It’s been a long time coming – around six years longer than promised – but the first intercity Mariyung train has officially hit the tracks on the Blue Mountains Line, marking the start of a new era for commuters travelling between Lithgow and Sydney.
The inaugural service rolled out of Lithgow earlier this week, bound for Central Station and stopping at Katoomba, Springwood, Penrith, Parramatta and other stops along the way. For anyone who’s spent years enduring the clunky charm of the 1970s-era V-Sets, the upgrade is a welcome one – even if it did come at a cost.
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Originally promised by the former Liberal-National government to launch in 2020, the Mariyung rollout was plagued by a series of missteps that saw the budget balloon from $2.8 billion to just under $4.1 billion. The biggest hurdle? The new trains, built overseas, turned out to be too wide for some of the Blue Mountains’ tunnels and too long for several station platforms. Cue a major (and expensive) modification program to widen tunnels and extend platforms – and a very long wait for locals.
But in excellent news for commuters, that wait is finally over. Designed with comfort and safety in mind, the sleek Mariyung fleet brings a whole heap of upgrades: air-conditioned cabins, spacious two-by-two seating, charging ports, tray tables, luggage racks and digital information screens. There’s also CCTV throughout to help deter graffiti and vandalism, plus improved accessibility with dedicated wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets and easier boarding.
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Trains will operate in both 6-car and 10-car configurations, seating up to 823 passengers at full length. (A quick PSA for those hopping on at Linden, Leura or Faulconbridge: platforms at some stations are still too short for all doors to open, so keep an eye on carriage markers.)
Transport Minister John Graham didn’t hold back in acknowledging the rocky road to launch. “Let’s acknowledge the bleeding obvious here,” he said. “Blue Mountains Line passengers waited far too long to see this new intercity train in service. Six years too long, in fact…the very good news is the Mariyung has arrived, and it will significantly improve the commute back and forth to Sydney for the communities along its length.”
Regional Transport Minister Jenny Aitchison echoed the sentiment, calling it a “major step forward” for regional transport. “The new Mariyung trains will make journeys safer, smoother and more enjoyable – connecting people to jobs, education and essential services.”
The Mariyung’s debut on the Blue Mountains Line marks the second stage of its rollout, following its introduction on the Central Coast and Newcastle Line in late 2024. The South Coast Line is next, with a launch planned for 2026.
For many, today’s journey will feel like the end of an era. The beloved V-Sets, known for their retro interiors and bumpy rides, have ferried commuters through the Mountains for nearly half a century. “They’ve served us well,” said Blue Mountains MP Trish Doyle, “but we’re ready for a new chapter.”
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