The state’s refreshed intercity fleet is comfortable, but won’t get you from Sydney to Newcastle any quicker than steam trains did a century ago
The rolling stock update cost more than $4bn and the trains arrived in the state in 2019. But their debut on routes such as Sydney-Newcastle, and soon on the Blue Mountains and South Coast lines, was delayed by five years due to a number of issues, including concerns they were too wide, technical disputes and modification works demanded by unions that cost $1bn.
More importantly, the seats are comfortable, have decent headrests and are spacious enough that my knees – as a 182cm man – don’t get crunched up. This charging capability, coupled with the tray tables, makes taking out a laptop and getting work done on intercity trips more feasible.The size and position of the tray tables are at a slightly strange angle for typing and looking at your screen – especially if you’re on the taller side.
Ultimately, while the new Mariyung trains make for a much more pleasant trip, they don’t feel revolutionary like the Sydney Metro that opened in August does. It has genuinely changed lives by allowing people to move more easily and swiftly across the city.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Margaret's Reign Ends as Popular Baby Names Shift in Mid-20th Century AustraliaFor decades, Margaret dominated as the most popular girl's name in mid-20th century Australia. However, in 1953, Margaret's reign came to an abrupt end, with names like Susan, Christine, Jennifer, Julie, Karen, Debra, and Wendy rising in popularity.
Read more »
‘It changed 20th-century art’: revisiting Robert Frank’s The AmericansFrank’s iconic photo book exposed the racism, loneliness and consumer culture lurking behind the American dream. It still resonates today
Read more »
Sydney Faces Potential Train Strikes as NSW Government and Rail Union Negotiations StallSydney is under threat of industrial action if a deal between the NSW Government and the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) is not reached by Sunday. The union is exploring various actions if negotiations on pay and conditions do not progress.
Read more »
Sydney teens break into train driver cabins in dangerous trendGroups of teenagers are forcing their way into locked driver cabins on Sydney trains and tampering with controls.
Read more »
Sydney commuters warned of lengthy delays across entire train networkCommuters have been warned lengthy delays and travel disruptions may impact Sydney’s train network on Friday as protected industrial action continues at key stations.
Read more »
Commuters warned delays expected on Sydney train lines in afternoon peakIndustrial action is impacting maintenance works in Redfern, creating delays on the T1 North Shore, T1 Western, T9 Northern, Blue Mountains, and Central Coast & Newcastle line services.
Read more »