A life-size replica of South East Queensland’s new commuter train was unveiled for the first time today ahead of the arrival of the state’s new generation fleet of 75 six-car trains.
Minister for Transport Stirling Hinchliffe said the new rollingstock would replace the oldest trains on the network and boost the overall size of South East Queensland’s rail fleet by 30 per cent.
“The new generation trains will begin service later this year, boosting capacity on our rail network and improving the travel experience for commuters,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“The New Generation Rollingstock (NGR) trains have been custom-designed for our suburban train network and will modernise our fleet eventually replacing the EMU train that is more than 30 years old.
“Passengers will welcome many of the new and improved features in the trains which will deliver a safer, more comfortable journey for commuters.”
Key features of the NGR trains include:
- Wi-Fi in every carriage
- Fully accessible toilet with baby change table
- New internal and external CCTV cameras fitted throughout the train with movement sensors and emergency intercoms for passenger security
- Wider aisles, safer high-backed seats, floating seating with more leg room and under-seat storage for passengers
- New straps to secure bicycles
- A spacious cab and ergonomically designed console for drivers
- 12 inch CCTV display to allow train staff to monitor the cars
Mr Hinchliffe said the new trains would be maintained at a brand new facility in Wulkuraka, west of Ipswich, and support 100 full-time and 50 part-time jobs.
“The facility in Wulkuraka will service, maintain and repair the 75 new trains supporting local jobs into the future,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“Safety is our number one priority and these new commuter trains will be rolled out on the rail network to deliver passenger services later this year after they have undergone comprehensive testing and commissioning.”
The NGR replica train which was designed in Milton and built in Eagle Farm has been instrumental in the $4.4 billion NGR project.
“Building the replica train meant that the local designs could be tested and modified as needed based on customer and user-testing feedback which is critical for a project of this scale,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
Bombardier’s NGR Project Director Paul Brown said it was great to be unveiling the replica and showing future customers what the new trains will look like.
“Bombardier’s design processes take into account all the latest safety standards, features and regulations to ensure comfort, safety and security for passengers and drivers with the trains also designed for reliability and energy efficiency,” Mr Brown said.
While the replica train was built at Eagle Farm, the rest of the fleet will be constructed by Bombardier in India.
Key milestones
- January 2014 – Contract awarded to Bombardier NGR Consortium (now Qtectic)
- April 2014 – Works commenced on Wulkuraka Maintenance Centre
- Early 2015 – Works commenced on train stabling facilities
- Early 2016 – First NGR train arrives in south-east Queensland to commence testing
- Mid 2016 – Start of NGR services on the rail network
- Late 2018 – All NGR fleet operational
The public will be able to inspect and tour the replica train at a Community Open Day at the NGR Maintenance Centre in Wulkuraka, west of Ipswich, next Saturday 13 February.
The first train is scheduled to begin service on the network in the second half of 2016.
