The much-anticipated fleet of new Intercity Trains have reached an important milestone in their commissioning process, with testing being ramped up.
The first two trains have commenced testing on the rail network travelling under their own power.
The state government has ordered 55 10-car trains from South Korea costing $2.4 billion. Transport Minister, Andrew Constance says the trains are expected to begin arriving in sets of 10 each month from mid-2020 and will be progressively added to the network in coming months.
They will service commuters across the Central Coast, Newcastle, South Coast and Blue Mountains.
The trains feature the latest state-of-the-art technology including Automatic Train Protection, passenger door systems, passenger information, CCTV, ride comfort and can travel at a maximum speed of 160kph. The trains also feature more amenities for passengers including comfortable two-by-two seating, charging points for mobile devices, as well as storage for luggage and bicycles.
Work is continuing on the network to upgrade infrastructure to accommodate the new trains and this, along with construction of a new maintenance facility at Kangy Angy on the Central Coast, will create around 1600 local jobs.
