also support a raft of future investments, including the Beerburrum to Nambour and Kuraby to Beenleigh upgrades.
"This stabling yard will eventually house some of the 65 new trains being built in Maryborough in time for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games."
Mr Bailey said as well as the new train stabling facilities, the completed expansion included a train crew building and a graffiti removal facility.
"We're not just building Cross River Rail, we're building a new network," he said.
"The new facility will help ensure our rail network has the capacity to stable, clean and maintain the trains that our growing region will need into the future.
"You would be hard-pressed to find a more modern stabling yard anywhere in the country – the crew building is purpose-built with comfort in mind and the different components used to service the trains have been built to meet the very latest standards."
Mr Bailey said while almost 600 workers were involved in constructing Mayne Yard North, focus would now shift to further enabling works on the wider depot, including reconfiguration of Mayne Yard East to support Cross River Rail construction.
Queensland Rail CEO Kat Stapleton said the new facility was essential to accommodate the growth of the rail network in South East Queensland.
"The new Mayne Yard North stabling yard will play a vital role in our operations in the future as we plan to run more trains, more often," Ms Stapleton said.
"It's one of the first steps towards growing our network for the benefit of all Queenslanders.
"The room for an additional 17 six-car trains increases Mayne Yard's stabling capacity to 66 six-car trains in time for completion of the Cross River Rail project."
Mayne Yard North is expected to become fully operational in early 2023.
