New trains for half the price

A multi-billion dollar contract to deliver 75 new trains in South East Queensland will save taxpayers more than $11 million per train.

Treasurer Tim Nicholls and Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said Bombardier NGR Consortium has been contracted to design, build, finance and maintain the new trains under a 32-year contract valued at about $4.4 billion.

“Under this deal we are delivering 75 six-car trains at almost half the price of what the previous Labor government paid for its rollingstock,” Mr Nicholls said.

“The contract will deliver the new trains over the next five years and maintenance for a 32-year operational period, at a fixed price, so there are no hidden surprises for taxpayers.

“This project is a perfect example of the Newman Government delivering on its election promises by providing better infrastructure and better planning, working with the private sector to deliver cost-effective projects.”

Mr Emerson said this was the largest single public transport investment by any Queensland Government and would expand the existing fleet and replace old rollingstock.

“This project will provide almost 500 full-time local jobs, including 150 full-time new ongoing maintenance positions at the modern, purpose-built maintenance facility at Wulkuraka in Ipswich West,” Mr Emerson said.

“This investment will increase the capacity of our rail fleet by about 30 per cent and will mean more trains more often.

“Unlike the previous Labor government we have been able to deliver new trains for less by paying around $13.7 million per six-car set compared with Labor who paid almost twice that amount.

“All new trains will be fitted with modern features to increase passenger comfort and safety and will be compatible with the existing rail network and the new Underground Bus and Train network.”

Bombardier Transportation Senior Adviser Dan Osborne said Bombardier was pleased to continue its long-term relationship with Queensland.

“We’re continuing to support the state’s rail system, as we have done since the 1970s,” Mr Osborne said.  

Arrival and testing of the first of the new trains will begin in late 2015.

[ENDS] 29 January 2014

Media contact:                       Treasurer:                    Maree Lacey0409 947 957

Minister Emerson:       Stephanie Shield 0418 186 625