NSW TrainLink Regional Train Project


The NSW TrainLink Regional Train Project is an initiative of Transport for NSW to procure new trains to replace NSW TrainLink's Endeavour, Xplorer and XPT fleets.

History

In the lead up to the 2015 state election, the Baird Government committed itself to replacing the XPT fleet if re-elected. Having been returned to office, in October 2016 the government announced it was also considering replacing the Xplorer and Endeavour diesel multiple unit fleets.
In August 2017, the government announced it had decided to proceed with the replacement of all three fleets. In November 2017, three consortia, led by Bombardier, CAF and Downer, were shortlisted for the contract to build the trains. In May 2018, the Bombardier Consortium withdrew from the process.
A contract was signed in February 2019 with CAF, with the trains due to commence entering service in 2023. The order will comprise 117 bi-mode carriages which will make up 10 diesel-electric trainsets for use on long-distance services linking Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, plus 9 short and 10 long multiple-units for regional routes, a total of 29 trains. All will be maintained at a new facility to be built in Dubbo.