Minister for Transport and Minister for the Hunter Gladys Berejiklian today said work to reconnect the Newcastle city centre to the foreshore is set to get underway, with truncation of the heavy rail line at Wickham taking place last night.

“Today marks a new era for Newcastle, with train services no longer dividing this great city, and this important revitalisation project now underway,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“The final train services into the city centre ran late last night, and Newcastle, Civic and Wickham stations have now stopped operating as train stations.

“With trains no longer operating in the city centre, the boom gates on Stewart Avenue and Merewether Street will now be open, which will see an improvement to the traffic flow in these areas.

“Construction of a brand new $73 million train, bus and light rail interchange at Wickham will also get under way. This is an exciting time for Newcastle, providing new opportunities for revitalisation and economic growth.

“While we recognise that there will be changes for our customers, there will be long term benefits with the construction of a new transport interchange at Wickham and light rail in the city centre.”

NSW TrainLink Acting chief executive Kieron Ritchard said staff will be available to assist customers, with all trains now terminating at Broadmeadow until 4 January, while work to upgrade Hamilton Station is completed.

“On 5 January, Hamilton Station will reopen and all trains will operate to and from Hamilton Station until the Wickham interchange is completed, with shuttle buses to transfer customers between Hamilton Station and city centre,” Mr Ritchard said.

Construction of the new transport interchange and stabling facilities is expected to be complete in late 2016. Light rail construction is expected to start in late 2015.

For more information about travel arrangements, visit http://www.transportnsw.info/

New era for Newcastle (pdf 74KB)

Today marks another important milestone in the plan to revitalise Newcastle, with all trains terminating at an improved Hamilton Station that re-opens today, so early work can begin on the major new interchange at Wickham.

About 200 people have been working around the clock on a range of activities since Boxing Day including work to improve the station and make sure the interim arrangements are comfortable, efficient and reliable for public transport customers.

Work carried out since 26 December includes track work, extending platform two, installing new station passenger information boards, walkways and buffer stops for temporarily stabling trains near Railway Street, signalling work, building temporary staff accommodation and increasing security with new CCTV cameras and temporary fencing at Newcastle, Civic and Wickham stations.

“Work has progressed very well, and customers will really see the difference,” said a Transport for NSW spokesperson.

"Carrying out this essential early work while most people are on holidays means it has caused as little impact as possible.”

A comprehensive bus plan is now in place to connect Hamilton Station with the Newcastle CBD.

“As previously announced, the Newcastle Shuttle Bus service (Route 110) will replace train services between Hamilton and Newcastle Station from today, with buses timetabled to meet trains for customers travelling in both directions,” the spokesperson said.

“We have had staff on the ground at Newcastle, Civic, Wickham, Hamilton and Broadmeadow stations to direct customers to buses since Boxing Day. Staff will continue to provide assistance until customers get used to the new arrangements and will also be on hand during other peak times, such as when students return to school and university.

“The shuttle bus stops in Beaumont Street were designed so that customers do not need to cross the road or the level crossing and buses do not interfere with traffic flow.

“The Beaumont Street car park has also been improved to facilitate easier access to the shuttle buses, particularly for less mobile people or those with prams and suitcases. New line markings and traffic signal changes on the surrounding roads will ensure traffic flow is maintained.

"Railway Street is now permanently closed to pedestrians and cars and the boom gates have been removed at Stewart Avenue and Merewether Street.

“We thank the people of Newcastle for their patience during these changes as we get on with the job of revitalising this great city by delivering the new Wickham Transport Interchange and light rail.

“We are excited to see work is finally under way and look forward to seeing it progress.”

Revitalising Newcastle: Hamilton Station re-opens today (pdf 183KB)

Construction of a new rail bridge over the M2 starts next weekend as part of a major project to improve train reliability in northern Sydney.

Installation of a pier for the new bridge for the Epping to Thornleigh Third Track (ETTT) will mean motorists and M2 bus customers should allow some extra travel time or consider alternative routes this weekend.

ETTT is one of four Northern Sydney Freight Corridor projects being delivered to improve reliability for passenger services and freight services.

The projects at North Strathfield, Epping to Thornleigh and Gosford will separate passenger and freight train services at key points in northern Sydney and the Central Coast, delivering greater reliability for Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink Intercity customers, and include upgrades of several northern Sydney train stations.

There will be diversions, lane closures and a reduced speed limit of 40km/h around the construction area while work is undertaken from 9pm on Saturday 7 February to 5am on Monday 9 February.

On ramp closures will be in place at:

• Citybound Beecroft Road, 9pm Saturday to 5am Monday.
• Citybound Pennant Hills Road, 8am to 7pm Sunday.
• Windsor Road, implemented as necessary.

​For more information about traffic conditions during these closures, visit the Live traffic website or phone 132 701.

There will be no changes to bus stops and routes, but please allow extra travel time. To plan your trip, bus customers can visit transportnsw.info or call 131 500.

In case of wet weather, construction will move to the following weekend: Saturday 14 February to Monday 16 February. Further work on the new bridge will be completed at a later date.

New Epping to Thornleigh Third Track rail bridge over M2 (pdf 136KB)

General Privacy Statement

NSW Trains is committed to protecting the privacy rights of customers, clients, staff and members of the public.

NSW Trains will manage personal and health information in accordance with the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (NSW) (PPIPA) and Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002 (NSW) (HRIPA). PPIPA and HRIPA describe the responsibilities of public sector agencies in respect of the collection, retention, security, access, amendment, use and disclosure of personal and health information.

Transport Privacy Policy

Transport is committed to protecting the privacy of our customers, staff and members of the public as outlined in the Transport Privacy Policy (pdf 182KB).

Privacy Management Plan

NSW Trains is required by PPIPA to prepare and implement a Privacy Management Plan (pdf 3.1MB).

The Privacy Management Plan is a strategic planning document in which we describe the measures we propose to take to ensure compliance with PPIPA and HRIPA.

Please visit the Transport for NSW website for:

• Access to and alteration of personal and health information
• Making a privacy complaint

Who can I contact for more information

If you have a general privacy enquiry or complaint regarding NSW Trains, please contact:

Post: The Privacy Officer
NSW Trains
PO Box K349
Haymarket NSW 1238

Phone: 02 8575 0960
Email: privacy.nswt@transport.nsw.gov.au

Contracts awarded to suppliers for each service routes

Contract start date: 1 January 2015

The NSW Government is getting on with the job of improving transport facilities at Wentworth Falls Station, announcing today that an upgrade of the station has planning approval.

“This is great news for Wentworth Falls and other Blue Mountains residents who are keen to see the station become accessible to all customers for the first time,” Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance said.

“They will benefit from three new lifts providing easy access to the footbridge and platforms from new station forecourts.

“We’re also upgrading footpaths and landscaping, new kiss and ride areas, bike parking facilities and accessible toilets.”

The plans for the station upgrade were publicly exhibited last year. All feedback was considered by the project team and will be used to guide the design as it develops.

The existing heritage features of the station area have been taken into consideration and the NSW Government will be working closely with heritage consultants as the design is progressed to ensure these characteristics are preserved.

The retention of mature trees will assist in maintaining the character of the area and help screen the new infrastructure, which was a reoccurring topic in community feedback.

The improvements at Wentworth Falls are being delivered as a part of the NSW Government’s Transport Access Program - an initiative to deliver accessible, modern and integrated transport infrastructure.

Tenders are being assessed, and once a contractor is on board, the project will progress to detailed design and major construction.

The Wentworth Falls Station upgrade is just one of a number of improvements being delivered for Blue Mountains customers under the Transport Access Program.

At Wentworth Falls, a new bus shelter will be installed at the Station Street bus stop to provide customers with additional shade and protection from the elements.

A new ramp and accessible car parking spaces at the existing car park on Burfitt Parade will help to improve accessibility at Glenbrook Station.

At Hazelbrook, the existing commuter car park on Railway Parade is being upgraded with new road pavement, linemarking, drainage improvements, lighting and landscaping to improve access and safety.

Customers are already enjoying use of a new commuter car park at Glenbrook and new spaces at Lithgow and Springwood stations. 

Customers are also set to benefit from new commuter car parking spaces being delivered at Mount Victoria and Katoomba stations.

Planning approval for improvements to Wentworth Falls Station.pdf 

Transport for NSW today announced a big win for Gosford and Woy Woy cyclists, with 40 secure bike spaces to be installed at Gosford Station and 50 spaces at Woy Woy Station.

Bike sheds providing secure spaces will be installed at more than 40 train stations and transport interchanges around Sydney and surrounding regions.

A Transport for NSW spokesperson said a tender will soon be released for the first nine locations which were selected based on demand and patronage at these locations.

“At Gosford Station, a bike shed with 40 spaces will be made available for customers, while 50 bicycle spaces will be made available at Woy Woy Station,” the spokesperson said.

“We will ensure the sheds are located in a convenient location close to public transport.

“Installation of the bike sheds at Gosford and Woy Woy stations is expected to start later this year.

“These bike sheds will be a great facility for cyclists in NSW, particularly those who catch public transport as part of their daily commute.

“Use of the bike sheds will be free for cyclists.  They can now be confident that they are leaving their bicycles safe and secure while catching public transport.

“These facilities are being delivered as part of the Bike and Ride initiative, which is identified in Sydney’s Cycling Future, Transport for NSW’s plan to make bicycle riding a feasible transport option,” said the spokesperson.

These bike sheds will be delivered as a part of the NSW Government’s Transport Access Program, a program delivering modern, secure and accessible transport infrastructure.

Since the Transport Access Program was launched in April 2012, more than 300 projects are underway or have been completed.

“We are getting on with the job of modernising transport infrastructure and customers are now reaping the benefits of these projects,” the Transport for NSW spokesperson said.

“We’ve strived to make public transport an attractive option for people and the availability of these new bike sheds will make it easier for customers to use public transport.”

Boost for Gosford and Woy Woy customers who cycle to public transport.pdf (pdf 218KB)

Dangerous, risky and illegal motorist behavior around level crossings on the State’s north coast will be targeted in the coming weeks by Transport for NSW and the NSW Police Force.

Even though collisions between trains and road vehicles are often catastrophic, too many motorists take risks around level crossings, which is why Transport for NSW funds this targeted police campaign.

Over the coming weeks, police will target level crossings on the north coast of NSW, with a particular focus on the level crossings between Casino and Wiangaree, urging drivers to obey road rules around level crossings and not to rush to the other side.

Residents living in nearby areas will be kept informed of the campaign with letterbox drops and some local radio and press advertising ahead of the enforcement period. There will also be electronic billboards reminding motorists to be careful at level crossings during the campaign.

Senior Sergeant Mick Timms Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, said the level crossing enforcement campaign is all about saving lives and preventing injuries.

“Road users need to be reminded to take extreme care at level crossings – because a single moment of distraction or recklessness could cost them their life,” Senior Sergeant Mick Timms said.

“Between 2001/02 and 2013/14, there were 118 collisions involving trains and road vehicles at level crossings throughout NSW – which is why we’re cracking down on this dangerous behaviour.”

The penalty for disobeying controls at a level crossing is three demerit points and a $415 fine.

Enforcing level crossing safety on the NSW north coast.pdf (pdf 181KB)

Transport for NSW today announced a big win for Redfern cyclists, with 50 secure bike spaces to be installed at Redfern Station.

Bike sheds providing secure spaces will be installed at more than 40 train stations and transport interchanges around Sydney and surrounding regions.

A Transport for NSW spokesperson said a tender will soon be released for the first nine locations which were selected based on demand and patronage at these locations.

“At Redfern Station, a bike shed with 50 spaces will be made available for customers,” the spokesperson said.

“We will ensure the shed is located in a convenient location close to public transport.

“Installation of the bike shed at Redfern Station is expected to start later this year.

“These bike sheds will be a great facility for cyclists in NSW, particularly those who catch public transport as part of their daily commute.

“Use of the bike sheds will be free for cyclists.  They can now be confident that they are leaving their bicycles safe and secure while catching public transport.

“These facilities are being delivered as part of the Bike and Ride initiative, which is identified in Sydney’s Cycling Future, Transport for NSW’s plan to make bicycle riding a feasible transport option,” said the spokesperson.

These bike sheds will be delivered as a part of the NSW Government’s Transport Access Program, a program delivering modern, secure and accessible transport infrastructure.

Since the Transport Access Program was launched in April 2012, more than 300 projects are underway or have been completed.

“We are getting on with the job of modernising transport infrastructure and customers are now reaping the benefits of these projects,” the Transport for NSW spokesperson said.

“We’ve strived to make public transport an attractive option for people and the availability of these new bike sheds will make it easier for customers to use public transport.”

Boost for Redfern customers who cycle to public transport.pdf (pdf 218KB)

Member for Holsworthy Melanie Gibbons today announced a big win for Liverpool cyclists, with 30 secure bike spaces to be installed at Liverpool Station.

Bike sheds providing secure spaces will be installed at more than 40 train stations and transport interchanges around Sydney and surrounding regions.

Ms Gibbons said a tender will soon be released for the first nine locations which were selected based on demand and patronage at these locations.

“At Liverpool Station, a bike shed with 30 spaces will be made available for customers,” Ms Gibbons said.

“We will ensure the shed is located in a convenient location close to public transport.

“Installation of the bike shed at Liverpool Station is expected to start later this year.

“These bike sheds will be a great facility for cyclists in NSW, particularly those who catch public transport as part of their daily commute.

“Use of the bike sheds will be free for cyclists.  They can now be confident that they are leaving their bicycles safe and secure while catching public transport.

“These facilities are being delivered as part of the Bike and Ride initiative, which is identified in Sydney’s Cycling Future, Transport for NSW’s plan to make bicycle riding a feasible transport option,” Ms Gibbons said.

These bike sheds will be delivered as a part of the NSW Government’s Transport Access Program, a program delivering modern, secure and accessible transport infrastructure.

Since the Transport Access Program was launched in April 2012, more than 300 projects are underway or have been completed.

“The NSW Government is getting on with the job of modernising transport infrastructure and customers are now reaping the benefits of these projects,” Ms Gibbons said.

“We’ve strived to make public transport an attractive option for people and the availability of these new bike sheds will make it easier for customers to use public transport.”

Boost for Liverpool Customers who cycle to public transport.pdf (pdf 116KB)

Mark Taylor MP, Member for Seven Hills today announced a big win for Blacktown cyclists, with 30 secure bike spaces to be installed at Blacktown Station.

Bike sheds providing secure spaces will be installed at more than 40 train stations and transport interchanges around Sydney and surrounding regions.

Mark Taylor said a tender will soon be released for the first nine locations which were selected based on demand and patronage at these locations.

“At Blacktown Station, a bike shed with 30 spaces will be made available for customers,” Mark Taylor said.

“We will ensure the shed is located in a convenient location close to public transport.

“Installation of the bike shed at Blacktown Station is expected to start later this year.

“These bike sheds will be a great facility for cyclists in NSW, particularly those who catch public transport as part of their daily commute.

“Use of the bike sheds will be free for cyclists. They can now be confident that they are leaving their bicycles safe and secure while catching public transport.

“These facilities are being delivered as part of the Bike and Ride initiative, which is identified in Sydney’s Cycling Future, Transport for NSW’s plan to make bicycle riding a feasible transport option,” Mark Taylor said.

These bike sheds will be delivered as a part of the NSW Government’s Transport Access Program, a program delivering modern, secure and accessible transport infrastructure.

Since the Transport Access Program was launched in April 2012, more than 300 projects are underway or have been completed.

“The NSW Government is getting on with the job of modernising transport infrastructure and customers are now reaping the benefits of these projects,” Mark Taylor said.

“We’ve strived to make public transport an attractive option for people

Bike Sheds for Blacktown Railway.pdf (pdf 305KB)

Stuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith today announced a big win for Penrith cyclists, with 30 secure bike spaces to be installed at Penrith Station.

Bike sheds providing secure spaces will be installed at more than 40 train stations and transport interchanges around Sydney and surrounding regions.

Stuart Ayres said a tender will soon be released for the first nine locations which were selected based on demand and patronage at these locations.

“At Penrith Station, a bike shed with 30 spaces will be made available for customers,” Stuart Ayres said.

“We will ensure the shed is located in a convenient location close to public transport.

“Installation of the bike shed at Penrith Station is expected to start later this year.

“These bike sheds will be a great facility for cyclists in NSW, particularly those who catch public transport as part of their daily commute.

“Use of the bike sheds will be free for cyclists.  They can now be confident that they are leaving their bicycles safe and secure while catching public transport.

“These facilities are being delivered as part of the Bike and Ride initiative, which is identified in Sydney’s Cycling Future, Transport for NSW’s plan to make bicycle riding a feasible transport option,” Stuart Ayres said.

These bike sheds will be delivered as a part of the NSW Government’s Transport Access Program, a program delivering modern, secure and accessible transport infrastructure.

Since the Transport Access Program was launched in April 2012, more than 300 projects are underway or have been completed.

“The NSW Government is getting on with the job of modernising transport infrastructure and customers are now reaping the benefits of these projects,” Stuart Ayres said.

“We’ve strived to make public transport an attractive option for people and the availability of these new bike sheds will make it easier for customers to use public transport.”

Boost for Penrith customers who cycle to public transport.pdf (pdf 26KB)

A crackdown on public transport fare dodgers has seen fare evasion fall across the rail and ferry network, saving taxpayers $24 million last year.

The latest survey by the Bureau of Transport Statistics reveals fare evasion across the rail network has fallen by 2.1 percentage points since 2012 and fare evasion on ferries has decreased by 2 percentage points thanks to the NSW Government’s strategy.

The results come as the first of 65 new Transport Officers begin work across the public transport network, checking tickets and helping customers on trains, buses, ferries and light rail.

Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance said the survey, taken in November 2014, showed the improved results saved NSW taxpayers $24 million last year in lost ticket revenue, compared to 2012.

“We aren’t going to cop people trying to get a free ride, when the majority of customers are doing the right thing”, Mr Constance said.

“The more we recoup from the fares, the more services we can provide for everyone.

150 Transport Officers already work across the network with another 65 currently joining the ranks, bringing the total to 215 by the end of October. Since their inception Transport Officers have issued more than 190,000 fines and cautions.

Some results from the 2014 Fare Evasion Survey compared to 2012 show:

• Fare evasion across the whole rail network fell from 8.3 per cent to 6.2 per cent
• 10 of the 11 Sydney Train lines saw a decrease in fare evasion
• Fare evasion on ferries fell from 4.9 per cent to 2.9 per cent
•  Light rail fare evasion is 6.5 per cent. (Light rail was not surveyed in 2012.)

Buses were not included in the most recent survey as the Opal card rollout was underway during the survey period.

The sale of concession tickets from ticket machines at some stations has been limited, ensuring customers need to show proof of their entitlement. As a result, concession misuse has almost halved on rail, and is down by more than two-thirds on ferries.

While overall results were a strong improvement there are still some areas of concern. 

“While fare evasion fell on the Western Line there are still too many customers not doing the right thing. It was also disappointing to see fare evasion increasing across most NSW TrainLink services,” Mr Constance said.

“We’ll be making these priority areas for our Transport Officers to tackle over the coming months to make sure people who travel without a valid ticket are caught.”

The Fare Compliance Survey results are available at www.bts.nsw.gov.au

Fares fair - 65 new transport officers start as fare evasion drops.(pdf 166KB)

Tastier food options are on the way for regional train customers with Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance today announcing Gate Gourmet as the new catering company for NSW TrainLink.

“This is great news for regional customers with Gate Gourmet to provide local food products and refreshed menus on board regional services,” Mr Constance said.

“As part of the tendering process, NSW TrainLink ran a taste testing day of proposed menu items, with the thumbs up given to their scones, meat pies and roast meals.

“Products from regional NSW will also be offered, including Byron Bay cookies, Hunter Valley wine, and Dural Park marmalade.

“Over time, we’ll be exploring the opportunity to introduce more products such as toasties, pizzas and sliders.”

Gate Gourmet is a global company that caters for major airlines including Qantas, Virgin and Singapore Airlines as well as international rail operators in Europe.  This is the first time that the company has entered an agreement to cater for a rail operator in the Asia Pacific region. 

Gate Gourmet was selected by NSW TrainLink in a competitive tendering process to cater for all regional services from Sydney to Moree, Armidale and Brisbane in the north, Bathurst, Orange, Dubbo and Broken Hill in the west and Canberra, Wagga Wagga, Griffith and Melbourne in the south.

Gate Gourmet will begin operations at NSW TrainLink over the next two to three months. 

NSW TrainLink customers on track for tasty snacks (pdf 98KB)

Three new initiatives have been unveiled to public transport customers including a major new customer service centre, improvements to the Transport website and cheaper Opal fares for job seekers.

Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance toured and officially opened the new centre at Central Station, which will make travelling easier for the 100,000 people using the Grand Concourse each day.

An 11 metre long digital information board made up of 20 individual screens will display timetables and information about major events. The customer kiosk will be able to provide tourist information, Opal card top-ups and it includes a new mobile device recharge station.

“Customers have told us they want convenience, and this is what the upgrades well and truly deliver”, Mr Constance said.

Mr Constance also announced today that eligible NSW job seekers can now apply for a Concession Opal card to help them look for work.

“Access to an Opal card for job seekers means that for first time they can enjoy all of the benefits of Opal including a 50 per cent discount on the cheaper Opal adult fares, free trips after eight paid journeys, plus daily fare caps of $7.50 Monday to Saturday and only $2.50 on Sundays.”

Also unveiled today, an upgrade to the transportnsw.info website means customers can now plan a trip to and from regional NSW from their phone or desktop.

“Customers can now for the first time use the website to trip plan anywhere in NSW, as well as interstate to and from Brisbane, Melbourne and Canberra. Previously you could only plan a trip in Greater Sydney,” Mr Constance said.

The website upgrade now provides access to all NSW TrainLink train and coach services and bus and ferry services in regional centres across NSW.

Opal takes centre stage at Central (pdf 109KB)

NSW Premier Mike Baird today announced the NSW Government will provide travel concessions to asylum seekers to help them access important social and community services and increase their participation in our society.

The concessions will be the most generous of any state in the nation – equivalent to the concessions currently available under the Gold Pension Concession Card. The concessions will apply from 1 January 2016.

“I am of the view that Australia is the lucky country and we have a responsibility to help those who have nowhere else to turn,” Mr Baird said.

“NSW is Australia's economic powerhouse, but there is little point in having a strong economy unless we use this strength to help the vulnerable among us.

“NSW has shown we are prepared to help asylum seekers in our community and we want to do even more.

“This group is one of the most vulnerable in our society, often living below the poverty line. Evidence suggests that lack of access to dispersed services is a key impediment to their health and well-being.

“Being unable to travel creates social isolation which leads to deteriorating mental and physical health.

“Until now, it has been the non-government community agencies funding transport for asylum seekers in NSW. This change allows those NGOs to be putting more of their limited resources into food, counselling and housing – where it is needed most.”

The eligibility criteria will largely emulate the model currently operating in Victoria and applicants will need to apply.

To be eligible for this card the applicant must be:

• either holding a Bridging Visa or applying for one; and
• over 17 years of age; and
• receiving aid from a designated agency.

Transport Minister Andrew Constance says eligible asylum seekers will receive a $2.50 ticket that provides for all day, multimodal travel.

“We are providing these travel discounts to asylum seekers to help them participate more fully in our society and access a range of social and community services,” Mr Constance said.

“Many of the asylum seekers in NSW are at the very start of the process of applying for a protection visa. This means that they need access to a wide range of services in order to navigate this process and rebuild their lives”

Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance today announced that four consortia have been shortlisted to tender for the supply and maintenance of a new state-of-the-art intercity train fleet for NSW.

The NSW Government is investing billions in the state’s next generation train fleet for customers travelling longer distances from the South Coast, Blue Mountains, Central Coast and Newcastle.

“Last year, the NSW Government called for Expressions of Interest to deliver and maintain the next generation intercity trains and we’ve been working with interested organisations over the last few months to better understand what they have to offer,” Mr Constance said.

“We first met with prospective train manufacturers at an industry briefing in May last year where we saw a lot of enthusiasm from experienced organisations, both from Australia and overseas, to be involved in this significant project.

“I am pleased to announce a mix of local and international organisations will now be invited to tender.”

The contract includes the supply and maintenance of approximately 520 brand new carriages configured specifically for the rail network here in NSW and offering longer-distance train customers improved comfort and reliability.

The contract also includes maintenance of the new fleet and fit out and operation of a maintenance facility.

The organisations shortlisted to tender are:

• Alstom Transport Australia Pty Ltd

• Downer-CNRCRC Consortium, comprising Downer EDI Rail Pty Limited and CNR Changchun Railway Vehicles Co Ltd

• Stadler Bussnang AG

• UGL/MEA/CSR Consortium comprising UGL Rail Services Pty Ltd, Mitsubishi Electric Australia Pty Ltd and CSR Corporation Ltd.

“Each of these consortia brings significant experience working on similar scale projects, either here in Australia or elsewhere in the world,” Mr Constance said.

“Ensuring a strong, competitive field is critical for any public tender process to deliver value for money to the NSW taxpayer.

“The new fleet will deliver unprecedented levels of comfort, convenience and reliability for our intercity customers and consultation will be a key part of the design phase to make sure we understand what’s important to our customers.

“As part of their tender, we will ask the four consortia to consider different options for seating configurations, bike storage, luggage racks and the possibility of Wi Fi and a Premium carriage for customers.

“I am confident the scale of this project combined with the level of participation in market sounding, industry briefings and the Expression of Interest process will translate into strong tender responses from these high quality firms.”

The contract is expected to be awarded in 2016. The new fleet will come into service progressively, with the first trains delivered by 2019 and the rest of the fleet being delivered through to 2024.

Caption: Examples of intercity fleet trains from around the world (indicative only)

Shortlist announced for new intercity fleet (pdf 204KB)

Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance today announced an extra 60 Opal top up machines will go live at trains stations and wharves in the coming weeks, providing more choice and more convenience for customers.

The roll out of Opal top up machines is now extending from more than 30 locations to nearly 100 stations and wharves, giving customers the option to add value to their card on-the-go.

The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government completed the rollout of Opal across the network last year, with 3.2 million cards now issued and 320 million passenger journeys taken.

“Opal has transformed the way people catch public transport, putting an end to Sydney’s ticket queues, and these 60 extra top up machines will make it even more convenient for customers,” Mr Constance said.

“New Opal top-up machines will go live this week at Campbelltown, Liverpool, Cabramatta, Fairfield, Holsworthy, Revesby, Merrylands, Mount Druitt, Padstow, Riverwood, Blacktown, Seven Hills, Marrickville and Petersham.

“In the weeks that follow, top up machines will go live at multiple stations and wharves from Sutherland in the Shire, to Thirroul in the Illawarra, Hamilton in Newcastle and Katoomba in the Blue Mountains.”

Opal is now firmly part of the public transport network and growing with:

• Opal live on 310 train stations, more than 5,000 buses, 23 light rail stops, and 44 Sydney and Newcastle Ferry wharves
• 3.2 million Opal cards issued to customers
• 355,000 Gold Senior/Pensioner Opal cards issued
• Nearly 100,000 Concession Opal cards for tertiary students
• More than 8 million trips a week taken with Opal
• More than 80 million free trips taken with Opal since go-live

​Close to 350 machines will be rolled out across train stations, ferry wharves, and bus and light rail stops by early next year, providing coverage for the vast majority of customers.

These first 100 machines allow customers to top-up their Opal card using a debit or credit card and later machines will accept cash.

Customers can already easily add value  with cash or cards at more than 2,000 Opal retailers or with the convenience of going online to opal.com.au or calling 13 67 25 (13OPAL) at any time, any day of the week.

An extra 60 Opal top up machines to go live (pdf 128KB)

Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance today launched a new campaign about the dangers of trespassing on train tracks to mark the start of the tenth Rail Safety Week.

Joined by the heads of Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink, Howard Collins and Rob Mason, Mr Constance said the campaign features Jonathan Beninca, whose life was changed forever by his decision to take a shortcut across the rail corridor.

“When he was 19 years old, Jonathan lost two limbs after he broke the law and stepped on to the tracks,” Mr Constance said.

“This new campaign uses Jonathan’s example to drive this simple message home – for your own safety stay off the tracks.

"Not only is it dangerous, but trespassing on the tracks means big fines of up to $5,000."

Sydney Trains Chief Executive Howard Collins said trespassing on the tracks is a major issue.

“Every year around 4,000 people trespass on the tracks for a range of reasons from taking shortcuts to committing graffiti vandalism,” Mr Collins said.

"We do as much as we can to keep our customers safe, including more than 10,000 CCTV cameras monitoring the network, station announcements and campaigns such as this one.

NSW TrainLink Chief Executive Rob Mason said Rail Safety Week is the right time for us all to have fresh think about the basics of staying safe around trains. 

“Customers should be fully aware of their surroundings when on platforms and boarding and alighting from trains," Mr Mason said.

“For example, customers should mind the gap between the train and the platform at stations and remove their headphones so they can be aware of audible announcements and warnings.

“If customers happen to drop their phone on the tracks, they should not attempt to retrieve it themselves. If a member of staff is available, they should request assistance.

“In addition, some of the stations on the NSW TrainLink network have short platforms where the train is longer than the platform. 

"It's very important for customers to be aware of short platforms, get help from customer service staff, listen to guard announcements and always double check the carriage is next to a platform before alighting from a train.”

Don't risk it on the railways:New commuter safety campaign.(pdf 165KB)

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Scot MacDonald MLC announced the release of a tender for the design and construction of a major upgrade of Broadmeadow Railway Station when he visited the site today.

The work is being delivered as part of the NSW Government’s Transport Access Program, an initiative to deliver modern, safe and accessible transport infrastructure.

The upgrade will include the installation of three new lifts, upgraded security features such as lighting and CCTV, canopies and improved signage to make life easier for customers.

“This project will ensure all customers, particularly the elderly, those with disability and parents with prams will be able to access the platforms safely through improved lift access, meaning easier travel for everyone,” Mr MacDonald said.

“Many people use Broadmeadow Station each day. There are the regular commuters who travel to and from work and school and others who are connecting to regional train services.”

“We also have the thousands of footy supporters who use the station on match days as well as event goers who are heading to the Newcastle Entertainment Centre,” Mr MacDonald said.

“Today’s news shows that we are wasting no time in delivering this much needed upgrade for customers.”

The community will get a chance to have their say on the project when the review of environmental factors goes on public display later this year.

The award of the design and construction contract is expected later this year, with work kicking off in 2016.