Last 'V-set' train passes through Woy Woy station
The last of the trains that have served the Central Coast for 55 years passed through Woy Woy station at 10:34pm on Friday, June 27.
The "V-set" trains ran from Sydney to the Central Coast every day since June 1970.
They ran from Sydney to Newcastle from 1984.
Altogether, they were estimated to have travelled 140 million kilometres.
Member for Gosford Ms Liesl Tesch said: "The old V-set carriages have been a mainstay on the Central Coast and Newcastle line over the years, carrying generations of passengers to and from Sydney.
"I'd like to take a moment to say thank you to the workers who originally built the V-set trains, as well as those who have lovingly maintained and updated them for so long.
"I know many of our fantastic train drivers, guards and transport teams have safely transported our community over the years in the V-set services.
"The V-set have served our community well for many years, but in saying goodbye to the V-sets we welcome the Mariyung fleet with accessibility at front of mind.
"Millions of passengers travel on the Central Coast and Newcastle line every year, and I am thrilled that the Mariyungs will provide a more comfortable, accessible, and safe service for all.
"The retirement of the 21 stainless steel, double-deck trains allows the full implementation of the 10-carriage Mariyung trains, providing a more spacious cabin, more comfortable seating, accessible toilets, charging ports and many more security and safety features."
The final V-set service to Newcastle departed Central Station at 9.20pm Friday and arrived at Newcastle shortly after midnight Saturday, passing through Woy Woy at 10:34pm.
Ms Tesch said: "The V-sets were built in Granville by Commonwealth Engineering - known as Comeng - between 1970 and 1989 and were described as 'the most luxurious commuter stock in the world' when they hit the tracks.
"By June 30, 19 Mariyung trains will have entered service and be fully deployed on the Central Coast and Newcastle Line, with all 38 local stations able to accommodate a longer 10-car configuration.
"The Mariyung has extra leg room, high seat backs, tray tables for laptops and charging ports for mobile devices.
"The Minns Labor Government is committed to returning rail manufacturing, recently launching industry engagement for the Future Fleet Program, which is seeking to revive domestic manufacturing, create thousands of jobs and boost the economy."
V-sets will continue to run on the Blue Mountains line before they are replaced by Mariyungs.
The South Coast line will get Mariyungs following their introduction to the Blue Mountains.
SOURCE:
Media release, 27 Jun 2025
Joely Langmaid, Office of the Member for Gosford