Testing is ramping up on the new inter-city rail fleet, with the first two trains now travelling on the network under their own power.
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Minister for Transport Andrew Constance and Minister for Regional Transport Paul Toole, along with Heathcote MP Lee Evans, inspected one of the trains at Hurstville during a stop on the Wollongong run.
"When the trains first arrived, on-track testing involved using a locomotive to haul the carriages," Mr Constance said.
"What we're seeing today is a really exciting milestone because they're now travelling around the network under their own power."
The new fleet of 55 10-car trains will service customers across the Central Coast, Newcastle, South Coast and Blue Mountains.
Features include comfortable two-by-two seating, charging points for mobile devices, as well as storage for luggage and bicycles.
The trains have a maximum speed of 160kph.
Mr Constance said, over the next few months, more of the trains would be seen on the network as systems, including Automatic Train Protection, doors, passenger information and CCTV, were tested.
Mr Toole said work was continuing on important enabling works across the intercity network.
"These are modern trains featuring the latest technology, so we need to ensure we upgrade the infrastructure on the network to accommodate them," he said.
"Work is also continuing on sections of the Blue Mountains Line, which will enable customers living between Springwood and Lithgow to experience a new train for the first time since the last of the V-Sets were introduced in 1989.
"This work, along with the construction of the new maintenance facility at Kangy Angy, has helped to create around 1600 local jobs."