A project to replace the entire NSW regional rail fleet is advancing with three shortlisted applicants chosen to put their best plans forward to deliver the new fleet and maintenance facility.
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The government identified Dubbo as the preferred location to build the maintenance centre in August, in a move touted to bring scores of jobs.
After going to the market in September, on Thursday it announced the three successful applicants are Regional Futures, led by Downer, Bombardier Consortium and Momentum Trains, led by CAF.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro visited Dubbo in August and toured the earmarked site accessed off White Street.
“I am glad to see this project progressing well, and it means we are getting closer to rural and regional NSW getting a much-deserved improvement to transport,” Mr Barilaro said on Thursday.
“This project has the capacity to bring long term, sustainable jobs – including traineeships and apprenticeships to the Orana region.
“We want to make sure that services that deliver for country areas are supported by local jobs.”
Dubbo MP Troy Grant welcomed the Regional Rail Program early investigative works team as they take the first steps towards the rail maintenance facility for Dubbo becoming a reality and applauded the speed at which the project is progressing.
“It is great to see the government getting on with the job with this important project for the Dubbo region,” he said.
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Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance said the replacement of the regional fleet would deliver huge benefits for public transport customers across the state.
“We are looking for high-quality, innovative and value for money proposals from the three applicants,” he said.
“They will be asked to provide details of how they will deliver trains that provide improved comfort, safety and reliability for regional customers.
“This program gives us the opportunity to incorporate modern benefits for those travelling long distances as we replace trains which are up to 35 years old.”
Transport for NSW aims to award a contract for the new fleet in 2019 with the first trains anticipated to be on the tracks in the early 2020s.
The new trains will be operated by NSW TrainLink, the NSW Government owned regional rail and coach service provider.