5 June 2024 – The Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) supports the announcement regarding critical upgrades to the Tangara fleet that operates within the Sydney Trains network.
The NSW Government has announced $447 million to extend the life of the current fleet of 55 trains for the next 12 years while a new fleet under the Future Fleet Program are built locally.
The state government said the work being undertaken will see technology upgrades, including software and hardware, safety and disability compliance, as well as modernising on-board information screens.
The AMWU also welcomes the $17.5 million strategic business case for the Future Fleet Program to build the next generation of Tangaras in NSW.
AMWU NSW Acting State Secretary Brad Pidgeon said it would allow for time to consult with industry to design and build the replacement fleet locally, and importantly it would bolster local manufacturing capability.
“Investing in the domestic rail manufacturing sector means we’re best placed to build the future transport needs for NSW,” Mr Pidgeon said.
However, Mr Pidgeon warned there needed to be a focus on building a capable future workforce for the work ahead.
“We would emphasise that we need to build the skills and capability of workers as part of the life extension of these Tangaras.”
The AMWU said this is a win for working people who rely on suburban passenger trains.
“Working people catch public transport every day. Without this extension to our critical infrastructure, we risk incredible disruptions to the public. We need these services to be reliable and cheap for Australians,” Mr Pidgeon said.
“It’s important that we build it here, and that it delivers for everybody.”
Media contact: Sonia Feng 0478 599 580