XPT Replacement Trains back on track

4 March 2026

The State Government says the delivery of NSW’s new Regional Rail Fleet is back on track, announcing it has now taken delivery of nine trains, with two running on parts of the network as testing ramps up. The update follows a NSW Auditor-General assessment released in October 2025 that examined the previous government’s approach to procuring new trains.

Transport for NSW says the orange-coloured trains, which have been spotted on the network by rail enthusiasts, were originally expected to be in service in 2023 but were delayed as the project was set up as a Public Private Partnership. The government says it has since dismantled that model and put Transport for NSW back in charge, contracting directly with manufacturers CAF and UGL.

The government says production is now running at “optimal levels”, with all long regional trains manufactured, half of the short regional trains manufactured, and work underway on all remaining carriages. It says, on average, one train is expected to arrive at Port Kembla every six to eight weeks.

Testing has also progressed, with around 1,500 hours of dynamic testing completed. Two trains are undertaking intensive trials across electrified and non-electrified lines, including testing their bi-mode capability using both overhead electric power and diesel, which the government says is an Australian first for passenger rail.

When fully delivered, the 29-train fleet is set to replace long-distance regional services operating across NSW and into the ACT, Victoria and Queensland. The government says the new fleet is intended to improve comfort, accessibility and reliability for regional passengers, while also supporting tourism in more parts of regional NSW.

While the new trains continue through testing and accreditation, the government says it is progressing a $40.3 million XPT life-extension program to keep existing services operating safely and reliably. A service commencement timeline will be confirmed once testing is complete and safety accreditation is granted by the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator.

Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said the project had been delayed and had seen cost increases under the previous government, and said the current government had made changes to get delivery moving. “People can now see the distinctive orange fleet on the tracks across NSW,” she said. “That visible progress is the result of steady, practical work to get this project back on track.”