Reliance Rail is manufacturing and will maintain CityRail's next-generation suburban passenger trains for the Sydney rail network, as part of the NSW Rolling Stock Public Private Partnership (PPP) with RailCorp.

Reliance Rail will provide 78 eight-car trains progressively from between late 2010 and 2013, with 72 trains to be made available on the network each day to service commuters until 2040 and beyond. The new fleet has been officially named the “Waratah” trains.

The first train will be available for passenger services from late 2010, providing additional capacity for the Sydney rail network.

Sydney’s Waratah fleet will be the most technically advanced on the network, improving reliability, safety and the travel experience of Sydney commuters.

Reliance Rail is designing and constructing a new purpose-built facility in Sydney’s western suburbs which will be the maintenance centre for the Waratah fleet for a minimum of 30 years.

More than 700 new Australian jobs will be created throughout the various phases of the project.

For news on the pending arrival of the first train into Newcastle, click here.