The FINANCIAL — Bombardier Transportation, together with the Qtectic consortium, is successfully delivering the first three New Generation Rollingstock (NGR) trainsets to the South-East Queensland rail network this week in partnership with the Queensland State Government, Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) and Queensland Rail (QR).
“Today is a very special day for the people of South-East Queensland, and all involved in the delivery of this vital rail project,” said Andrew Dudgeon, Managing Director of Bombardier Transportation Australia.
“These trains are state-of-the-art” said Mr. Dudgeon. “Built for Queensland’s commuters, the NGR fleet was locally designed and engineered, and will be maintained by a dedicated team of industry professionals over the next 30 years. The new fleet will provide a safer, more comfortable and better-connected passenger experience.”
Qtectic Chair, Bill Haughey, applauded the close partnerships on this project, with all parties working tirelessly to bring it to this important milestone, according to Bombardier.
“We are excited to present the new fleet to the people of Queensland. Our consortium would like to thank the Queensland State Government, TMR, and QR for their continued support and close collaboration. These new trains will provide passengers with a safe, more comfortable, and digitally-enabled environment,” said Mr. Haughey.
With 70% of Queensland’s future population growth targeted in the South-East region, the NGR project will see a significant, 26% capacity increase to the South-East Queensland rail network to meet the growing demand for rail services. Features of the NGR fleet include capacity for 964 passengers per six-carriage train, onboard WIFI, CCTV throughout the train, LCD infotainment displays, toilet modules, twelve allocated spaces for mobility aids, and more enhancements to the passenger experience.
Through this project, Bombardier has created over 2,000 local jobs across the industry and supply chain. There are currently 175 employees at the Wulkuraka Maintenance Facility, with a plan to ramp up to over 200 employees once maintenance activities commence.
The $4.4 billion AUD NGR project is being delivered under a Public Private Partnership awarded to Qtectic, comprising Bombardier Transportation, John Laing, Itochu and Aberdeen Standard Investments. The project includes the design and delivery of 75 new passenger trains, construction of a new maintenance centre at Wulkuraka, Ipswich and 32 years of fleet maintenance.
