And Central Coast commuters will also get a much better deal with a major upgrade in rolling stock by 2019.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast Scot MacDonald announced recently that work would start early 2018 on the New Intercity Fleet Program Maintenance Facility at Kangy Angy.
He said this would to prepare for the arrival of the state-of-the-art $2.3 billion New Intercity Fleet.
“We have awarded a key contract for the detailed design and construction of the new maintenance facility to service the trains at Kangy Angy,” Mr MacDonald said.
“Infrastructure and property group John Holland will now begin pre-construction activities with major construction expected to start early in 2018.”
“The project is expected to generate 300 jobs on the Central Coast, including local apprenticeships during construction and 200 jobs ongoing once in operation.”
He said the facility would allow the new Intercity carriages to seamlessly move on to the network and replace the ageing V-sets.
This in turn would provide customers who commute daily to Sydney from the South Coast, Blue Mountains, Central Coast and Newcastle with a more comfortable and reliable journey.
The new trains will feature comfortable two-by-two seating with tray tables and cup holders, as well as the ability to charge mobile devices. There will be dedicated luggage and bicycle racks, extra space for wheelchairs and prams, accessible toilets and baby changing facilities.
Better on-board technology such as CCTV cameras, customer help point alarms and fire detection technology will increase safety and security.
The new trains will come into service progressively, with the first trains anticipated to be delivered in 2019.
