The last of the state’s V-set trains has pulled into Sydney’s Central Station for the final time after five and half decades in service.
The workhorse fleet of V-sets have travelled the equivalent distance of 298 times to the moon since hitting the tracks in 1970, serving millions of Sydney Trains passengers.
Notable for their stainless steel panelled exterior and distinctive ‘bush plum’ coloured seats and interior, the final V-set has been freshly sprayed in the classic ‘Blue Goose’ livery of royal blue and grey for its final run before entering retirement among the heritage fleet.
“These are the trains that for over two generations have carried visiting tourists, weary commuters and train lovers alike,” said Minister for Transport, John Graham.
“We all know these trains, whether that’s by their distinctive stainless-steel exterior with the ‘blue goose’ livery or the ‘bush plum’ coloured seats inside, often referred to as ‘eggplant’.
“Happily, this farewell marks the full introduction of the intercity Mariyungs on the Blue Mountains Line bringing a major step up in comfort and accessibility.”
The final run left Lithgow at 5.47am to arrive at Central at 8.32am on 30 January. The train’s departure marks the full introduction of the modern intercity Mariyung fleet on the Blue Mountains Line.
Mariyungs began taking over from the V-sets on the Central Coast & Newcastle Line in December 2024 and were then introduced on the Blue Mountains Line from October last year.
With extra leg room, high seat backs, tray tables for laptops, charging ports for mobile devices, accessible toilets and designated spaces for wheelchairs, bikes and prams, the Government says the Mariyung has been warmly received this year by intercity commuters.
“It will be emotional when the Blue Goose heads down the Blue Mountains for the last time, and we will give the V-sets a fitting farewell for their 55 years of service at Central Station,” said Chief Executive of Sydney Trains, Matt Longland.
“While it’s a day for nostalgia, it’s also important we modernise our fleet for the benefit of the millions of train passengers that use the intercity network every year.
“So, it’s exciting to be delivering on the full Mariyung rollout on the Blue Mountains Line, and we look forward to launching these more modern, comfortable and accessible trains on the South Coast Line soon.”
At least four carriages of the ‘Blue Goose’ V-set used for the final service will be retained for heritage purposes, while the future of the remaining 81 retired V-set carriages is still being determined.
Sydney Trains recently completed an Expression of Interest open to the public – including heritage groups and private collectors – to acquire the retired carriages, with applications currently being assessed.
“The V-sets were described as luxurious when they first hit the tracks in the 1970’s, and over the decades they have become a much-loved and iconic part of travel between Sydney, Newcastle, Lithgow and Wollongong,” said Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison.
“Now it’s time to say final farewells to the trains affectionately known as the ‘steel rattlers’ and deliver the full complement of Mariyungs to the Blue Mountains Line.
“The Mariyung trains represent a major upgrade – offering improved comfort, safety and accessibility features.”
Mariyung trains are currently targeted to be launched on the South Coast Line by the first half of this year.
