NSW accelerates towards replacing its rail fleet

After decades of sourcing rail cars overseas, the NSW government has re-committed to deciding on a replacement for the first 445 ageing Tangara suburban rail cars in 2025, and commencing procurement in 2026.

The government has updated the Project Overview for the Future Fleet Program project page on Gateway by ICN and released an Early Guidance for Industry document.

This confirms that the government will seek 50 percent local Australian and New Zealand content for the Tangara replacements as part of its plans to progressively replace five Sydney train types in the 2030s, 2040s and 2050s, rebuilding a local manufacturing sector.

Writing in Early Guidance for Industry Transport Minister Jo Haylen said the government was increasing tender weightings for local companies to achieve the 50 percent target which she said had been achieved by other Australian states.

Haylen said: “We want a future where the first port of call when we consider fleet renewal and rebuilds is where we live, not far-flung places that – as we know – struggle to provide the quality of infrastructure we need in a timely way.

“The Government’s Future Fleet Program represents the next big step in rail procurement.

“It is a multi-decade fleet transformation comprising approximately 1,500 new cars.

“We don’t want to buy another completely new train from an entirely different country every five to ten years.

“We want to build great rolling stock that is capable of adaptation and improvement over the lifecycle.”

Sydney has five train types in operation which need replacing over the next 30 years.

The Future Fleet Program project page available at the Industry Capability Network (ICN) features 47 open work packages ranging from lubricants and external decals to bogies, batteries and bodyshells.

Partial and full-scope EOI’s for packages close at various dates.

According to ICN Gateway: “Domestic rail manufacturing businesses, particularly those based in NSW, are strongly encouraged to register with ICN so Transport for NSW and Sydney Trains can better understand industry capacity and capability and continue engaging with industry during Future Fleet Program’s development and in the lead up to commencement of procurement.

“After registering with ICN, businesses may be contacted by Transport for NSW and Sydney Trains to participate in future engagement that will inform the Program’s development.”

Haylen said that NSW had the capacity to step up, improve its manufacturing capability, and drive growth in the number of skilled workers, including apprentices.

She said: “The good news is that work on building capacity has already started, with the Tangara Life Extension.

“The project will see almost 450 cars make their way through a major overhaul. At a cost of about $450 million, it will improve the Tangara fleet, drive workforce skills growth and, give us the time to plan and cost the trains for the future.”

Once the government had the fundamentals right, it would honour the government’s commitment to start procuring the replacement fleet for the Tangara’s before the end of this term of government.

“NSW has a vision for a world class, locally built modern fleet to deliver long term benefits for passengers, the network, and economy.

“Future Fleet Program is the start of our work with industry to plan and deliver quality, locally manufactured stock to get people from point A to point B, connect communities
and support local industry.”

Picture: Jo Haylen