Future customers of the Regional Rail fleet have had the first look at the design of the new trains in a series of user engagement sessions in Bathurst in NSW's Central Tablelands.
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High fidelity mockups of the trains have been prepared, with future customers being brought the carriages, as they provide feedback to help refine the design of the new train.
Bathurst MP and Minister of Regional Transport and Roads, Paul Toole, said the new train fleet will be modern and state-of-the-art.
"We want people to think of public transport as their first choice and not their last," he said.
"When we have a look at the XPTs, they've been around for 40 years. They're a much-loved train, but they're coming to the end of their life.
"We're going to see 29 new trains trolled out with 117 carriages. This is going to be for regional and rural NSW.
"Over the past few weeks, CAF - the train manufacturer - has taken users through the model train so they can experience the new train and provide input into the design."
The $2.8 billion Regional Rail Project will see the replacement of NSW TrainLink's ageing XPT, XPLORER and Endeavour trains with 29 new trains, which will be tested, maintained and serviced at a new facility in Dubbo.
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NSW TrainLink chief operating officer Dale Merrick said he's looking forward to seeing the new rail fleet drastically improve customer service.
"Not only the livery but the customer service is so different today," he said.
"If we think about those trains that have served the community so well in the past - the XPT, XPLORER and Endeavour - this is the opportunity to bring that customer service into 2020."
Mr Merrick said the little things - like access to power points and USB plugs - will improve the travelling experience.
"I think they're an example of customer needs today," he said.
"Small things can mean so much. The ability to be connected both through power and connection to the network is important today."
Mr Merrick said it's also important to have the high fidelity mockups in Bathurst, because the future fleet will be serving regional communities.
The first new trains are expected to be running from 2023. For more information, visit the Transport NSW website.
