The Waratah: Sydney's next generation trains

From 2010, when these next generation trains progressively enter passenger service, Sydney commuters can expect:

• Smart air-conditioning, which automatically adjusts to the temperature and number of passengers;
• Increased security with additional internal and external closed-circuit TV (CCTV) monitoring covering all areas of the train carriage;
• Improved safety and strengthened design - including advanced fire detection technology which alerts crew and the Rail Management Centre;
• New carriage configuration so passengers can walk through the entire train for quicker evacuation from either end of the train in an emergency;
• Additional passenger Emergency Help Points on the train with direct access to the guard, supported by CCTV cameras;
• Improved disability access including additional handrails, priority seats with more wheelchair spaces - 16 per eight carriage train;
• Advanced passenger information and communication system with automatic announcements and electronic screens highlighting the trains stopping pattern and approaching station;
• Wider entrance areas in the train vestibule to promote faster boarding and alighting resulting in less station dwell time; and
• New communications technology which allows real-time data feeds to relay train performance information and improve maintenance management.

Waratah train specifications