Bombardier to upgrade Queensland New Generation Rollingstock trains

Bombardier Transportation has announced an order from the Queensland Government to deliver modifications to the New Generation Rollingstock (NGR) trains currently being introduced to the South-East Queensland rail network.

The total value of the contract is approximately $361 million AUD (€228 million) which includes design and delivery, as well as ongoing maintenance over the remaining term of the public-private partnership.

“Bombardier is proud to partner with Queensland Government to deliver the new generation trains to the passenger rail network. This order is an important request from our customer, and we will continue to work closely with them to deliver the NGR project in line with the enhanced specifications set out by the Queensland Government,” said Paul Brown, Bombardier Transportation’s Project Director for the Queensland New Generation Rollingstock project.

Bombardier is leading the Qtectic consortium contracted to deliver the NGR project and will undertake the work to modify the trains in line with the government’s revised design specifications with industry partner Downer EDI. The agreement between Bombardier and the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) will result in improved access for passengers with reduced mobility, including toilet module upgrades for better disability access.

“The significance of the NGR project in Queensland cannot be understated,” affirmed Wendy McMillan, President, Southeast Asia and Australia at Bombardier Transportation. “With 70 per cent of Queensland’s future population growth targeted in the South-East region, the NGR fleet will bring a significant 26 per cent capacity increase to the South-East Queensland rail network to meet the growing demand for rail services. It’s a game-changing project for Queensland and Bombardier is proud to be delivering it.”

Features within the new trains include capacity for 964 passengers in each six-car train, on-board Wi-Fi, CCTV throughout the train, LCD infotainment displays, toilet modules, 12 allocated spaces for mobility aids and more enhancements to the passenger experience.

The $4.4 billion AUD NGR project is being delivered under a public-private partnership with the Queensland Government and was awarded to Qtectic, comprising Bombardier Transportation, John Laing, Itochu and Aberdeen Standard Investments. The project includes the design and delivery of 75 new passenger trains, construction of a new maintenance centre at Wulkuraka, Ipswich and 32-years of fleet maintenance.