The very first two trains in the state’s new regional rail fleet have recently been delivered to the 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 also 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, State 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,” Ms Aitchison said. “The bi-mode technology of the new regional rail fleet will significantly reduce carbon emissions and diesel particulates, compared to the current regional fleet.” 

In more rail news, from Monday, September 2, 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.

“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,” Ms Aitchison said.

“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,” she concluded.