Hatch secures major contract for Sydney Trains’ Tangara Fleet Life Extension project  

Sydney, Australia - Hatch has been awarded a key contract by Transport for NSW (TfNSW) to deliver engineering services for the Tangara Fleet Life Extension project, solidifying its role as a trusted partner in shaping the future of Sydney’s rail network. This initiative aims to extend the service life of the Tangara fleet, allowing its iconic trains to continue serving the community while new fleet procurements are in progress. 

“TfNSW is extending the life of the Tangara sets by a further 10 years to provide the necessary time to procure the new ‘Future Fleet,’ which will be manufactured locally with at least 50% local content to support and sustain skilled rail industry jobs in New South Wales,” said NSW Minister for Transport Jo Haylen. 

With a strong track record of delivering high-quality engineering solutions for TfNSW, Hatch will lead the engineering for a comprehensive updated design, test new systems, and produce the necessary verification evidence for the modified sets to return to service. The project will incorporate new technologies, including a modern train control system, advanced closed-circuit television, improved passenger information systems, increased accessibility for disabled travelers, automated announcements, and an enhanced event recorder. These updates will improve operational reliability and safety, ultimately elevating the passenger experience.

“This win is a testament to the exceptional capabilities of our team and our ongoing commitment to delivering world-class rolling stock engineering services,” stated Andrew Whitten, director of Vehicles and Operations at Hatch. 

The Tangara fleet, whose name originates from the Aboriginal Gadigal word meaning “to go,” will continue to play a central role in Sydney's transportation network. When the oldest Tangara sets retire in the mid-2030s, they will have been in service for over 50 years, covering approximately 10 million kilometers. 

This project adds to a successful 2024 for Hatch in Australia, following recent achievements such as the Inner West Light Rail Vehicle Project Management extension and the Cleaner Track Maintenance Machine procurement. These accomplishments further establish Hatch as a key partner in the modernization of Sydney’s rail infrastructure. 

Hatch’s expertise has played a crucial role in prior TfNSW projects like the SGT Waratah B Set Project, which laid the groundwork for the Tangara upgrade contract. Hatch’s team of experienced engineers, recognized by TfNSW for its past contributions, will bring extensive knowledge to ensure the Tangara sets return to service seamlessly.