AUSTRALIA: The first of 55 eight-car Tangara electric multiple-units to undergo a life-extension refit has re-entered service on Line T4 of the Sydney Trains commuter network.
The Tangara double-deck EMUs were built by Goninan in 1988-95. Sydney Trains is currently undertaking an A$447m programme that is intended to extend their service life by more than 10 years. The first refurbished unit returned to service during the first week of September, and three more sets are scheduled to be completed by April 2027.
The overhaul includes adding dedicated wheelchair spaces, improving the audio and visual passenger information systems and installing CCTV cameras and help points. The Tangaras are being fitted with a new train management system, which Sydney Trains expects to provide a big boost in reliability.
The overhaul is being undertaken at Sydney Trains’ Auburn and Flemington depots, and at Downer’s Cardiff plant in the Hunter region, where an additional production line has been added to ramp up the throughput next year.
‘These refurbished Tangaras will look better, feel better, be more accessible and more reliable’, said New South Wales’ Minister for Transport John Graham. ‘Passengers on the all-important T4 line will spot them straight away.’
Sites shortlisted for manufacturing facility
The NSW government is currently developing plans to establish a state-owned train manufacturing facility in the Hunter region, where it envisages that the next generation of passenger trains would be built. It announced in July that A$12bn of state funding would be made available for the project over 15 years.
Two potential sites have now been identified for the new plant — a former coal mine at Teralba west of Cardiff and the former Broadmeadow locomotive depot, a heritage-listed facility that is now largely out of use. The decision on a preferred option is expected to be made later this year.
Source: rg