Oscar project

The first Oscar train entered service on 21 December 2006. As at 23 October 2011, Oscars are operating 1222 services per week to destinations including Wyong, Kiama and Springwood.

These state-of-the-art double-deck trains feature:

• Air conditioning
• Reversible, high-backed seats
• A toilet in each four-car set
• Internal destination displays
• CCTV and help points

Project history

Stage 1 - involved the design and manufacture of 41 Oscar carriages. The contract was awarded to United Group Limited Rail (UGL Rail) in February 2003, with the first of the new trains entering service in December 2006.

Stage 2 - involved the manufacture of an additional 81 carriages, with RailCorp extending the contract with UGL Rail in April 2005. The first Stage 2 Oscar train entered service in January 2008.

These first two stages delivered 122 carriages - 30 four-car trains plus two spare control trailer carriages. The total project value was $450 million.

Stage 3

In March 2009, RailCorp signed a $320 million contract extension with UGL Rail to deliver an additional 72 Oscar carriages for the CityRail network. In March 2010 the order was increased to 74 carriages and, in January 2011, was further increased to 99 carriages.

The total value of the Stage 3 project, including new stabling facilities, is $473.8 million.

Manufacture of the Stage 3 carriages commenced on 14 September 2009. The first 4-car train was accepted by RailCorp, after having met the practical completion requirements of the contract, on 24 September 2010. As of 30 June 2011 the first eight 4-car trains have been accepted and have entered service; in each case several weeks ahead of the contract due dates. The balance of the Stage 3 carriages are expected to be in service by mid 2013.

The contract has created around 62 jobs at UGL Rail's Broadmeadow plant in Newcastle where the carriages are being manufactured. The flow-on effect to the Newcastle area is a further 200 jobs with local suppliers and contractors.

A further 40 jobs have been created in the Taree area in support of UGL Rail's Taree facility which supplies parts for the project.

Contract documents

Part A

Part B

Part C

Part D