New South Wales has begun introducing the Mariyung intercity train fleet on the South Coast Line, marking the final phase of a broader rollout of the state’s first new intercity trains in nearly two decades. According to the NSW Government announcement, the trains will gradually replace the Oscar fleet and support increased service frequency between Wollongong and Sydney as part of the planned 2026 Sydney Trains timetable.
The new trains entered service on the Central Coast & Newcastle Line in December 2024 and the Blue Mountains Line in October last year. Their introduction on the South Coast Line follows more than a year of testing and infrastructure upgrades, including track and station works required to support the new fleet.
Improved comfort, accessibility and onboard technology
The Mariyung trains are designed to improve passenger comfort and accessibility during longer intercity journeys. The trains feature more spacious two-by-two seating, modern air-conditioning and quieter cabins. Seating includes tray tables, arm rests, high seat backs and charging ports for mobile devices.
Dedicated spaces have also been included for luggage, prams, bicycles and wheelchairs. On-board digital information screens are designed to improve readability, while closed-circuit television throughout the trains is intended to enhance passenger safety and deter anti-social behaviour.
Accessibility and inclusive design are increasingly important priorities in public transport planning, reflecting broader government efforts to expand inclusive technologies and services across sectors, as seen in initiatives such as Australia’s push for inclusive innovation in assisted living technology.
Phased rollout across the South Coast Line
The rollout on the South Coast Line will occur in stages. Seven new train sets are being introduced initially, with the number expected to increase to 16 by 2027.
The first phase includes four-car and six-car trains. Later in 2026, eight-car sets will be added, followed by ten-car configurations planned for 2027.
The Mariyung fleet is expected to remain in service for around 35 years and will progressively replace the Oscar trains that first entered operation in 2006.
Service frequency to increase under new timetable
The introduction of the trains will support planned timetable changes later in 2026. Peak services between Wollongong and Sydney are expected to increase to a train every 15 minutes, up from the current three services per hour.
Outside peak periods, trains are expected to run every 30 minutes. South Coast Line services will operate to and from Central Station and will no longer continue onto the Eastern Suburbs railway to Bondi Junction.
Passengers travelling to T4 Eastern Suburbs & Illawarra Line stations between Town Hall and Bondi Junction will need to interchange at Hurstville, Sydenham, Redfern or Central. Connections to the Sydney Metro will also be available at Sydenham.
When the new timetable takes effect, South Coast Line trains will also cease stopping at Wolli Creek Station, affecting around 2% of current passengers. Travellers heading to the Domestic and International Airport stations will instead change trains at Hurstville or Central.
Infrastructure upgrades and investment
The introduction of the fleet required significant infrastructure modifications across the network. These included tunnel widening, platform extensions and the construction of a dedicated maintenance facility at Kangy Angy.
The project is part of a broader A$458 million programme by the NSW Government to improve rail reliability. The enabling works and construction associated with the Mariyung project have supported around 1,600 jobs.
These investments reflect a wider trend across Australia to modernise transport infrastructure using technology and improved monitoring systems, similar to projects such as real-time bridge monitoring for safer roads in Victoria and initiatives deploying real-time sensors to improve heavy vehicle safety.
First passenger service on the corridor
The inaugural passenger service travelled along the South Coast Line from Bombo to Central Station, stopping at Minnamurra, Shellharbour Junction, Oak Flats, Albion Park, Dapto, Unanderra, Coniston, Wollongong, North Wollongong, Thirroul, Helensburgh, Sutherland, Hurstville, Wolli Creek and Redfern.
The South Coast Line, which has operated for 136 years, is widely regarded as one of New South Wales’ most scenic but technically demanding rail corridors due to its terrain.
