About the Waratah trains

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

The fleet will include new and enhanced features for greater passenger and crew safety and comfort. These include:

· Smart air-conditioning, which automatically adjusts to the temperature based on the number of passengers;

· Increased security with additional internal and external closed-circuit TV (CCTV) monitoring covering all areas of the train carriage;

· Improved safety and strengthened design including advanced fire detection technology which alerts crew and the Rail Management Centre;

· New carriage configuration so passengers can walk through the entire train for quicker evacuation from either end of the train in an emergency;

· Additional passenger Emergency Help Points on the train with direct access to the guard, supported by CCTV cameras;

· Improved disability access including additional handrails, priority seats with more wheelchair spaces - 16 spaces in each Waratah train;

· Advanced passenger information and communication system with automatic announcements and electronic screens highlighting the trains stopping pattern and approaching station;

· Wider entrance areas in the train vestibule to promote faster boarding and alighting resulting in less station dwell time;

· New communications technology which allows real-time data feeds to relay train performance information and improve maintenance management; and

· Reversible seating enabling passengers to face the direction of travel and incorporating a mechanism that inhibits movement of the seat back in a collision.