The Sydney to Grafton XPT will return to service later this month, restoring a key rail connection for communities along the North Coast after a year of coach replacements.
Train services will resume from Tuesday 28 April, with the first departure leaving Sydney at 11.47am, followed by return services from Grafton starting the next day at 5.15am.
The return marks the end of a 12-month period where buses replaced the train while major upgrades were carried out as part of the state’s $40.3 million XPT Life Extension Project.
The refurbishment has included mechanical improvements, new carpeting, upgraded seating and maintenance to key onboard systems such as air-conditioning and toilets, aimed at improving reliability and passenger comfort.
NSW Roads and Regional Transport Minister Jenny Aitchison said the return of the service was important for regional communities.
“For many communities along the line, the XPT is a reliable and affordable lifeline to the rest of the state,” she said.
“We made a clear commitment to the people of Grafton and communities along the line that coaches would only replace the Grafton train service for 12 months while we carried out these major upgrades. We have delivered on that promise.”
As part of the relaunch, the train will feature a retro livery inspired by the original 1980s design, with two power cars and six carriages painted in the distinctive black, red, silver and warm white colours used when XPT services were first introduced.
The nostalgic design is expected to appeal to rail enthusiasts and long-time passengers, with the first return service running as a full retro set.
“Trainspotters… will get the chance to relive the nostalgia of seeing the candy-striped livery of the first service making its way through regional NSW,” Minister Aitchison said.
The upgraded train will continue to operate across the broader NSW TrainLink network following its initial return run.
Bookings for the restored Sydney to Grafton service are now open at http://www.transportnsw.info/regional-travel
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