The new XPT fleet is taking too long to hit the tracks, Port Macquarie resident Harry Creamer says.
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Mr Creamer said the project was taking a long time and the people of regional NSW deserved better.
“I think the people of regional NSW have a poor deal when it comes to infrastructure,” he said.
Mr Creamer said the new fleet promise was made in 2015 and he had heard the new trains would not arrive until 2023.
“It’s just taking too long,” he said.
Mr Creamer is eager to hear about the official announcement and full details of the successful company and the rolling stock.
“I will only believe it when I see the new trains arriving in Wauchope and there still remains the length of time it’s taking them to do it,” he said.
Mr Creamer has written to Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams about the matter.
The state government is replacing the NSW regional rail fleet, including 60 XPTs and more than 50 XPLORER and Endeavour passenger cars.
A new maintenance facility will be built at Dubbo.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said the state government committed to signing the contract in this term of government.
The contract is on track to be signed off within weeks.
Modern trains could also pave the way for expanded services.
“It gives us an opportunity to expand rail services in regional NSW, but the most important thing is with other further investment in the tracks themselves, and we announced through the Snowy Hydro funds that is one of our focuses, we believe we can increase speed times,” Mr Barilaro said.
The government says the new XPT, Endeavour and XPLORER regional train fleet will start rolling out in the nearly 2020s.
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