Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian today announced Opal electronic ticketing would be extended to Blue Mountains, Hunter and Newcastle train stations on 11 April – marking the completion of the Opal rollout for all train customers.

Given this significant milestone, Ms Berejiklian today also launched a new range of Opal card phone cases for customers, making it even easier to tap on and tap off.

“The progressive rollout of Opal to all 308 Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink intercity stations by 11 April marks an important milestone for public transport customers,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“Within two weeks customers will be able to use an Opal card to travel anywhere on Sydney Ferries and all trains across Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Newcastle, the Southern Highlands and the Illawarra.
“The Opal card is already transforming the way people move around Sydney, with more than 5.5 million journeys taken on trains, buses and ferries using Opal.

“This latest rollout means train and ferry customers won’t have to worry about queuing up for a ticket or fumbling for coins ever again.

"The previous Labor government spent more than a decade talking about electronic ticketing and failed to deliver anything for customers.

“Within three years of the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government taking office, we’ve honoured our commitment and Opal will be available to all train and Sydney Ferries customers.

“Around 140,000 Opal cards have now been registered - giving customers lower fares, daily caps, free weekly travel rewards and the convenience of never buying a paper ticket again.”

Ms Berejiklian said new Opal phone cases being released for purchase today are the first stage of a new NSW public transport merchandise range.

“The vast majority of customers use their smartphone when travelling so I am excited a new range of Opal phone covers will mean convenient access to the network will always be within arm’s reach,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“I have had a number of customers personally approach me and tell me a product like this would make catching public transport with Opal even easier, so I am pleased we have been able to make it possible.”
The new Opal card phone covers range in price from $9.95 to $14.95 plus postage and handling and are available for purchase through a new website –www.shop.transportnsw.info.

“Major transport networks around the world, such as London’s Tube and the Paris Metro, have a fantastic range of merchandise available to their customers. We want to offer the same opportunity to visitors, locals and enthusiasts of our own network so they can have a memento of their travel with us,” Ms Berejiklian said.

It is hoped the merchandise will also generate a fresh revenue stream over time, which will be reinvested to deliver network improvements.

Opal branded phone covers are available for the iPhone 4 and 4s, iPhone 5 and 5s, Samsung Galaxy S3 and S4. To register for a free Opal card visitwww.opal.com.au or to purchase a phone cover visit www.shop.transportnsw.info.

20140326 Med Rel Gladys Berejiklian Opal rolled out on all trains as new merchandise range launched.pdf

Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian said customers could now use their Opal card to travel anywhere on the Sydney Trains network, as Opal goes live on an extra 70 stations today.

"This marks a significant milestone for commuters across Sydney, as Opal provides cheaper fares, modernises the way people use public transport and puts an end to the Monday morning queue for a ticket," Ms Berejiklian said.

"Around 150,000 Opal cards have now been registered - that’s around 15,000 new card orders this week alone.

"We are seeing more and more people sign up for an Opal card as readers are switched on at their local station and customers find out about the benefits of Opal - cheaper fares, daily caps, weekly rewards and discounts for off-peak train travel."

The latest rollout means customers from Green Square to Macarthur, Erskineville to Liverpool and Lidcombe, Sydenham to Waterfall and Cronulla can now use Opal.

By Friday 11 April – two weeks from now – Opal will be available across the entire NSW TrainLink network, including the Illawarra, Southern Highlands, Blue Mountains, Newcastle and the Hunter.

"Three years since coming to Government, we have completed the rollout of Opal electronic ticketing on the entire Sydney Trains network, after Labor promised it for the 2000 Olympics and failed to deliver," Ms Berejiklian said.

"I am pleased that in just two weeks’ time, customers travelling on intercity trains will get to use their Opal card. This is a benefit for local communities as well as Sydneysiders wanting to use free travel rewards or Opal daily caps to travel on trains– including to popular tourist locations such as the Blue Mountains, Hunter and the Highlands."

With Sydney Ferries already on line and trains near completion, the NSW Government will turn its attention to rolling out Opal to 5,000 buses in Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Hunter, Illawarra, and Southern Highlands. Opal will be available on light rail in 2015.

Opal starts today on entire Sydney Trains network as 150000 cards registered.pdf (pdf 95KB)

Minister for Transport and Acting Minister for Roads Gladys Berejiklian today released the regional transport plan for the Hunter region, featuring major road upgrades and plans for light rail.

Ms Berejiklian said the plan identifies a range of short, medium and long term actions to deliver key transport and infrastructure projects to the Hunter region.

"This work ensures our transport and roads network are delivered and prioritised based on evidence and connect residents with jobs, healthcare, education options and town centres, now and into the future," Ms Berejiklian said.

"The plan demonstrates the government’s commitment to public and community transport, roads infrastructure and services that support and encourage economic and social development."

Ms Berejiklian said actions identified in the plan reflect the feedback received throughout the consultation process for the Long Term Transport Master Plan.

"The actions also take into account the population and economic changes unique to the area such as an ageing population and the concentration of people in the coastal centres and towns in the Lower Hunter," Ms Berejiklian said.

"The Hunter is home to the state’s second largest city, the largest regional workforce, and the world’s largest coal export port – so it’s important to deliver the transport services and freight critical for a modern, diverse, vibrant and attractive city for residents, visitors and local businesses."

Included in the report are works to roads such as:

• M1 Pacific Motorway – including widening, upgrading and extending the motorway, and the upgrade of the intersection at Weakleys Drive;
• Pacific Highway – including construction of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass;
• New England Highway – including upgrading the Gowrie Gates underpass to improve freight access through the Hunter Valley, construction of bypasses at Muswellbrook and Singleton, and the duplication of the highway between Belford and the Golden Highway to improve traffic flow and safety.

The plan also includes a new light rail network, which will link the beach at Newcastle with a new transport interchange at Wickham as part of a transformational project that will open up and revitalise the region.

The NSW Government will continue to work with local councils to identify and prioritise actions for the future, so improvements can be delivered to communities as funding becomes available.

Hunter Regional Transport Plan

Regional transport plan for Hunter released.pdf (pdf 90KB)

Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian today announced customers have taken more than one million free trips with their Opal card thanks to free travel rewards, as electronic ticketing goes live on another 52 train stations.

Opal is available on all Sydney Trains stations and from today is also on the South Coast and Southern Highlands lines - giving thousands more customers access to weekly travel rewards, daily caps, and cheaper fares.

“Customers are enjoying the benefits of Opal, with one million free trips now taken as part of Opal’s Weekly Travel Reward and Daily Travel Caps,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“I am really pleased customers are taking advantage of Opal’s free travel after eight journeys a week, which means if you travel to work and back every day, you get free travel anywhere on any mode of public transport on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 

“The free travel reward is designed to encourage more people to use public transport, especially on the weekends, and the latest data shows it is working.

“Customers can also travel for free after they reach daily travel caps of $15 from Monday to Saturday and $2.50 on Sundays.

“More than 165,000 public transport customers have already signed up for an Opal card and more than 6.5 million journeys had been taken with the Opal card.”

With an Opal card, rail customers can now travel to popular tourist destinations on the South Coast and in the Southern Highlands such as Bowral, Kiama and Wollongong. From next week, the Blue Mountains, Central Coast and the Hunter will be included.

Ms Berejiklian said Opal is also already available on all Sydney Ferries and two bus routes, with buses to come on line by the end of the year.

“I encourage customers to register for their Opal card now and never have to worry about buying a ticket again.” 

To register for a free Opal card visit www.opal.com.au or to purchase Opal mobile phone cover merchandise, visit www.shop.transportnsw.info.

Media Release - Gladys Berejiklian One million free trips made as Opal goes live on the South Coast and Highlands.pdf (pdf 77KB)

Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian today announced that children and young people can now get their very own Opal card, with all the benefits, at half the price.

Ms Berejiklian said the launch of the Child/Youth Opal card marks another major milestone in the Opal rollout and is perfectly timed ahead of the school holidays.

“The new green coloured Child/Youth Opal card works in the same easy and convenient way as the Adult Opal card, but it automatically calculates child fares at 50 percent of an adult fare,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“Children aged 4 to 16 and young people still at school can now carry their own Opal card and access all the benefits – including cheaper fares, daily travel caps and free travel anywhere on the public transport network after eight paid journeys a week.

“As well as half price fares, children get their daily travel cap halved, meaning they can travel on any mode of public transport with Opal for no more than $7.50 a day.

“A Sunday fare cap of $2.50, available to everyone with an Opal card is also very attractive for families to use public transport for a fun day out – such as catching the ferry to Cockatoo Island or Manly, or visiting Katoomba or Kiama.”

Ms Berejiklian said the new Child/Youth Opal card will take centre stage at the Transport for NSW exhibition at the Sydney Royal Easter Show this week.

“We’re giving families the chance to get a Child/Youth or Adult card while they’re at the Easter Show over the next few weeks, but they can also now jump online or call to register for a card,” Ms Berejiklian said.

The Child/Youth card is not a school travel pass - it’s designed for paid non-school travel, weekends and school holidays. A separate Opal card for travel to and from school will be released later in the rollout.

There are two ways to register a Child/Youth Opal card: by creating a stand-alone profile for children or young people in their name; or the parents or guardians can link a Child/Youth card to their own Adult Opal card profile.

Parents can choose to set their children up with auto top up so their Opal card will always have enough value to get them home.

Ms Berejiklian said there are many incentives for getting a Child/Youth Opal card:

• Cheaper than MyTrain, MyFerry or MyBus single tickets
• Weekly Travel Reward – after eight paid journeys in a week, children can travel for free on any Opal activated service, for the rest of the week
• Travel anywhere on any mode for no more than $2.50 on Sunday
• Daily travel cap of $7.50 Monday to Saturday
• You don’t have to worry if you lose it – simply cancel the card and your balance will be transferred to a new card.

Opal can now be used on all Sydney Ferries, all Sydney Trains and from Friday it will be available on all NSW TrainLink intercity services. Two bus routes now have Opal, with all buses to be Opal active by the end of the year.

To be eligible for the Child/Youth card you have to be aged 4-15 (inclusive), or aged 16 and over and still at a NSW or ACT school, with a relevant ID.

To order a Child/ Youth Opal card visit the Opal website or call 13 67 25 (13 OPAL)– it takes only minutes to register and then the card is sent out to your home.

Opal users can also visit the Transport NSW online shop to purchase new merchandise phone covers. The new Opal card phone covers range in price from $9.95 to $14.95 plus postage and handling and are available for purchase online for iPhone 4 and 4s, iPhone 5 and 5s, Samsung Galaxy S3 and S4.

Fact sheet: Opal Card - Child/Youth (pdf 75KB)

New Opal card for children released ahead of school holidays (pdf 96KB)

Rugby league fans are urged to catch the train to Friday night’s NRL game at Penrith’s Sportingbet Stadium between the Penrith Panthers and the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

Minister Assisting the Premier on Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said two extra express trains have been scheduled to get both teams’ fans to the game, and will be on-hand after the game for the return journey.

"The NSW Government has worked with the NRL to provide these extra services and we know Penrith and Souths are both popular clubs with fan bases spread throughout Sydney," Mr Ayres said.

"This is an important game for both teams, and we wanted to ensure there was no excuse for the Panthers and Rabbitohs faithful to not be at the game.

"The extra transport options will ensure football fanatics have the opportunity to experience a blockbuster game in Western Sydney."

The trains will depart from Platform 12 at Central Station at 5.42pm and 6.09pm, stopping at Redfern, Strathfield, Parramatta, Blacktown and Penrith.

They will arrive at Penrith at 6.39pm and 6.58pm.

After the game, two trains will be waiting at Penrith Station to take fans home.

These trains won’t operate to a timetable, instead departing when they are full. They will also stop at Redfern, Strathfield, Parramatta, Blacktown and Central.

These services are on top of normal timetable services.

Extra express trains to Penrith scheduled for Panthers v Rabbitohs NRL game this Friday night.pdf (pdf 145KB)

Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian today announced the NSW Government has completed Opal electronic ticketing on the train network and will now move to the rollout on buses.

Opal is now live at 66 extra stations on the Central Coast, Hunter and Blue Mountains lines today – completing the rollout of Opal on all Sydney Ferries services and 308 suburban and intercity train stations.

"This is a landmark day for public transport customers. We have provided electronic ticketing for any customer travelling on the entire Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink intercity networks," Ms Berejiklian said.

"I am pleased to announce we’re now shifting our attention to buses and from Monday 14 April, customers on 24 bus routes in northern Sydney’s Kuring-gai and Hornsby region will have access to all the benefits of the Opal card."

The extra routes provide services to the Berowra, Hornsby, Macquarie University, Gordon and Chatswood areas and carry 3.6 million customer trips every year, travelling more than 5.1 million kilometres.

"I have always said the bus rollout is the most challenging phase - technologically and operationally," Ms Berejiklian said.

"Now that we have completed the rollout of Opal onto trains and ferries, we can focus on introducing Opal for customers on more than 5,000 buses around Sydney and the regions."

The bus rollout on Monday 14 April will extend the Opal bus customer trial, launched in September last year, from the 594 route to every route from the Transdev-operated Mount Kuring-gai bus depot covering bus services 556 to 599.

With Opal, bus customers simply tap on when they’re boarding the bus, and tap off as they’re stepping off. Opal automatically calculates bus fares based on on-board GPS technology, accurately measuring the straight line distance from tap on to tap off.

Opal fares for buses include:

• Cheaper adult single bus fares by up to 9 per cent compared to MyZone tickets;
• Opal Weekly Travel Reward, earned with 8 paid journeys on Opal making bus travel twice a day Monday to Friday cheaper than a MyBus TravelTen;
• A more customer-friendly bus-to-bus transfer fare system - if your transfer is within 60 minutes you will only pay one fare for your whole journey.

Because Opal is precise and the current system isn’t, there will be some examples where a journey’s fare moves to a different fare band, and some customers will pay less.

"Opal provides cheaper fares and means you never have to worry about queuing for a ticket or being caught out with no coins again," Ms Berejiklian said.

Opal is now accepted on all Sydney Ferries services from Manly to Parramatta and all train stations from Bathurst to Bondi Junction and Dungog to Bomaderry plus the 333 bus route from Circular Quay to North Bondi and the 594 bus route.

From this week, the Child/Youth Opal card has been available, with all the benefits, at half the price.

"The new green coloured Child/Youth Opal card works in the same easy and convenient way as the Adult Opal card, with child fares at 50 per cent of an adult fare," Ms Berejiklian said.

To order an Adult or Child/Youth card go to www.opal.com.au or call 13 67 25 (13 OPAL). You can also visit the Transport for NSW stall at the Sydney Easter Show and get your Opal card on the spot.

Bus rollout map for Kuring-gai and Hornsby region (pdf 30KB)

Opal available on all trains from today as bus rollout kicks off (pdf 84KB)

Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian today announced the NSW Government had introduced almost 8,000 extra weekly public transport services since March 2011, including more than 4,700 in Sydney’s west.

The extra services include hundreds of extra bus services starting in coming weeks, as the NSW Government responds to customer feedback asking for more services between major interchanges.

“At the end of this month the NSW Liberals and Nations will have introduced more than 1190 extra weekly train services, 6494 extra weekly bus services and 220 extra weekly ferry services across the state since coming to Government in March 2011,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“The introduction of a new integrated public transport timetable in October last year was a major catalyst for the new services, along with reduced journey times for many customers, more regular and consistent departure times and improved connections between services.”

In Western Sydney there will be more than 3900 extra weekly bus services, 734 extra weekly train services and 84 extra weekly ferry services by the end of this month.

The extra weekly bus services to begin on April 28 include:

• 145 weekly peak services for Western Sydney on new route 835 – Prairiewood to Werrington
• 80 extra weekly services for Western Sydney on route 817 – Fairfield to Cabramatta
• 90 extra weekly peak services for the Inner West on route 461 – Burwood to city
• 117 extra weekly services for the Eastern Suburbs on route 352 – Bondi Junction to Marrickville Metro via Newtown
• 260 weekly services for the Illawarra on new route 32 – Brooks Reach to Dapto
• 60 weekly services for the Hunter on new route 166 – Kurri Kurri to Maitland

“This is fantastic news for customers right across the state who want to be able to rely on a public transport network with enough services running when and where they’re needed,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“More services means more jobs for the frontline and extra buses for customers.”

Highlights of the other new services introduced, as part of the integrated timetable in October include:

• 220 extra weekly train services on the T5 Cumberland Line, directly connecting Western Sydney centres such as Campbelltown, Liverpool, Cabramatta, Fairfield, Parramatta and Blacktown;
• 184 extra weekly train services on the T1 Western Line, including 45 in peak times, giving more opportunities for customers in Western Sydney to get to the work in the city, or connect to suburban services at other stations;
• 3917 extra weekly bus services for Western Sydney, as well as 1548 for the North Shore, 518 for Sydney’s Inner West, 315 for the Hurstville and Sutherland region, and 290 for the Illawarra;
• 145 extra weekly train services on the T2 Airport Line between airport stations and the city circle to bring the frequency of trains between the city and the airport to eight trains an hour on weekdays between 7am and 9pm;
• 128 extra weekly train services on the T1 Northern and 76 extra weekly services on the T1 North Shore lines, increasing connections between suburbs such as Hornsby, Pennant Hills, Epping, Macquarie Park, North Ryde, Chatswood, St Leonards, North Sydney and the city.
• restoration of 140 off-peak lower North Shore ferry services per week which were cut by the previous government, plus the addition of 25 new weekly Parramatta River services and 55 extra services across the ferry network which were added by the new timetable in October last year

Ms Berejiklian said customers were also seeing improvements right across public transport with the rollout of the Opal card now completed on all Sydney Ferries and trains, with the rollout of Opal on buses now underway.

“We have also introduced real-time apps for public transport customers, and there are now more than 70 brand new air-conditioned Waratah trains on the tracks – all introduced since we came to Government.

“We are listening to our customers, and delivering improvements they want.”

20140415 Med Rel Gladys Berejiklian Almost 8,000 extra weekly public transport services (pdf 93KB)

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Victor Dominello today announced free public transport to and from Anzac Day commemorations this Friday for diggers and their families.

"Current and former Australian Defence Force personnel wearing their uniform or medals will be entitled to free travel to and from Anzac Day events on Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink Intercity services, Sydney Ferries, regular bus services across Sydney and light rail," Mr Dominello said.

"Spouses, children or grandchildren can also travel free by displaying their medals.

"Widows, widowers, their children and grandchildren carrying a letter from their local RSL branch or other ex-services organisation or the War Widow’s Gold Card will be able to travel free on these services as well," he said.

Mr Dominello said the NSW Government provides free travel in recognition of the contribution of servicemen and servicewomen to our national identity and the significance of Anzac Day.

"Few can be as proud on Anzac Day as a digger or their family member displaying medals earned in the defence of Australia and its values and freedoms we hold dear.

"Providing free public transport travel to and from Anzac Day commemorations makes it as easy as possible for diggers and their families to attend," Mr Dominello said.

Mr Dominello also said major roads will be closed in the Sydney CBD on Anzac Day, making public transport the best way to travel to commemorations, especially with plenty of extra services operating. Roads start closing at 2am and all roads will not reopen until 3pm.

"Special early morning bus and train services will run on Anzac Day so people can attend the Dawn Service at the Cenotaph in Martin Place, which starts at 4:30am.

"While we strongly recommend catching public transport, for those with no option but to drive, motorists will not pay tolls on the Sydney Harbour Bridge or Sydney Harbour Tunnel from just after midnight until noon on Anzac Day," he said.

NSW TrainLink Intercity services are train services bounded by Bomaderry, Goulburn, Bathurst and Dungog stations.

Those eligible for free Anzac Day public transport on Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink Intercity services can also travel return on NSW TrainLink Regional services for the price of a single ticket, between 23 and 29 April, if they are travelling to Sydney by train from further than Bomaderry, Goulburn, Bathurst or Dungog.

For information about extra trains and buses on Anzac Day or to plan your public transport journey visit transportnsw.info, call the Transport Info Line on 131 500, or use a public transport app from the App Store or Google Play.

140423 Free Anzac Day Public Transport for Diggers.pdf (pdf 75KB)

Minister for Transport and Minister for the Hunter Gladys Berejiklian today joined local MPs to announce public transport customers would soon benefit from a major refresh of Hunter train carriages.

The NSW Government is committing $5 million to upgrade the region’s 14 dedicated Hunter train carriages, with work set to get underway immediately.

"I am pleased that on my first official visit as Minister for the Hunter I am able to deliver this good news for local commuters," Ms Berejiklian said.

"Hunter customers have told us they want more comfortable and reliable train services and I am confident this major upgrade of carriages will make a real difference to the on-board experience of customers."

The Hunter carriage refresh program will include:

• Repairs and repainting of internal walls
• Installation of anti-graffiti paint on internal walls
• Replacement of scratched window glass
• Refurbished seat frames with more comfortable cushions
• New floor vinyl throughout carriages; and
• Improved toilet facilities.

"The refresh program also includes upgrades to on-board safety equipment, so I expect customers will see improvements to reliability and a reduction in the number of service cancellations," she said.

Member for Maitland Robyn Parker welcomed the news and said all 14 carriages are expected to be completed for customers by the end of the year.

"This is a great boost for commuters who rely on the Hunter carriages to travel to work, school and social activities every day," Ms Parker said.

"Not only will our local services be more comfortable and clean, I am pleased that reliability will improve as a result of the government’s investment."

Member for Charlestown Andrew Cornwell said the Hunter carriage refresh is another important Customer First initiative being delivered by the NSW Government to provide safe, reliable and clean train services for customers.

"Newcastle customers are already benefitting from the completion of more than 75 refurbished V Set carriages, providing improved comfort for long distance journeys," Mr Cornwell said.

"So far, more than one third of the 200 V Set carriages have been refurbished and customers are noticing more modern and refreshed interiors.

"Together with improved carriages, station and car park upgrades under the Transport Access Program and the rollout of electronic ticketing, this is just another example of the NSW Government’s commitment to deliver transport improvements for Hunter and Newcastle customers."

Member for Port Stephens Craig Baumann said as well as improving local services, the Hunter carriage refresh would provide a boost for local jobs.

"I am pleased to confirm the Hunter carriages will be upgraded at UGL’s Broadmeadow facility," Mr Baumann said.

"After years of under investment in rail projects by Labor, this is great news for local industry and shows that the NSW Liberals and Nationals Government is committed to supporting jobs in Newcastle."

The NSW Government invests $5 million to overhaul Hunter train carriages.pdf (pdf 94KB)

NSW Minister for Transport and Minister for the Hunter Gladys Berejiklian today welcomed the announcement by NSW Premier Mike Baird and Treasurer Andrew Constance that the Port of Newcastle had been successfully leased, delivering funding needed for the revitalisation of Newcastle.

Ms Berejiklian, who visited the Hunter region yesterday, said the NSW Government is delivering on a promise to invest in much-needed infrastructure in the Hunter region, after the Port was leased for 98 years to Port of Newcastle Investments.

The long-term lease will deliver gross proceeds of $1.75 billion. This outstanding result means an extra $1.5 billion will be invested in much-needed infrastructure, with 30 per cent to be directed toward projects in rural and regional NSW.

Ms Berejiklian said the NSW Government confirmed $340 million from the proceeds will be used for the revitalisation of the Newcastle CBD, in addition to the $120 million the Government has already allocated to the project, including a new light rail service.

The remainder – more than $1.2 billion – will be invested in the Government’s dedicated infrastructure fund, Restart NSW.

"I am very pleased the announcement by the Premier and Treasurer today confirms our commitment to the revitalisation of Newcastle," Ms Berejiklian said.

"I spent yesterday in the Hunter region with local MPs, and met with local residents, business and community groups in Newcastle, Maitland, Charlestown and Swansea.

"My visit confirmed just how proud I am to be taking on this new role as advocate for the Hunter region, and today’s announcement confirms how hard we are working to deliver improvements."

Yesterday Ms Berejiklian joined local MPs to announce public transport customers would soon benefit from a major refresh of Hunter train carriages, with a $5 million investment to upgrade the region’s 14 dedicated Hunter train carriages, with work set to get underway immediately.

Minister welcomes funding for the Hunter region.pdf (pdf 77KB)

Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian and Member for Kiama Gareth Ward today inspected construction progress on the new train station at Shell Cove, including recently-completed station platforms.

The new station is being delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $770 million Transport Access Program, delivering modern, safe and accessible transport infrastructure where it is needed most.

Ms Berejiklian said two 100-tonne cranes were brought on-site earlier this month to install the new platforms.

"I am pleased to announce the new station at Shell Cove is really taking shape and with platforms now in place, locals can start to see what this new modern and accessible station will look like," Ms Berejiklian said.

"Construction of the new station is part of the NSW Government’s commitment to deliver new services and infrastructure to meet the needs of communities in the Illawarra."

When completed, the new station and interchange will include:

• CCTV surveillance, lighting, lifts, stairs and a footbridge between platforms;
• a car park with about 100 spaces, including four accessible parking spaces;
• brand new interchange comprising two bus bays, four kiss and ride spaces, a taxi zone and bicycle racks; and
• a new access road connecting the station to Piper Drive off Dunmore Road.

Member for Kiama Gareth Ward said Flinders, Shell Cove and Shellharbour residents would all benefit from the new station when it opens later this year, replacing Dunmore Station.

"As someone who uses public transport frequently, I am so pleased that I have been able to successfully lobby for this great investment in local transport facilities," Mr Ward said.

"I know locals have enjoyed watching the station take shape over the last few months and the installation of platforms is an important milestone in the construction of the new station.

"Work will soon get underway at the station to prepare for construction of the stairs and lifts.

"My sincere thanks to the Minister for Transport for supporting a project that Labor promised and could not deliver."

The Illawarra has seen other improvements under the Transport Access Program at Gerringong, Kiama, Oak Flats, Austinmer, Albion Park and Dapto train stations.

Oak Flats Station improvements are nearing completion, with 150 new free and untimed parking spaces to become available to customers in the coming weeks. Once the new car park is complete, work will begin to extend the existing commuter car park with 80 new commuter spaces.

Illawarra residents are also benefitting from the introduction of Opal electronic ticketing at all train stations on the Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink intercity networks.

Platforms completed at new Shell Cove train station.pdf (pdf 54KB)

NSW Premier Mike Baird and Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian today announced the NSW Government will order a brand new $2.8 billion next-generation fleet of intercity trains, giving long-distance customers a more comfortable ride and for the first time making all state trains air-conditioned.

Around 65 new state-of-the-art intercity trains, including about 520 brand new carriages, will carry passengers to the Central Coast, Newcastle, the Blue Mountains, and the Illawarra.

“This is a major investment in a brand new train fleet for NSW and shows how hard we are working to improve services for the tens of thousands of customers commuting daily between Sydney and the South Coast, Blue Mountains, Central Coast and Hunter,” Mr Baird said.

Mr Baird said Sydney customers will also benefit from this significant investment, as the new trains will stop at many busy Sydney interchanges such as Central and Strathfield.

In addition, the Oscar intercity fleet - currently operating to outer metropolitan areas – will be reallocated to Sydney suburban services, meaning every train across the state will be air-conditioned.

“The NSW Liberals and Nationals Government rescued Labor’s botched Waratah project from the brink of collapse, and more than 70 Waratah trains are now in service,” said Mr Baird.

“We are also delivering major transport infrastructure projects like the North West Rail Link, South West Rail link, and the CBD and South East Light Rail – which will make a huge difference to the lives of thousands of commuters every day.”

The NSW Government will now work with the world’s leading train manufacturers to identify the best train for the long journeys taken by intercity customers, selecting a train already available to the market, to ensure the fleet is in service within four to five years.

Ms Berejiklian said the NSW Government will begin the process of procuring the new intercity trains this month, with industry briefings to take place in coming weeks.

“These new trains will provide unprecedented levels of comfort and convenience for customers, and we will now begin industry briefings and community engagement to achieve the best outcome from the new fleet,” she said.

“This engagement will be carried out to get feedback on more specific on-board features such as seat configuration, luggage compartments and premium carriages.”

Ms Berejiklian said the trains will be funded by the NSW Government, now that the Waratah fleet is close to completion.

“Previously, NSW has developed unique and often costly train fleets from scratch, which has taken as long as seven years from start to delivery,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“We are looking at buying off-the-shelf trains with proven technology and then configuring them to meet our customers’ needs, meaning we can ensure the best value, best possible service and also have these new trains on the tracks faster.

“We expect the first train will be in passenger service by 2019 and the new fleet will be progressively rolled out through to 2024.”

Ms Berejiklian said NSW TrainLink was formed last July to provide a tailored service to regional and intercity train customers, and the new trains are an example of this new focus.

“Our customers deserve a world-class service every day. There’s still a way to go, but tremendous improvements have been made,” she said.

“We are working hard every day to provide our customers with more commuter car parking, Opal electronic ticketing, easier access to stations, cleaner and more reliable services and a high standard of customer service.”

NSW Government to invest $2.8 billion in new intercity trains, making all trains air-conditioned (pdf 98KB)

New Intercity trains

To enhance rail passenger services, The NSW Long Term Transport Master Plan and Sydney’s Rail Future identified the need to upgrade the train fleet.

The Government is now planning to procure new trains to operate in the Intercity and outer suburban areas, linking Newcastle and the Hunter, South Coast, the Blue Mountains and the Sydney CBD.
It has announced a $2.8 billion investment in the next-generation fleet.

The 65 new trains will come into service progressively, with the first trains delivered by 2019. The new trains will be safe, comfortable and accessible, and provide an appealing environment for longer journeys.

Consultation

Transport for NSW will consult with industry, particularly manufacturers, regarding the procurement of the new trains. This industry knowledge and insight will assist in preparing a major tender for rolling stock which will be released later this year.

Customers will also help identify features to make the new fleet an attractive transport option.

Media releases

• NSW Government to invest $2.6 billion in new intercity trains, making all trains air conditioned (8 May 2014)

Links

• The NSW Long Term Transport Master Plan (December 2012)
• Sydney’s Rail Future (June 2012)

Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian today said work is underway to release around 1,200 staff car parking spaces for Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink customers at close to 100 stations across the state.

"We are listening to customers and we know this is one of the biggest issues they have every day – finding a car space close to their station is important so we can get more cars off the road and have more people using public transport.

"Earlier in the year I announced 1,000 staff car parks would be released to customers, with the first 370 spaces to be released to customers at seven locations.

"Today I’m pleased to say we have done our homework to identify 1,200 spaces across the network including many in Western Sydney, and customers will soon start seeing more commuter car parking at almost 100 local stations."

Ms Berejiklian said the first spaces would be made available within days, with all 1,200 spaces becoming progressively available for customers over the next 12-18 months.

"Some spaces only need gates unlocked or ‘staff only’ signs taken down, while others need some major design and capital work carried out," Ms Berejiklian said.

"Some of these smaller stations only include handing back up to five spaces, but it is important to know we have looked at every space across the network and if we can give it back to the customer we are doing so.

"We are now prioritising the spaces that can be delivered quickly, so our customers enjoy the benefits as soon as possible."

Previously the locations of stations to be handed extra spaces included Campbelltown, Blacktown, Penrith, Liverpool, Gosford, Hornsby and Woy Woy.

These improvements come as customers see a number of other projects delivered or underway on our trains including the completion of the rollout of Opal electronic ticketing on all stations across the Sydney Trains and NSW Trainlink network, and more than 70 brand new Waratah Trains delivered.

The top twenty stations according to number of spaces that will be released are:

1. Campbelltown – around 179 spaces (99 previously announced)

2. Blacktown – around 138 spaces (84 previously announced)

3. Penrith – around 138 spaces (77 previously announced)

4. Liverpool – around 108 spaces (56 previously announced)

5. Woy Woy – around 56 spaces (8 previously announced)

6. Newcastle – around 39 spaces

7. Wollongong – around 38 spaces

8. Gosford – around 30 spaces (26 previously announced)

9. Rockdale – around 28 spaces

10. Hornsby – around 21 spaces (previously announced)

11. Bankstown – around 20 spaces

12. Lithgow – around 20 spaces

13. Mt Victoria – around 20 spaces

14. Springwood – around 19 spaces

15. Hamilton – around 19 spaces

16. Cronulla – around 17 spaces

17. Katoomba – around 16 spaces

18. Moss Vale – around 16 spaces

19. Richmond – around 15 spaces

20. Granville – around 12 spaces

• 1200 Staff parking spaces handed back to train customers at almost 100 stations (pdf 158KB)

NSW Minister for Transport and Minister for the Hunter Gladys Berejiklian today invited organisations from Australia and overseas to participate in an industry briefing at the end of this month, to determine the best way to deliver the NSW Government’s brand new $2.8 billion intercity fleet.

Around 65 new state-of-the-art intercity trains, including about 520 brand new carriages, will carry passengers to the Central Coast, Newcastle, the Blue Mountains, and the Illawarra. The first of the new trains are due to roll on to the tracks in 2019.

“The best way to get these trains on the tracks for our customers as soon as possible is to buy them off-the-shelf, with proven technology from the world’s best,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“We are keen to talk to all suppliers to understand what’s available and importantly, which trains can be adapted to meet the needs our customers.”

Ms Berejiklian said the NSW Government was also keen to learn lessons from previous train procurement experiences both in Australia and overseas to ensure the process of delivering these trains is as efficient as possible.

“Labor first talked about delivering new Waratah trains in 2004, and when we came to Government in 2011 not one of them was on the tracks. That is not good enough.”

The NSW Government is asking suitably qualified organisations from Australia and overseas to register to participate in the industry consultation process via the www.tenders.nsw.gov.au website. Qualified registrants will be invited to attend the industry briefing in Sydney on 30 May 2014.

“This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the state’s transport future and I know we will get an enthusiastic response from the private sector,” Ms Berejiklian said.

Customers will also be asked for a feedback in coming months, to find out exactly what they want when it comes to the design and comforts of the new trains.

• Industry consultation begins on $2.8 billion intercity train fleet project (pdf 88KB)

Transport for NSW today invited feedback on the operational noise and vibration measures being proposed for the Epping to Thornleigh Third Track (ETTT) project.

The ETTT project is part of the Northern Sydney Freight Corridor, a jointly funded $1.1 billion Australian and NSW government initiative to improve capacity and reliability for freight and passenger trains between Strathfield and Newcastle.

"We understand that noise from trains using the new track is an important issue for the community and strict requirements have been placed on the project to make sure that impacts are minimised," a Transport for NSW spokesperson said.

"The Operational Noise and Vibration Review (ONVR) outlines how we plan to mitigate noise to ensure the smallest possible impact on local residents."

The mitigation measures proposed include a combination of noise barriers, targeted treatment at properties, and use of lubricators on the track to reduce noise.

"Locals are encouraged to look at the report and visit the upcoming information sessions to speak with the project team and provide their feedback."

The report has been prepared by specialist acoustic consultants using strict guidelines set by the NSW Environment Protection Authority and the project’s Conditions of Approval.

The ONVR report is available online and in hard copy at local community facilities. Feedback from the community is invited until Monday, 16 June 2014.

Two information sessions will be held:

• Saturday 31 May, 10.00am to 12 noon Beecroft Community Centre 111 Beecroft Road, Beecroft
• Wednesday 4 June, 5.00pm to 7.00pm Pennant Hills Community Centre, corner of Yarrara and Ramsay Roads, Pennant Hills.

The ONVR is on public display from 26 May until 16 June 2014 and can be viewed on Epping to Thornleigh Third Track - Current works.

Hard copies of the ONVR can be viewed at:

• Pennant Hills Branch Library at Yarrara Road, Pennant Hills
• Cheltenham Recreation Club at 60-74 The Crescent, Cheltenham
• Epping Branch Library at Chambers Circuit (off Pembroke St) Epping

More information on the ETTT is available at www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects or by contacting the Transport Projects on 1800 684 490 or projects@transport.nsw.gov.au.

Plans to reduce noise and vibration on the Epping to Thornleigh Third Track project (pdf 97KB)

NSW TrainLink Corporate Plan 2014-2019

NSW TrainLink in collaboration with Transport for NSW (TfNSW) has prepared a draft Corporate Plan for 2014-2019. This draft plan sets out the strategy, objectives and priorities for the delivery of regional passenger rail services over the next five years.

The NSW Long Term Transport Master Plan and the Regional Transport Plans identify the need to improve transport services and operations.

This Plan specifically outlines our objectives and priorities for regenerating regional passenger rail services in key results areas.

• Draft NSW TrainLink Corporate Plan 2014-2019 (PDF, 457KB)

Feedback

TfNSW is seeking feedback on the draft plan.

Your feedback is valuable to us so please email your comments to corporateplan.NSWTrains@transport.nsw.gov.au

The closing date for feedback is 5:00pm 27th June 2014

Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian today said Transport Officers have handed out more than 90,000 infringement notices to fare evaders in their first year of operations across the public transport network.

In May 2013 around 40 Transport Officers started patrolling the public transport network, checking tickets to ensure customers have paid the correct fare for their journey.

By October last year there were 150 Transport Officers on the network, also assisting customers who have questions about public transport, and complementing the Police Transport Command that took over the security of public transport in 2012.

"The NSW Government will continue to crack down on fare evasion and we are now investigating recruiting more Transport Officers to expand the force of 150 officers," Ms Berejiklian said.

Transport Officers are targeting fare evasion hot spots like misuse of concession tickets where customers fail to have the correct proof of entitlements, she said.

"In August last year, misuse of concession tickets peaked at 78 per cent of overall infringements during the month," Ms Berejiklian said.

"After several months of having Transport Officers at the full strength of 150 officers, concession ticket infringements in March this year dropped to 55 per cent of overall infringements – showing how Transport Officers are reducing fare evasion."

To mark the first year of operations, Ms Berejiklian also said Transport Officers now had new equipment to help them target serial offenders and improve efficiencies.

"Every Transport Officer now uses a new handheld smart device allowing them to check customers are travelling with a valid ticket faster," Ms Berejiklian said.

"An added advantage of the device is an automated system to send infringement notices in the post to customers, meaning less administrative errors and more time spent on the front-line."

Transport Officers issue 90000 fines in first year.pdf (pdf 79KB)

Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian is warning Sydney’s ferry customers to take buses and trains with massive numbers expected at Vivid in the CBD and on the water this weekend.

"With a record 270,000 visitors to Vivid on its first weekend, we’re expecting a bumper crowd on the second weekend, tonight and on Saturday and Sunday night," Ms Berejiklian said.

"We’re asking customers to plan ahead and take some of the 3200 extra bus services and 350 extra train services planned for the three week event that have capacity for more than half a million customers.

There will also be an additional 132 ferry services running over the weekends however these are expected to be very crowded, so the extra train and bus services are the best way to get to and from Vivid, Ms Berejiklian said.

"There are plenty of extra bus and train services scheduled to help get customers to the event and home again, so we’re asking customers to plan ahead and avoid queues on the ferry wharves."

Plan your trip at the Vivid Sydney website vividsydney.com/transport.

For the latest public transport information visit transportnsw.info or call 131 500.

For the latest traffic information, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.

Avoid ferries and use 3500 extra train and bus services to Vivid this weekend.pdf (pdf 74KB)