Bombardier Transportation announced an order from Australia’s Queensland Government to deliver modifications to the New Generation Rollingstock (NGR) trains currently being introduced to the South-East Queensland rail network.

The total value of the contract is approximately $255 million, which includes design and delivery, as well as ongoing maintenance, over the remaining term of the public-private partnership.

Bombardier is leading the Qtectic consortium contracted to deliver the NGR project and will undertake the work to modify the trains in line with the government’s revised design specifications with industry partner Downer EDI. The agreement between Bombardier and the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) will see the previously approved toilet modules upgraded for improved disability access. The changes will also include an additional module added to each six-car train to provide improved access for passengers with limited mobility.

Features of the new trains include capacity for 964 passengers in each six-car train, onboard Wi-Fi, CCTV throughout the train, LCD infotainment displays, toilet modules, 12 allocated spaces for mobility aids, and more enhancements to the passenger experience.

Bombardier has created more than 2,000 local jobs across the industry and supply chain throughout this project. The design and toilet modification activities will support a further 100 local jobs at Downer’s Maryborough facility in addition to the 145 current Bombardier employees at the Wulkuraka Maintenance Facility.

The NGR project is being delivered under a public-private partnership with the Queensland Government and was awarded to Qtectic, comprising Bombardier Transportation, John Laing, Itochu, and Aberdeen Standard Investments. The project includes the design and delivery of 75 new passenger trains, construction of a new maintenance center at Wulkuraka, Ipswich, and 32-years of fleet maintenance.