WORK to improve train services for millions of passengers is being boasted by the NSW Government launching a Train Repair Plan following the successful completion of the Rail Repair Plan that has resulted in fewer incidents and more reliable journeys.
Announced in June last year, the Rail Repair Plan means passengers are now spending 35% less time dealing with train delays related to infrastructure failures.
Sydney Trains engaged 2,500 workers to fix 2,116 defects, resurface 468km of track, replace 1,163 train stop rams and remove 193 temporary speed restrictions.
Building on this successful model, the Government is launching a $35M Train Repair Plan that will upgrade more than 2,000 cars, which make up 372 trains, in line with modern standards.
This 12-month plan is now underway and is the largest coordinated program of train maintenance ever undertaken in NSW.
In the past year, train faults have increased 28 per cent compared with the last financial year – resulting in 595 service cancellations and 2,445 delays.
Using existing Sydney Trains budget and engaging workers in-house, the program includes improving technology, communications and operating systems, and critical repairs to doors, brakes, windows, air conditioning and CCTV cameras.
The Train Repair Plan has key targets to:
• Remove 2,037 train defects.
• Upgrade all 11 models of trains.
• Clear 306 train maintenance backlog repairs.
• Clean and paint 1,622 train carriages.
• Accelerate 68 reliability projects, including toilet upgrades, air conditioning, engine replacements, technology system upgrades, brakes, doors and windows
• Complete life extension work for diesel fleets including the XPT, Endeavour and Xplorer.
The Train Repair Plan was a key recommendation from the Rail Infrastructure and Systems Review, which found fleet performance was well below targets for availability and reliability.
The program is distinct from the $447M Tangara life extension work announced in the 2024-25 Budget, which will ensure that this iconic fleet remains fit for service as the Government forges ahead with building the next generation of Tangaras.
The fleet maintenance work will be complimented by the introduction of the Mariyung fleet, which is on track to be delivered by the end of the year, enabling 50-year-old V Sets to progressively retire.
This is all part of a plan to build better, well-connected communities for NSW to ensure people have reliable access to the essential services they rely on.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said: “On a rail network the size and complexity of ours, carrying millions of people every day, it’s critical we continue to focus on essential upgrades to minimise headaches for commuters.
“Incidents on the rail network are inevitable, but keeping our fleet in top shape is our key priority to reduce delays and cancellations.
“The workers and apprentices on this project will be learning vital skills to not only maintain trains here in NSW, but to build our capacity to deliver the next generation of Tangaras.”
IMAGE: Rail Repair Plan in action.
