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Limited roll-on bikes trial on Sydney-Dubbo XPT services

From Monday 2 September, NSW TrainLink will begin a limited trial allowing a small number of passengers to roll bicycles onto select XPT services travelling between Sydney and Dubbo.

The limited proof of concept trial aims to explore the feasibility of transporting bikes onboard long distance regional trains.

The trial will let a small number of passengers board at Sydney (Central) or Dubbo with their bikes without the need for a bike box, provided they pre-book their tickets and adhere to specific criteria. The trial is only available to passengers travelling on services 427 (Sydney to Dubbo) and 428 (Dubbo to Sydney).

Please note:

  • You must book your bike between 72 and 24 hours before your trip. You can only travel between Monday and Thursday, outside of school holidays.
  • You can only get on or off at Sydney (Central) or Dubbo. You cannot roll your bike on or off at any other stops along the way.
  • Passengers will be offered a roll-on bike place through the usual booking process.

Cost

Under the trial, it will cost $12.10 to take a roll-on/off bike on board the train. The same charge as currently applies for boxed bikes. There is no additional cost to participate in the trial.

Bike specifications

Bikes need to meet the below criteria to participate in the trial:

  • Weigh no more than 20kg
  • Measure between 1500mm to 1800mm in length, 1150mm in height, 400mm peddle width and 720mm handlebar width
  • Have a maximum wheel size of 3 inches   
  • Not have any obtrusive features such as flags, saddlebags or baskets.

Conditions

There are some conditions to travel including:

  • E-bikes are not permitted, as per the current NSW TrainLink luggage policy
  • Bikes must meet size and weight criteria (as listed above)
  • If a bike fails to meet these requirements during check-in, it must be boxed by the passenger. NSW TrainLink will provide the box.
  • Roll-on bikes will be classified as unchecked luggage and carried on at the owner’s risk. NSW TrainLink will not accept liability for any item or possession accompanying the customer and placed in racks, other storage areas or elsewhere within the carriage.
  • Passengers with bikes will be seated directly opposite the bike rack.
  • Passengers will need to arrive 1 hour prior to boarding and proceed to the luggage room to have your bike weighed and measured. 
  • In case of any mid-journey disruptions requiring a coach to complete your journey, bikes will need to be boxed or, if time is restricted, placed into a coach cargo hold unboxed. 
  • Carry bike tools in case of any unforeseen circumstances that may requiring boxing the bike.
  • Passengers are responsible for loading, unloading and securing their bike in the bike rack, following provided instructions. Additional bike locks are not permitted.