However, they will have to be patient before getting to ride in what is being described as the next generation train fleet for customers travelling longer distances from the South Coast, Blue Mountains, Central Coast and Newcastle.

Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian says a number of local and international companies had applied to deliver and maintain the fleet. She said the government is investing $2.8 billion on the project, which will include about 65 trains, totalling 520 carriages, and would be configured specifically for intercity customers.

Bathurst MP Paul Toole said yesterday he believes the new trains would, at some stage, replace the old Endeavour train that does the Bullet run.

“The next generation fleet will first be put into service in the metropolitan area,” he said. “As they are rolled out they are expected to be used on the Bathurst run, but don’t hold your breath. This probably won’t happen over the next 12 months.”

Mr Toole said that earlier this year, the NSW Government called for expressions of interest to deliver and maintain the new fleet of trains.

Respondents to the Expressions of Interest include Alstom Transport Australia Pty Ltd, Bombardier Transportation Australia Pty Ltd, Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles S.A. (“CAF”), Downer EDI Rail Pty Ltd and CNR Changchun Railway Vehicles Co Ltd, yundai Rotem Company, Stadler Bussnang AG UGL Rail Services Pty Ltd, Mitsubishi Electric Australia Pty Ltd and CSR Corporation Ltd.

Ms Berejiklian said Transport for NSW will review the expressions of interest responses, and later this year will invite a shortlist of respondents to submit a detail-ed tender, to supply and maintain the fleet.

She said customers are also being asked for their feedback on the fleet, to find out exactly what they want when it comes to the design and comforts of the new trains.

The next generation trains will come into service progressively, with the first trains delivered by 2019 and the rest of the fleet being delivered through to 2024.