UPDATE: The first passengers have officially boarded the brand new Mariyung trains on the Blue Mountains line, marking a significant upgrade for commuters. At 6:24 AM today, a crowd of enthusiastic train lovers and daily travelers gathered at Lithgow Station to embark on the inaugural journey to Central.
Starting from October 13, 2023, two 10-car trains will operate, with an additional two 10-car trains and three six-car trains set to join the fleet by the end of this month. The complete fleet of 12 10-car trains is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2026, replacing the older V-sets currently in service.
These state-of-the-art trains, named after the Darug word for Emu, are designed for versatility and comfort. Each 10-car train can accommodate over 820 passengers and can be configured as four-car, six-car, eight-car, or 10-car trains. The Mariyung trains are equipped with the latest safety technology, including CCTV for monitoring platform-train interfaces, ensuring a secure travel experience.
Passengers will enjoy enhanced features such as two-by-two seating, improved accessibility for less mobile customers, digital screens for real-time announcements, charging stations for electronic devices, and dedicated spaces for luggage, prams, bicycles, and wheelchairs.
The Mariyung trains made their debut with passengers in December 2024 in Newcastle, where initial reactions were overwhelmingly positive. Today’s launch on the Blue Mountains line signifies a new chapter for rail travel in the region.
However, the introduction of the Mariyung fleet has not been without controversy. Since their announcement by the previous Coalition government in 2015, plans have faced criticism. Modifications to the Blue Mountains rail line were necessary to accommodate these Korean-built trains, leading to dissatisfaction among commuters regarding fixed seating arrangements.
In response to these concerns, Transport for NSW defended the design choices, stating, “Reversible seating could only have been accommodated by significantly compromising on comfort and seating amenities. Customer feedback indicated that comfort was a key priority.”
As the Mariyung trains roll out, commuters are encouraged to share their experiences and feedback. The evolving landscape of train travel in the Blue Mountains promises to improve daily commutes for thousands.
What’s Next: With more trains slated for deployment throughout the month, passengers can expect a smoother and more efficient travel experience in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for updates as the fleet expands and begins to reshape the future of intercity rail travel in New South Wales.
