Mariyung Trains: NSW Rail Upgrade & Innovations for Intercity Passengers

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Introduction

New intercity Mariyung trains will begin service on the Blue Mountains Line in New South Wales, Australia, with the first passenger service departing from Lithgow Station on October 13. These trains represent the first new intercity trains to operate on this line in two decades.

Service Launch and Deployment

The inaugural Mariyung passenger service is scheduled to depart from Lithgow Station on October 13. By the end of October, seven new intercity trains are expected to be operational on the Blue Mountains Line, primarily during peak periods. These trains will comprise a mix of 10 and six-carriage sets, gradually replacing the existing V-set trains.

Features and Improvements

The Mariyung double-deck EMUs, which began operating on the Central Coast and Newcastle line in December 2024, feature two-by-two seating with armrests, modern air conditioning and heating, spaces for luggage, prams, bicycles, and wheelchairs, and enhanced safety and accessibility. Improvements include tray tables, high seat backs, charging ports, and on-board digital information screens. CCTV systems are installed throughout the trains to enhance passenger and staff safety.

Rolling Stock and Operations

The Mariyung trains are manufactured by Hyundai Rotem under a consortium that includes UGL and Mitsubishi Electric Australia. The consortium was awarded a contract for designing, building, and maintaining over 500 new train carriages for the New South Wales intercity network. UGL is responsible for the maintenance and whole-of-life asset management of the 512 new carriages for 15 years once they are added to the NSW TrainLink Fleet. The Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR) has approved the introduction of the Mariyung to the Blue Mountains Line. The fleet will be rolled out on the South Coast Line in 2026.

Contract and Fleet Expansion

In 2021, Transport for New South Wales awarded a contract extension to deliver and maintain 56 additional double-deck intercity railcars, increasing the size of the Mariyung train fleet, previously known as the New Intercity Fleet. The consortium has delivered 610 double-deck coaches under contracts awarded in 2019 and 2021. These coaches can operate in 4, 6, 8, and 10 car formations.

Conclusion

The introduction of the new Mariyung trains on the Blue Mountains Line marks a significant upgrade for intercity rail services in New South Wales, with enhanced comfort, safety features, and expanded fleet capacity.

Company Summary

Hyundai Rotem: Manufactures the Mariyung trains.

Mitsubishi Electric Australia: Part of the consortium that designed, built, and maintained the Mariyung trains.

UGL: Responsible for maintenance and asset management of the Mariyung carriages.

Transport for New South Wales: Awarded a contract extension for the Mariyung train fleet.

NSW TrainLink: The Mariyung carriages will be added to its fleet.

Technology

EMUs: The Mariyung trains are double-deck electric multiple units (EMUs).

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