Description
Reliance Rail’s fleet of 78 eight car Waratah trains is Sydney Trains’ largest and most reliable fleet, making up roughly a third of the suburban passenger fleet and providing almost half of total passenger journeys. These modern, air-conditioned passenger trains, maintained at our purpose built maintenance centre, provide Sydney commuters with comfortable, safe, secure, and accessible train travel.
In partnership with the New South Wales government, Reliance Rail was established in 2006 to finance, design, manufacture and maintain Sydney’s Waratah train fleet until 2044, under the Rolling Stock Public Private Partnership (Rolling Stock PPP) project. The first Waratah train began passenger service in July 2011 and the 78th and final train entered service in May 2014.
Acknowledgments – People
- Lindsay Scown – Reliance Rail
- David Jennings – Reliance Rail
- Louise Iida – Reliance Rail
Acknowledgments – Suppliers
- Chad Tregear – Downer Group
- Caitlin Golder – Downer Group
Testimonial (Project Executive)
“Achieving an IS Rating demonstrates Reliance Rail's commitment to sustainable asset management and continuous improvement. The rating process has helped us benchmark our operational performance and identify opportunities to deliver long-term environmental, social and economic value.”
- Michelle Meng, Safety and Sustainability Manager – Reliance Rail
Rating Highlights
| Category | Credits | Achievements |
| Management Systems | Man-1 | Established governance processes that integrate sustainability into day-to-day operations, supported by regular performance monitoring and continuous improvement across the asset lifecycle. |
| Waste | Was-1
Was-3 |
Implemented waste reduction and recycling initiatives aligned with Downer Rail's circular economy approach, increasing resource recovery and reducing waste sent to landfill. |
| Energy & Carbon | Ene-1
Ene-3 |
Improved operational energy management through ongoing monitoring and efficiency initiatives to reduce energy consumption and associated greenhouse gas emissions. |
| Climate Change | Cli-1
Cli-2 |
Established and maintained climate change policies, processes and management plans to identify, assess and manage climate-related risks while supporting operational resilience and continual improvement. |
Verified Innovations
| Name | Verification Date | Innovation Type | Description |
| HVAC Software Program | 01/07/2026 | First innovative technology or process – Australian First | TfNSW has engaged Downer through the Sydney Growth Trains Project to develop a program of Fleet Enhancements that could occur on all or each of the SGT, Waratah and Millennium Fleets. This program aims to implement new, innovative technology solutions that can deliver quantifiable benefits to Sydney Trains and their customers (improved: safety, customer experience, operational performance, advertising revenues; reduced: energy consumption, operational costs).
This initiative had been endorsed by Australasian Railway Association (ARA) as Australian First initiative implemented in the Rail Industry. The initiative had also been supported by Reliance Rail’s TLS Contractor, Downer and the software supplier, Knorr-Bremse (KB). |
