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.
