NSW TrainLink Intercity Train Project

Last updated

New Intercity Trains
Artist Sketch Sydney New Intercity Fleet Carriage.jpg
Artist's impression of the New Intercity Fleet
Manufacturer Hyundai Rotem
Entered service2019-2022
Number under construction512 carriages
Operator(s) NSW TrainLink
Depot(s) Kangy Angy Maintenance Centre
Line(s) served
Specifications
Electric system(s) 1,500 V DC catenary
Current collection method pantograph
Track gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 12 in)

The NSW TrainLink Intercity Train Project is an initiative of Transport for New South Wales to procure 512 new carriages to replace NSW TrainLink's Intercity electric multiple unit fleet, succeeding the entire V set fleet and allowing for the H sets to be reallocated to Sydney suburban services. The trains will operate on services from Sydney to Newcastle, Lithgow and Kiama. The trains are expected to enter service between 2019 and 2022. [1]

NSW TrainLink is an Australian brand for the medium and long distance passenger rail and coach services in New South Wales. It operates services throughout New South Wales and into the neighbouring states and territories of Victoria, Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory. Train services are operated by the government's NSW Trains. Coach services are contracted to private operators. It is an agency of Transport for NSW.

Electric multiple unit A multiple unit train consisting of self-propelled carriages, using electricity as the motive power

An electric multiple unit or EMU is a multiple-unit train consisting of self-propelled carriages, using electricity as the motive power. An EMU requires no separate locomotive, as electric traction motors are incorporated within one or a number of the carriages. An EMU is usually formed of two or more semi-permanently coupled carriages, but electrically powered single-unit railcars are also generally classed as EMUs. The great majority of EMUs are passenger trains, but versions also exist for carrying parcels and mail.

NSW TrainLink V set class of electric multiple unit operating in New South Wales, Australia

The V sets are a class of Australian electric multiple unit operated by NSW TrainLink in New South Wales. These stainless steel double deck trains operate on Interurban services on the Main Western line to Lithgow and Main Northern line to Newcastle.

Contents

History

In May 2014, the Government of New South Wales announced its intention to purchase new carriages for the NSW TrainLink intercity network. The new trains will replace the V sets and allow at least some H sets to be transferred from Intercity to Sydney Trains services. [2] [3]

Government of New South Wales state government of New South Wales, Australia

The Government of New South Wales, also referred to as the New South Wales Government or NSW Government, is the Australian state democratic administrative authority of New South Wales. It is currently held by a coalition of the Liberal Party and the National Party. The Government of New South Wales, a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, was formed in 1856 as prescribed in its Constitution, as amended from time to time. Since the Federation of Australia in 1901, New South Wales has been a state of the Commonwealth of Australia, and the Constitution of Australia regulates its relationship with the Commonwealth. Under the Australian Constitution, New South Wales ceded legislative and judicial supremacy to the Commonwealth, but retained powers in all matters not in conflict with the Commonwealth.

NSW TrainLink H set class of electric multiple unit operating in New South Wales, Australia

The NSW TrainLink H set or OSCAR is a class of electric multiple unit built by UGL Rail, Broadmeadow for CityRail in New South Wales, Australia. They are operated by NSW TrainLink. These sets operate services from Sydney to Newcastle and Kiama. The first entered service in December 2006 and the last in December 2012. They are formed into 55 four-carriage sets.

Sydney Trains operator of passenger rail services in metropolitan Sydney

Sydney Trains is the suburban passenger rail network serving the city of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. The network is a hybrid suburban-commuter rail system with a central underground core that covers over 815 km (506 mi) of track and 178 stations over eight lines. It has metro-equivalent train frequencies of every three minutes or better in the underground core, 5–10 minutes at most major stations all day and 15 minutes at most minor stations all day. During weekend services trains are less frequent with headways of upwards of a half-hour on outer stations with frequencies of less than 10 minutes in the underground core.

In August 2014, expressions of interest from manufacturers were called for. [4] [5] The following parties responded: [6] [7]

Alstom French multinational conglomerate which holds interests in the power generation and transport markets

Alstom SA is a French multinational company operating worldwide in rail transport markets, active in the fields of passenger transportation, signalling and locomotives, with products including the AGV, TGV, Eurostar, and Pendolino high-speed trains, in addition to suburban, regional and metro trains, and Citadis trams.

Bombardier Transportation is the rail equipment division of the Canadian firm Bombardier Inc. Bombardier Transportation is one of the world's largest companies in the rail vehicle and equipment manufacturing and servicing industry. Bombardier Transportation is headquartered in Berlin. There are many regional offices, production and development facilities worldwide.

Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles company

Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles is a Spanish publicly-listed company which manufactures railway vehicles and equipment and buses through its Solaris Bus & Coach subsidiary. It is based in Beasain, Basque Autonomous Community. Equipment manufactured by Grupo CAF includes light rail vehicles, rapid transit trains, railroad cars and locomotives, as well as variable gauge axles that can be fitted on any existing truck or bogie.

In July 2015, the government announced that Alstom, Downer/Changchun, Stadler, and UGL/Mitsubishi Electric/CSR had been shortlisted to tender. [8] Following the merger of CSR and the parent company of Changchun Railway Vehicles, Hyundai Rotem replaced CSR as a partner in the UGL/Mitsubishi Electric consortium. [9] The consortia provided two variants of their designs - a longer train and shorter train. [9] The Hyundai Rotem/UGL/Mitsubishi Electric consortium was announced as the successful bidder in August 2016. The companies formed a joint venture called RailConnect to manage the project. [10] The trains will be built by Hyundai Rotem in South Korea. [1]

The contract covers the supply and maintenance of the 512 carriages and the fit out and operation of a maintenance facility at Kangy Angy. [8] [11] [12] The maintenance contract runs for fifteen years from the delivery of the first train with an option for a five-year extension. [1]

Design

The trains are double deck electric multiple units measuring 163m for an 8-car set or 204m for a 10 car-set [13] . They will include accessible toilets and dedicated space for luggage, prams, bicycles and wheelchairs. Fixed seats on the upper and lower decks will be in a two by two arrangement. The seating will include cup holders, tray tables and arm rests. Each seat will feature a charging station for mobile devices. [10] The trains are being designed to be operated with or without guards, with tender documents stating the trains must support one-man operation. [14]

The new trains are wider than the V sets they replace and require modifications to be made to parts of the Blue Mountains Line route to create sufficient clearance from adjacent structures. [12] Transport officials also want to relax safety standards for the minimum distance allowed between trains and tunnel walls, which is currently set at 200 millimetres. [15] H sets are not permitted to operate beyond Springwood due to the same issue.

Consists

The 512 carriages are expected to be organised into four and six carriage sets, coupled to make eight and ten carriage trains. The total composition will be 77 four-car and 34 six-car sets; at roughly 82m and 122m over coupling faces for 525 and 787 passengers respectively. Each four-carriage train will include provision for later addition of two more carriages. [16] [17] In February 2019 a further 42 carriages were announced, though details of how these will be organised has not yet been released. [18] The most likely configuration would be 56x four-car and 55x six-car sets.

Related Research Articles

CityRail operated the rail network of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

CityRail was an Australian passenger train operator with services in and around Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong, the three largest cities in New South Wales as well as some rail replacement bus services. It was established in January 1989 and abolished in June 2013 when it was superseded by Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink.

Sydney Trains M set class of electric multiple unit operating in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

The Sydney Trains M sets or Millennium trains are a class of electric multiple unit operated by Sydney Trains in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. The fourth generation trains entered service from 1 July 2002 after short delays due to electrical defects. The trains can operate over the entire suburban network, but currently only operate on T2 Inner West & Leppington, T3 Bankstown, T5 Cumberland, T6 Carlingford, T7 Olympic Park and T8 Airport & South lines.

Sydney Trains T set class of electric multiple unit operating in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

The Tangara is a class of electric multiple unit operated by Sydney Trains in Sydney, Australia. The Tangaras were delivered between 1988 and 1995, and are third-generation trains.

Hyundai Rotem company

Hyundai Rotem is a South Korean company manufacturing rolling stock, defense products and plant equipment. It is part of the Hyundai Motor Group. Its name was changed to the current one from Rotem in December 2007 to reflect its parent company.

Central Coast & Newcastle Line rail service in New South Wales, Australia

The Central Coast & Newcastle Line is a NSW TrainLink passenger train service that runs along the Main North railway line in New South Wales, connecting the state's two largest cities, Sydney and Newcastle. The service runs from Central through to Broadmeadow on the Main North railway line to Newcastle Interchange on the Newcastle railway line, and services the Hawkesbury River region, the Central Coast and the city of Newcastle.

UGL Rail is an Australian rail company specialising in building, maintaining and refurbishing diesel locomotives, diesel & electric multiple units and freight wagons. It is a subsidiary of UGL Limited and is based in Melbourne, with a staff of 1,200 across Australia and Asia. It operates factories in Broadmeadow, Chullora, Spotswood and Bassendean. While it used to operate a factory in Taree, the plant has currently shut down and the equipment sold off.

The Sydney Trains fleet serves the metropolitan lines within Sydney, Australia. All of the rolling stock are double-deck electric multiple units and operate mainly as eight carriage sets.

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Intercity Express Programme

The Intercity Express Programme is an initiative of the Department for Transport (DfT) in the United Kingdom to procure new trains to replace the InterCity 125 and InterCity 225 fleets on the East Coast Main Line and Great Western Main Line. There are to be three variants: the Class 800 electric/diesel-electric hybrids, the Class 801 electrics.

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Chullora Railway Workshops were a major workshops for the repair and heavy maintenance of locomotives and rolling stock for the New South Wales Government Railways.

The NSW TrainLink fleet of trains serves the areas outside Sydney, Australia, mainly interurban and interstate lines. The NSW TrainLink fleet consists of both diesel and electric traction, with the oldest of the fleet being the V sets and the youngest being the H sets.

New South Wales Standard suburban carriage stock

The New South Wales Standard suburban carriage stock are a type of electric multiple unit that was operated by the New South Wales Government Railways and its successors between 1926 and 1992. They served on the Sydney suburban network. In the years before their withdrawal, they were nicknamed Red Rattlers.

The Electric Carriage Workshops, often abbreviated to Elcar, was the principal maintenance centre for the New South Wales Government Railways electric multiple unit fleet. Construction commenced in 1922, coinciding with the electrification of the Sydney network. It was located within the Chullora Railway Workshops complex on a 106 hectare site. It was not electrified until 1939 requiring carriages to be hauled to and from the works by steam locomotive.

High Capacity Metro Trains

The High Capacity Metro Trains are a fleet of electric multiple unit (EMU) trains on order for use by Metro Trains Melbourne on the Melbourne rail network. They are due to enter service in mid-2019 and will eventually become the primary rollingstock used in the Metro Rail Tunnel when it opens in 2025. The HCMTs will carry around 1400 passengers in 7 carriages, running on Melbourne's 1500 V DC overhead catenary system, and will be the most advanced trains in the Metro Trains fleet when they are introduced. A consortium of investors and rail companies is constructing the trains in China and Australia via a contract with the Victorian Government, in addition to upgrade works necessary for the operation of the trains.

The 2010s have seen many developments relating to transport in the Australian city of Sydney, New South Wales. The decade has seen a substantial investment in infrastructure, including a new airport, motorway projects, light rail lines and Australia's biggest metro system. Planning and branding of public transport services has become substantially more centralised.

The NSW TrainLink Regional Train Project is an initiative of Transport for NSW to procure new trains to replace NSW TrainLink's entire regional fleet.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "UGL as part of RailConnect NSW to deliver $2. 3 billion New Intercity Fleet" (PDF). UGL Limited. 18 August 2016.
  2. NSW Government to invest $2.8 billion in new intercity trains, making all trains air-conditioned Transport for New South Wales 8 May 2014
  3. Intercity Fleet Program Transport for New South Wales
  4. Expressions of interest called for new $2.8 billion intercity train fleet Transport for New South Wales 11 August 2014
  5. New $2.8 billion intercity train fleet for NSW Rail Express 13 August 2014
  6. Strong local and international interest in $2.8 billion intercity fleet project Transport for New South Wales 9 October 2014
  7. Firms line up for intercity train deal PSnews online 15 October 2014
  8. 1 2 "Transforming regional train travel: Shortlist announced for new intercity fleet". Transport for NSW. 9 July 2015. Retrieved 9 July 2015.
  9. 1 2 "Industry asked to tender for delivery of new intercity fleet". Transport for NSW. 4 September 2015.
  10. 1 2 "Comfort comes first with New Intercity Trains". Transport for NSW. 18 August 2016.
  11. "New Intercity Fleet Maintenance Facility - Notice to Residents and Businesses (September 2015)" (PDF). Transport for NSW. Transport for NSW. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2 October 2015. Retrieved 1 October 2015.
  12. 1 2 New intercity trains too wide for rail line to stations in Blue Mountains Sydney Morning Herald 7 October 2016
  13. "New Intercity Fleet Fact Sheet - 2018" (PDF). Transport for NSW. 30 November 2018. Retrieved 8 December 2018.
  14. O'Sullivan, Matt (26 September 2016). "Train guards in firing line from NSW's $2.3 billion intercity fleet renewal". The Sydney Morning Herald.
  15. O'Sullivan, Matt (2018-03-05). "Safety standards to be relaxed for trains that are too wide for tunnels". The Sydney bMorning Herald. Retrieved 2018-03-23.
  16. https://blog.jxeeno.com/new-intercity-fleet-what-to-expect/
  17. "New Intercity Fleet Fact Sheet - 2018" (PDF). Transport for NSW. 30 November 2018. Retrieved 8 December 2018.
  18. https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/explosion-in-growth-extra-intercity-trains-purchased-to-cope-with-demand-20190220-p50yz8.html