The NSW Government is one step closer to locally manufactured trains today, as it launches industry engagement for the Future Fleet Program, which is seeking to revive domestic manufacturing, create thousands of jobs and boost the economy.
The NSW Government has committed to start procuring the replacement of the ageing Tangara fleet of suburban passenger trains by early 2027, with a 50 per cent local content target for designing, building, and maintaining the new fleet.
Today Transport for NSW (TfNSW) commenced a comprehensive market analysis and engagement campaign with manufacturers and suppliers to gather insights, identify key considerations, and help it shape the direction of further engagement for the Future Fleet Program.
New South Wales is committed to developing one of the strongest rail manufacturing pipelines in Australia – starting with the Tangara replacement fleet, which will require the manufacture of around 450 new train carriages.
Through the fleet pipeline, the NSW Government wants to leave a strong community legacy of secure and skilled rail manufacturing jobs and apprenticeships in a revitalised domestic rail manufacturing industry.
Domestic rail manufacturing businesses are strongly encouraged to visit the TfNSW Industry Portal to access the survey and to register with the Industry Capability Network (ICN) so we can better understand local industry capacity and capability and continue engaging with industry during the Future Fleet Program’s development, and in the lead up to commencement of procurement.
Transport for NSW Deputy Secretary of Infrastructure Projects and Engineering Camilla Drover said “NSW had a long and proud history of rail manufacturing, and we are delivering on our commitment to revitalise the industry and create new jobs and economic opportunities.
“By establishing a rail manufacturing pipeline, we will start the critical work of rebuilding skills and confidence in our manufacturing capability.”
Sydney Trains Chief Executive Matt Longland said “The Tangara fleet was built in Newcastle and has served us well for more than 35 years.
“We want to ensure our future fleet will stand the test of time and support local jobs and local manufacturing.”
The industry survey opens today (Monday 19 May) will run until Friday 6 June. The NSW Government will return to industry in August 2025 on how it will implement the survey findings.