When it comes to getting the new intercity train fleet, the South Coast will be the last in line.
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The new trains will run on the South Coast line as well as the Blue Mountains and up to Newcastle and the Central Coast.
A Transport for NSW spokesman said those other regions will see the new trains before the Illawarra.
“The new fleet will be introduced progressively from 2019, starting with the Central Coast, Newcastle and the Blue Mountains,” the spokesman said.
“We are upgrading our rail infrastructure across the network to support the introduction of the new intercity fleet and allow for improved technology on the new trains.
“The South Coast line has more modern trains than the old Intercity V-set trains that run to the Central Coast and Newcastle.
“Our priority is to provide the new intercity fleet to parts of the network that currently have older trains operating.”
It is understood the fleet might not be seen on the South Coast line until 2021.
This means the Oscar trains will continue to transport commuters between the Illawarra and Sydney.
This might end up being good news for Illawarra commuters.
Last week there was anger over the revelations the government ignored commuters’ wishes on reversible seats and seating configuration, which led to anger about having to travel backward or maybe even stand all the way to Sydney.
Being at the end of the rollout means commuters can continue to use the Oscars – which have more seats and are reversible – for several years after other lines are using the new fleet.