Back on track: $335.7 million train accessibility upgrade program now complete

• Queensland now has one of the most inclusive train fleets in Australia thanks to the completion of major accessibility upgrades across all 75 New Generation Rollingstock trains.
• All 75 upgraded trains are now in service across the South East Queensland train network, just in time for the six-month trial of 50c fares.
• The upgrade program was completed by Downer, supporting 80 good local jobs in the rail manufacturing heartland of Maryborough.

The 75th and final New Generation Rollingstock train to undergo an accessibility upgrade has re-joined the South East Queensland train fleet and is back in service.

The State Government has invested more than $335 million into the upgrade of the entire New Generation Rollingstock fleet, in response to a 2018 Commission of Inquiry.

The Inquiry found that the trains – ordered from overseas by the LNP under Campbell Newman and David Crisafulli – were seriously flawed and not disability compliant, causing severe access issues for Queenslanders with a disability.  

The fleet was upgraded in consultation with the disability sector to include larger toilet modules, additional priority seats, greater signage including tactile text and braille, extra grab and handrails, and redesigned equipment to make it easier for customers with limited dexterity.

Upgrades began in 2019 at Downer’s Maryborough Rail Manufacturing facility in partnership with Alstom, supporting 80 good jobs over the five-year upgrade program.

Today marks the first time that all 75 trains are in service since 2019, just in time for the Miles Labor Government’s Australian first 50 cent fare trial.

Downer is also delivering the major overhaul of Queensland Rail’s IMU 160 and SMU 260 fleet, which first entered service on the Queensland Rail network as early as 2007.

The upgrades – delivered in Queensland, by Queenslanders, for Queenslanders – will ensure the iconic Queensland trains are more accessible, have the latest technology and can stay on track for a further 20 years.

Quotes attributable to the Queensland Premier, Steven Miles

“Safety, accessibility and inclusion are paramount.

“Today is an incredibly proud moment for the disability advocates who championed these upgrades and helped us to deliver the best possible outcome.

“This investment has not only changed the way Queenslanders can travel by train, it has also supported good Queensland manufacturing jobs.

“Maryborough is the heartland of rail manufacturing in our state, and because of my government’s ongoing investment it will continue to be for decades to come.

“I hope even more Queenslanders can now enjoy our great rail network, as we count down to 50 cent fares.”

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Bart Mellish:

"This is a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to provide an accessible and inclusive public transport experience.

“The upgrades were made following extensive engagement and input with the disability sector to finalise the modification design, and I would like to thank our Accessibility Project Working Group for its ongoing advocacy and advice in ensuring our trains are some of the most accessible in Australia.

“The LNP ordered these cheap, non-compliant trains from overseas, virtually decimating local train manufacturing.

“It’s taken a Labor government to bring train manufacturing back to Queensland and to get these 75 trains upgraded and back on track.

“The LNP simply do not back public transport.”

Quotes attributable to John Mayo, Spokesperson Transport and Main Roads Accessibility Reference Group:

"The TMR ARG members' tireless work has come to fruition with the final NGR train being delivered into customer service.

"The modifications ensure all 75 NGR trains exceed accessibility compliance and offer an equitable service to all passengers."

Head online for more details on the NGR accessibility upgrades.

ENDS