Innovative bi-mode technology used in NSW’s new Regional Rail Fleet is expected to produce a cost-saving of around $2 million per annum.
NSW, Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Paul Toole, said the trains would transform passenger rail travel in regional NSW.
“We are leading the charge for more efficient and sustainable regional rail travel, with our new fleet being built with diesel-electric bi-mode technology, which is an Australian first,” Mr Toole said.
“This means when our trains enter electrified parts of NSW’s rail network they can connect to overhead power, which will see around $2 million in annual savings on the cost of diesel fuel.
“NSW’s electrified network reaches as far as Broadmeadow in the north, Lithgow in the west, Kiama in the south and Macarthur in the south west.
“Our new fleet will also have low emission diesel engines for travel along non-electrified sections of the rail network.”
Mr Toole said it was great news for regional NSW as they would have the most tech advanced long-distance trains in Australia.
“The NSW Government is committed to delivering modern and comfortable public transport for the bush,” Mr Toole said.
“Commuters will be able to charge their phones, recline their seats on longer regional journeys and use their laptops while travelling.”
The United Kingdom, the US, France, Spain and Japan also have bi-mode trains operating on their passenger networks.
The new fleet comprise of 29 new trains with the first to be rolled out progressively from 2023. The fleet will be maintained at a new facility to be built in Dubbo.
