Spiffy new trains that have quietly begun running on some of Sydney’s busiest train lines have been heralded as a ‘game changer’ for commuters.
The state-of-the-art Mariyung Fleet has levelled up the train ride experience, with mod cons like roomier seats, charging ports for devices, dedicated storage for bulky items, accessible on-board toilets and improved customer information displays.
The new trains first rolled out on the Sydney to Central Coast and Newcastle line in December 2024 – and are now operating on that line for every service.
Then in October 2025, the fleet began operating on the Blue Mountains line. For now, the new trains run alongside the older V-set trains, with plans to eventually phase out the older ones.
And commuters have certainly responded positively to the transport upgrade.
A commuter from Penrith told Daily Mail: ‘The improved toilets, seat trays and USB power are a game changer. It’s such a nice trip with the new trains.’
The regular rider also had a hot tip for those who regularly travel the Blue Mountains line and wanted to ensure they catch one of the newer trains.
‘In the TripView app, if you were to tap onto one of the individual services, it shows you exactly which train it’s going to be. So I aim for the Mariyungs, always.’
The slick new Mariyung Fleet of trains has quietly rolled out on several of Sydney’s busiest train lines
The roomy and comfy seats were described by one commuter as ‘honestly better than most aircraft’
These comments echoed a recent online discussion that was abundant with praise for the new trains.
It was all kicked off by one man who shared his excitement after riding the new Mariyung trains for the first time.
‘They are so comfy, honestly better than most aircraft,’ he declared in a post on an online forum. ‘Could easily see myself falling asleep and forgetting to get off.’
His comment and picture quickly sparked enthusiasm from commuters eager to try them out.
‘Damn, need to try one of these while they’re still new,’ read one reply.
‘I haven’t been on a Newy to Sydney train in a couple of years. But if that’s what they are like, I may have to make a run next week.’
‘They do look comfy,’ agreed another.
Others who had ridden the train were in wholehearted agreement with the original post – and were especially taken by the upgrades.
The new trains have been designed with a number of features for a more comfortable riding experience, including a dedicated luggage storage zone
‘These feel and look like the seats in bullet trains, they’re so comfortable!’ agreed one person.
‘You can charge your phone – and, for now, it’s great charging speed,’ commented another.
‘I prefer them quite a bit to the old purple V-sets,’ read one longer analysis. ‘The toilets and lack of carpet are a vast improvement, and they must be a lot easier for the oldies to get on and off.’
However, not everyone was won over by the new trains, and the seating in particular. A few felt the new chairs were uncomfortable, but the bigger gripe was that there were fewer compared to the old train carriages, and they couldn’t be swivelled when the train changes direction.
One person explained that they felt the seats ‘filled up quicker during peak hour’ on the new trains, making it harder to get one.
‘The sitting backwards is mildly annoying,’ they added.
Several complaints centred around the new carriages needing better soundproofing , with some even noting that perhaps the lack of carpet contributed to noises echoing more around the carriage.
That being said, there was general consensus that no carpets were a better cleanliness option.
Dedicated bike storage spaces are among the features within the new trains
‘How often would [the old carpet] have had dog s*** or spew or food trod into them and how often were they steam cleaned? I think it contributed to the kinda rank smell,’ one person observed.
Transport NSW has also declared that the Mariyung fleet is on track to commence operations on the South Coast Line sometime in 2026.
When the Mariyung Fleet first launched in 2024, they were the first new intercity trains to hit the tracks in two decades.
At the time of the 2024 rollout, Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said their arrival was ‘exciting for train travellers’, noting that ‘these trains will change the game in terms of comfort on the longer journeys between Sydney’ as well as offering ‘improved accessibility and increased safety and security’.
The new fleet boasts a more comfortable travel experience thanks to wider, more spacious two-by-two seating, armrests, tray tables, and high seat backs.
The carriages also contain upgraded mod cons like charging ports for mobile devices, as well as dedicated storage areas for luggage, prams and bicycles.
Modern heating, ventilation and air conditioning also features within the new carriages for a comfortable ride.
The Mariyung Fleet also offers improved accessibility, including dedicated space for wheelchairs and accessible toilets.
The Mariyung Fleet commenced running on the Sydney to Central Coast and Newcastle line in December 2024, and the Blue Mountains line in October 2025. It will commence running on the South Coast Line sometime in 2026
Safety and communication features were also enhanced on the new trains, with digital information screens for announcements, CCTV and emergency help points installed.
It was well reported that the introduction of the Mariyung Fleet was controversially delayed by several years. The previous government was required to implement a range of modifications to the trains themselves along with the platforms and tunnels in order to accommodate the new fleet.
But now that it’s up and running on multiple Sydney train lines, it seems commuters are in agreement that it was ultimately well worth the wait.
