An Open Letter to the NSW Government and the Rail, Tram and Bus Union: Lessons from the CAF Civity Trains in Wales — and Concerns About the New R Sets
Dear NSW Government and RTBU,
As New South Wales advances the Regional Rail Project, we stand at a crossroads for the future of regional and interstate train travel. The first of the 29 new trains—known as the R Sets, built by CAF—was originally expected to begin service on flagship routes connecting Sydney to Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, and major regional centres across NSW.
But serious questions remain: Are these new trains truly fit for long-distance travel? And are we learning from the real-world experience of similar fleets overseas—particularly in Wales, where CAF’s Civity trains have been operating for several years?
A recent piece in Modern Railways (July 2025) outlines several passenger concerns with the Welsh Civity units that should sound alarm bells here in NSW:
- Uncomfortable Ride Quality: Riders in Wales describe the experience as “like riding a camel at 60mph,” especially over the bogies. That’s not acceptable for hours-long interstate journeys.
- Loud and Inconsistent Climate Systems: The Civity’s air conditioning has been reported to activate with a deafening roar, described as a “Star Trek warp drive,” before shutting down and restarting unpredictably.
- No Sleeper Facilities: Unlike the XPT trains they are replacing, the new R Sets do not include sleeper compartments—despite being scheduled to run on overnight routes like Sydney–Melbourne and Sydney–Brisbane. This is a major step backwards in comfort and convenience for long-haul passengers.
- Inadequate for True Regional Needs: These units are fundamentally based on a suburban platform. They lack the onboard features needed for regional and interstate services: ample legroom, luggage space, dedicated quiet areas, and overnight amenities.
- Poor Design Choices: Window obstructions, cramped seat layouts, and bumpy suspension plague the Welsh Civity units. If not addressed, these same issues may soon frustrate Australian passengers as well.
The Regional Rail Project is about more than replacing old stock—it’s about reimagining what train travel across NSW and Australia should be. It’s about delivering a modern, accessible, and comfortable experience that meets the real needs of our people.
Let’s not compromise on quality. Let’s listen to rail workers, passengers, and regional communities. Let’s make sure that these new trains—our future R Sets—aren’t just new, but fit for purpose.
Sincerely,
A Concerned Passenger & Public Transport Advocate
