Testing ramped up on the new intercity train fleet this week but no date has been set for their rollout on the Blue Mountains line.
NSW transport minister Andrew Constance and regional transport minister Paul Toole were given a close-up look as the first two new trains travelled on the network under their own power.
"Over the next few months you'll see more of these trains on the network as we progressively test all train systems including automatic train protection, passenger door systems, passenger information, CCTV, ride comfort as well as the maximum speed of 160kph. We'll also be using this time to familiarise the train crew with the new operating systems and technology on board," said Mr Constance.
Mr Toole talked up their arrival for commuters in the Blue Mountains.
"Work is continuing on sections of the Blue Mountains Line, which will enable customers living between Springwood and Lithgow to experience a new train for the first time since the last of the V-Sets were introduced in 1989," he said.
The carriages arrived later than expected and it is still unclear as to when they will run on the Blue Mountains line.
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Mr Constance blamed union disputes for delaying the trains, the Sydney Morning Herald reported, while the COVID-19 situation "could also add to delays", he said.
His excuses did not impress Blue Mountains MP Trish Doyle.
"This is the second big delay for the rollout of a fleet of trains that don't fit the tracks, that are fitted out with low quality, fixed seating and are now later than late," she said.
"This project was never 'on-track' and now Mr Constance is trying to blame his failure on anything that moves. In the firing line at the moment is coronavirus and the union. Minister Constance, it's not them, it's you.
"I've said it once, and I'll say it again - this minister should not be trusted to deliver a pizza, let alone a multi-billion dollar transport project."
But NSW Upper House Liberal MP Shayne Mallard accused Labor of spreading "fake news about the new trains".
"I'm pleased to see the planned multimillion dollar track and station upgrades nearing completion so that Blue Mountains commuters can enjoy the new state of art trains equally with the rest of metropolitan Sydney," he said.
"It should not be forgotten that Labor after 16 wasted years in government failed to deliver new trains for the Blue Mountains community. Only the Berejiklian government is delivering new trains for the Blue Mountains."
The new trains will feature non-reversible two-by-two seating, charging points for mobile devices, as well as storage for luggage and bicycles.