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24 Oct 2019, by Amy Sarcevic
Transport for NSW is making tracks towards a more decarbonised future with a newly-purchased fleet of bi-mode trains – that will save $2 million per year in diesel fuel and prevent 540 tonnes of carbon emissions.
The project will see 29 new trains introduced progressively onto the network of regional New South Wales from 2023 – replacing an ageing fleet of XPT, XPLORER and Endeavour trains, with reliability issues.
The trains will connect to electrical networks up to 160 kilometres an hour outside of Sydney and rely on a diesel motor to self-generate power when travelling on non-electrified parts of the track.
The technology has already proven to be highly popular in countries like the UK, which has plans to phase out diesel-only trains by 2040, as part of its “electrification plan”.
“They will be the first bi-mode trains in Australia,” says Guy Collishaw of Transport for NSW, Project Director of the Regional Rail Project. “And we’re excited about the environmental gains they will generate.
“With transport accounting for approximately 45 percent of energy consumption in New South Wales, Transport for NSW plays a key role in reducing emissions and contributing to the NSW Government’s long-term target of net-zero emissions.”
As well as sustainability outcomes, the fleet boasts technology which promises to generate a host of other benefits, Guy highlights.
“Another technological advancement of the new fleet is track condition monitoring technology, which makes use of sensors to identify issues or defects with the track on the regional network. The data collected can be stored for reporting or used to action maintenance as required,” he says.
“The new fleet also includes ergonomically-designed directional seating, improved accessibility, open-style buffet areas, aeroplane-style overhead luggage storage, seat reservation systems and enhanced safety features such as CCTV footage.”
“The use of bi-mode technology on the regional network will also generate an annual cost saving of around $1 million in associated health benefits.”
Hear more from Guy Collishaw at this year’s ARA AusRail PLUS Conference, due to take place 3-5 December 2019 at the ICC in Sydney.
With the theme, ‘Delivering Growth; Creating Opportunity; Embracing Technology’, AusRAIL PLUS 2019 will attract over 900 senior attendees to the conference program which includes plenary sessions, technical streams, live polling sessions and forums with well-respected industry leaders and CEOs.
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