Better trains on track

PEAK hour rail trips between the Gold Coast and Brisbane are about to get a lot more comfortable, with flashy new trains and more regular services promised.

The duplication of track from Helensvale to Coomera is on schedule, which will mean extra services at peak times from October.

Queensland Rail will deploy flashy new NGR trains to the line which come equipped with better comfort, safety and security features and include Wi-Fi in all six cars.

The new rail stock, unlike some trains previously used on the Coast line, also have onboard toilets with baby change facilities.

Queensland Rail has 15 NGR trains in the State and five of those are currently undergoing on-track testing on the South East Queensland rail network.

Deputy Premier Jackie Trad told the Bulletin: “On-track testing is the final testing before the trains are accepted and able to safely carry passengers.

“We are confident the first NGR trains will commence on the network by the end of this year and they will be used exclusively on the Gold Coast line until after the Commonwealth Games.”

Ms Trad also announced the Government’s Coomera to Helensvale line duplication project was almost completed.

She said the new section of track would be commissioned during the Queen’s Birthday long weekend in October.

“This project will deliver the capacity needed to double the number of trains travelling to the Gold Coast in morning peak and back to Brisbane in afternoon peak,” Ms Trad said.