Minister for Transport and Minister for the Hunter Gladys Berejiklian today announced the first refreshed Hunter train has hit the tracks, improving reliability and comfort for customers.
Ms Berejiklian said the NSW Government is spending $5 million to upgrade the region’s dedicated Hunter trains.
“I am pleased the first two-carriage Hunter train has now been upgraded and has started service today, delivering a more comfortable journey for people living in Maitland and the Hunter,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Customers will get a better onboard experience with more comfortable seats, cleaner carriages and better reliability, with upgrades to safety and communications equipment.
“This work was carried out at UGL’s Broadmeadow facility – giving a welcome boost to local jobs.”
Features of the refresh include:
- Improved comfort with refurbished seats and better cushions and seat backs;
- Cleaner trains through deep cleaning of the internal carriages;
- Repair and repaint of internal and external walls with anti-graffiti paint;
- Replacement of scratched window glass film;
- Installation of LED lighting;
- New floor vinyl throughout carriages; and,
- Refurbished toilet compartment, including updated fixtures and fittings.
The Hunter trains are being upgraded one at a time to avoid disruption to customers.
Ms Berejiklian said transport customers in the Hunter have made it clear they want more comfortable and reliable train services, and the NSW Government is delivering.
“The Hunter trains are not the only ones getting an upgrade, with refurbishment of the popular V set carriages now underway for customers in Newcastle,” she said.
“So far around 70 per cent of V Set carriages have been refurbished and customers are benefitting from the modern and refreshed interiors. This is just another example of the NSW Government’s commitment of putting the customer first.
“I was also pleased this week to announce a major step forward to procure a new state-of-the-art intercity train fleet, with expressions of interest now open to train manufacturers from Australia and overseas.
“The NSW Government is investing $2.8 billion in the State’s next generation trains for customers travelling longer distances from Newcastle, the South Coast, Blue Mountains and Central Coast.”
Train customers in the Hunter are also benefitting from the rollout of Opal electronic ticketing, more commuter parking, better customer service and upgrades to local stations.