On 1 July, Sydney’s commuters were finally able to have their first ride on RailCorp’s new Waratah train.
The first train picked up its passengers just after 10:30 at Redfern station after the troubled project was delayed by 18 months.
The first train was handed over to RailCorp for testing in April this year but it was rejected due to safety concerns.
Following maintenance work by Downer EDI, RailCorp decided to allow the first train to operate ‘under special conditions’.
It entered service on the 1 of July operating its maiden run from Redfern to Macarthur via the City Circle and Airport.
Currently, the trains are operating limited services to the City via Airport line from Macarthur and vice versa during the non peak period on a trial period with a future roll out to other lines.
By the end of 2014, when the public private partnership delivering the 78 trains and 626 vehicles finishes construction, Waratahs will make up just over half of the CityRail suburban fleet.
RailCorp Chief Executive, Rob Mason said the train builder, Downer EDI Rail and the consortia, Reliance Rail, have been working cooperatively with RailCorp throughout the process.
“RailCorp recognises from past experience that there are no shortcuts when introducing a new train – this is a significant and complex undertaking.”
