Sydney’s iconic V-set trains have completed their final passenger service, marking the end of more than five decades of operation on key intercity routes.
First introduced in 1970, the stainless steel V-set fleet served millions of passengers travelling between Sydney, the Central Coast, Newcastle and the Blue Mountains. Over its lifetime, the fleet travelled a distance equivalent to almost 300 trips to the moon.
Known for their stainless steel exterior and distinctive ‘bush plum’ interior seating, the final train was repainted in the classic ‘Blue Goose’ blue and grey livery for its farewell journey before joining the heritage fleet.
The last service departed Lithgow at 5.47am and arrived at Central Station at 8.32am, pulling into platform two to mark the full transition to the Mariyung intercity fleet on the Blue Mountains Line.
The Mariyung trains began replacing V-sets on the Central Coast and Newcastle Line in December 2024 and were introduced on the Blue Mountains Line in October last year. The modern fleet forms part of a $458 million program aimed at improving reliability and passenger experience across the intercity network.
Designed to meet contemporary travel needs, the Mariyung trains feature additional leg room, high-backed seating, tray tables, mobile device charging ports, accessible toilets and designated spaces for wheelchairs, bicycles and prams.
Since their introduction, the new fleet has been well received by commuters, with transport authorities reporting improved safety outcomes and a reduction in security and vandalism incidents on routes where older rolling stock has been replaced.
When the V-sets first entered service between Sydney and Gosford, and later extended to Newcastle and the Blue Mountains, their double-deck design represented a significant advancement in high-capacity rail travel. They were widely regarded for their reliability and smooth performance on longer intercity journeys.
At least four carriages from the ‘Blue Goose’ train used for the final service will be retained for heritage purposes, while the future of the remaining 81 retired carriages is still being assessed.
Sydney Trains recently completed an Expression of Interest process, open to heritage groups and private collectors, for the acquisition of retired carriages, with applications currently under review.
Mariyung trains are also scheduled to be introduced on the South Coast Line in the first half of this year.
Minister for Transport, John Graham, said the V-set fleet had played a significant role in connecting communities for generations.
“These are the trains that for over two generations have carried tourists, commuters and train enthusiasts alike,” Graham said.
“In more than five decades on the tracks, the fleet has travelled the equivalent distance of going to the moon about 298 times.
“This farewell marks the full introduction of the intercity Mariyung fleet on the Blue Mountains Line, bringing a major step up in comfort and accessibility.”
Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison, said the V-sets had become an iconic part of regional and intercity travel.
“The V-sets were considered luxurious when they first entered service in the 1970s, and over the decades they became a much-loved part of travel between Sydney, Newcastle, Lithgow and Wollongong,” Aitchison said.
“Now it is time to say farewell and deliver the full complement of Mariyung trains to the Blue Mountains Line.”
Sydney Trains Chief Executive, Matt Longland, said the transition marked both the end of an era and the beginning of a modernised fleet.
“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 at Central Station,” Longland said.
“While it is a day for nostalgia, it is also important to modernise our fleet for the benefit of passengers across the intercity network.
“We look forward to continuing the rollout of more comfortable and accessible trains, including on the South Coast Line.”
