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)