A NEW TRAIN SERVICE: Unfamiliar on the Lithgow railway system until now but that’s all soon to change. The Endeavour set to be used on the Bathurst-Sydney daily service is pictured at Lithgow station during its trial runs. The photo was contributed by observant reader Robert Gilbey. lm081312train
THERE has been a new presence on the railway system through the Blue Mountains Line to delight trainspotters in recent days.
Making its debut is the so called Bathurst Bullet, the train soon to begin once a day runs between Bathurst and Sydney and return.
It will be the first time in many years Bathurst residents have had access to a direct morning rail link to Sydney.
At present they have to join City Rail trains at the Lithgow interchange after travelling by private car or Countrylink bus.
Premier O’Farrell announced approval for the new service earlier this year following extensive lobbying by residents.
Shakedown runs began last week and are continuing this week, much to the delight of observant railway buffs.
The reason for the excitement is that the train being used on the run is one of the Endeavour class sets not previously seen on the Blue Mountains line.
Trial runs were continuing yesterday and will resume on Thursday and Friday.
The early morning service out of Bathurst is expected to begin in October and the Bathurst Chamber of Commerce has warned residents to ‘use it or lose it’.