New South Wales R set


The New South Wales 'R sets' are a class of bi-mode multiple units being built to replace NSW TrainLink's Xplorer and XPT fleets for long-distance services, as well as Sydney Trains' Endeavour fleet for diesel intercity services. The fleet is being built by CAF as part of their Civity family of trains.

History

In the lead up to the 2015 [New South Wales state election|2015 state election] the Baird Government committed itself, if re-elected, to replacing the XPT fleet. Having been returned to office in October 2016, the government announced it was also considering replacing the Xplorer and Endeavour fleets.
In August 2017 the government announced it had decided to proceed with the replacement of all three fleets as part of the Regional Rail Project. In November 2017 three consortia, led by Bombardier, Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles and Downer, were shortlisted for the contract to build the trains. In May 2018 the Bombardier Consortium withdrew from the process.
A public–private partnership contract was signed in February 2019 with Momentum Trains, a consortium of CAF, DIF Infrastructure and Pacific Partnerships. The order will comprise 117 bi-mode Civity carriages which will make up a total of 29 trains:
  • 10 long trainsets for use on long-distance Regional services
  • 9 short short-distance Regional trainsets
  • 10 short Intercity sets
All trains will be maintained at the purpose built Mindyarra Maintenance Centre in Dubbo.
The first complete 6-car unit arrived at Port Kembla on 14 February 2024 and was taken by road to Dubbo. On 30 September 2024 the set was transferred by rail from Mindyarra Maintenance Centre to Auburn Maintenance Centre in Auburn to prepare for mainline traction testing. Since February 2025 the same set commenced mainline testing on the Northern Line between West Ryde and Epping, the Western Line between St Marys and Blacktown, and on the Richmond Line between Richmond and Riverstone.
By October 2025, the PPP contract was dissolved by the NSW government, citing "negotiations to resolve commercial challenges, avoid further project delays and secure the best outcome for the people of NSW". Transport for NSW would work directly with the delivery partners, with CAF continuing as the train manufacturer and UGL continuing to maintain the trains at Mindyarra.
The fleet is planned to enter service between 2025 and 2029.
The new fleet has been criticised for its lack of sleeper carriages, which are available on the XPT.