- The first of 64 Queensland Rail trains being overhauled at the Downer facility in Maryborough has returned to service on the South East Queensland (SEQ) network.
- The train features accessibility improvements, interior upgrades, and engineering enhancements.
- While delivering a suite of SEQ customer improvements, it is supporting 90 regional jobs.
More priority seating, an accessible carriage for wheelchairs and mobility devices, better Wi-Fi, new electronic media screens, LED carriage lights that adjust to surrounding light, anti-graffiti paint on seats and doors that open and close faster are just some of the impressive upgrades to the first of 64 Queensland Rail trains to undergo a major overhaul.
For more than 16 years, Queensland Rail's Interurban Multiple Unit (IMU) 160 and Suburban Multiple Unit (SMU) 260 fleet have connected communities across South East Queensland and thanks to these works, they will continue to do so for up to 22 more years.
With the first train back on track, 63 more trains will continue to be progressively overhauled over the next five years.
In addition to an engineering systems overhaul, the train features a suite of accessibility upgrades, customer journey enhancements including refreshed seating, flooring and air-conditioning, improved onboard Wi-Fi, new lights, digital screens and a remote vehicle monitoring system.
This project is one of four cornerstone projects under the $300 million Strategic Partnership Agreement between Downer and Queensland Rail, which is delivering greater job certainty for the region over the next decade.
Quotes attributable to the Minister:
“It's fantastic to see the return of the first upgraded Queensland Rail train following overhaul works undertaken at the Downer facility in Maryborough where they were originally built, more than 16 years ago," he said.
“The upgrade is delivering safer, more accessible and more reliable trains for customers, enhancing their journeys across the SEQ network.
“Not only are these works delivering important safety and customer improvements, they're also supporting up to 90 jobs at Downer's Maryborough workshop providing a welcome boost to the local economy."
Quotes attributable to Queensland Rail Head of SEQ Scott Riedel:
“The upgrade has proved to be a great win for our customers, and we're looking forward to seeing the remaining trains follow suit over the coming years," he said.
“Following extensive consultation with Accessibility Focus Groups, Queensland Rail established a list of accessibility modifications required to ensure everyone in the community can travel safely and with ease.
“Accessibility improvements include changes to the carriage layout including improved priority seating; visual aids such as emergency lighting on the floor and the installation of accessible manual call points.
“Our vision is to deliver a world-class rail network, and these works play a key role in that vision, ensuring our trains can continue carrying customers for many more years to come, especially as we prepare for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games."
ENDS
WALKTHROUGH OF UPGRADED TRAIN
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