Safety and reliability testing
The new Waratah train fleet will be around for a long time, so we are making sure it meets all RailCorp's requirements.
All 78 Waratah trains, their components and systems will be tested, from the brakes, motors and doors to the on-board communications systems. This will assist in ensuring the new fleet meets performance requirements and is smoothly integrated into passenger service.
The Waratah Safety and Reliability Testing Program will involve thousands of kilometres of safety and performance testing on the CityRail network.
Most tests on the network will be conducted off-peak at night. In some instances, buses may replace train services - however, we are working to ensure any inconvenience to our customers is minimal.
Track test locations have been chosen to allow the Waratahs to be performance tested at different speeds and across a range of environments, with different track grades and curvatures. Where possible, these locations were selected to minimise any inconvenience for our customers and day-to-day network operations.
The Waratah's prototype test train
A four-carriage prototype test train was a key part of the Waratah Safety and Reliability Testing program initiative to assist with the smooth introduction of Sydney's next generation train fleet into service for commuters.
The pre-production test train was used to tune key systems for the Waratah train, such as the traction motor and brakes. Network trials began in Sydney in May 2010, following initial testing in Newcastle. The prototype trials were completed in August 2010, when testing on the first eight carriage Waratah began on the CityRail network.
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