Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson and Member for Maryborough Anne Maddern inspected the train before it begins final test runs and external work ahead of its first service on October 28.
“Seeing the first train in our $200 million investment in the future of Queensland’s long distance rail travel come off the workshop floor is a major milestone,” Mr Emerson said.
“The Spirit of Queensland route will be serviced by a brand new Tilt Train and two refurbished Tilt Trains, replacing the retiring Sunlander by late 2014.
“Bookings for the first journey later this month are now open and I would encourage anyone who wants to be part of history to get in quick as tickets are selling fast.”
The new-look train has undergone a major refurbishment including a whole new fit out with state-of-the-art rail beds, new premium economy seating and on-board entertainment options installed throughout the train.
Ms Maddern said Downer would deliver the train to Brisbane today with final maintenance, training and commissioning runs to occur over the next few weeks, including a new look exterior.
“It was also great to see the progress underway on the brand new Tilt Train and four new power cars,” Ms Maddern said.
“The government is proud to support the local region through this project, as well as boosting tourism in the area, with more than 69,000 long distance rail customers stopping in Maryborough in the last financial year.
“This is in addition to more than 3.5 million people who used trains to travel up and down the Queensland coast over the past 60 years.”
Refurbishment of the second Cairns Tilt Train will get underway in Maryborough early next year.
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