LOCAL rail commuters can look forward to faster travel times to Sydney, and a more reliable, secure and comfortable ride in wider seats.
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It’s just that about half of the passengers will be required to face backwards.
The on-board improvements will come with the introduction by the state government of a $2.3-billion new fleet of long-distance intercity trains from next year.
The track improvements that would slash train travel times are being explored through the federal government’s $20-million Faster Rail Prospectus.
The federal government last year announced it would invest $20 million to support the development of up to three business cases for faster rail services between cities and regional centres.
The Sydney-to-Newcastle line is one of the three business cases chosen to be developed.
The state government will now explore improvements that would slash travel times on the line.
This will include reducing track curvature, deviations and realignments, removing level crossings, and better segregation of passenger and freight services.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Hunter, Scot MacDonald, said the improvements would be welcomed by rail users between Sydney and Newcastle.
“There is a sizeable commuter workforce from the Central Coast and Newcastle to Sydney, so any time saving is a benefit to them,” Mr MacDonald said.
“Shortening travel times between Newcastle and Sydney will also help to encourage greater residential and commercial development along the corridor.”
Local rail commuters have been promised faster train services to Sydney before.
This time was different, Mr MacDonald said, because building a business case as part of the Faster Rail Prospectus would allow for “properly costed and designed proposals” on potential improvements to be put forward.
“Historically, the Central Coast and Hunter has been let down by flawed infrastructure proposals,” he said.
“Obtaining this funding from the Commonwealth Government will ensure that the process is done properly and that the community can have the confidence that submissions put forward are sound and not a ‘thought bubble’.”
The federal government said financial support for the development of a business case did not indicate the government’s support for delivery of a project.
Any future funding commitments would “take into account state and private sector financial support”, the government said.
Meanwhile, the $2.3 billion fleet of new long-distance intercity trains promises a suite of new features.
“We’ve asked customers what they value and incorporated much of this feedback into the design, including two-by-two seating with wider seats, arm rests and wider aisles, as well as amenities like tray tables and charging outlets for mobile devices,” Mr MacDonald said.
But shadow minister for the Central Coast, David Harris, accused the government of skimping on the design by opting for fixed, not reversible, seating.
“For some passengers who suffer motion sickness, travelling backwards is just not an option,” Mr Harris said.
“The journey for some Central Coast passengers can be almost two hours – that’s a long time to sit facing backwards or to be forced to stand.
“Once again, commuters are left out of the equation when it comes to their own needs - zero consultation.”
Mr MacDonald said the seating plan had been released a year ago, and Labor had “no credibility in infrastructure or service delivery”.
“Half of the seats will be facing the direction of travel, while the seats at either end of the saloon will cater for families and groups.”
