The South Coast’s train services have received a modern twist with the launch of the brand new Mariyung train fleet yesterday.
With spaces for luggage, prams, bicycles and wheelchairs, as well as increased technology like CCTVs and digital screens, Transport for NSW will roll-out seven new trains this month and gradually increase the fleet to 16 by next year.
Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison commended the development for allowing passengers to enjoy the scenic route with improved comfort and accessibility along the complex route.
“The 136-year-old South Coast Line is one of most beautiful but challenging rail corridors in NSW due to the terrain, so the project team has made complex infrastructure upgrades to get these new trains operating,” Minister Aitchison said.
The Mariyung fleet is the first new intercity passenger service in almost 20 years. Requisite infrastructure upgrades and union strikes delayed the Mariyung trains from their originally slated 2019 release.
Not everyone agrees with the official presentation as a beacon of hope for the Illawarra and South Coast.
University of Wollongong student and Nowra local, Maddison Goatcher found herself on one of the new trains this morning, unaware of their arrival. She said the new features make the train feel smaller as they’ve removed seating to make space, meaning less people fit.
“It will be good for longer travel, but in [the] short term, if you want us to use your trains, you’re not providing enough room for us to use your trains,” Ms Goatcher said.
A later phase includes an updated train timetable, with an increase in services from Wollongong to every 30 minutes during the off-peak and weekends, and every 15 minutes during weekday peaks.
This comes just in time, as petrol prices soar, and public officials are encouraging commuters to take public transportation.
Whilst the upgrades are a step in the right direction, those further south of Wollongong remain stranded and at the mercy of weather, inconsistent timetables and other closures.
“All they’re trying to do is improve, but I don’t think they had enough knowledge of what it’s like to get a train from the very start of the line,” Ms Goatcher said.
Just days before this announcement of the upgraded train service, commuters were advised that buses will replace trains on several lines this weekend including parts of the T4 Illawarra and South Coast due to scheduled trackwork.
