Sydney Bids Adieu to Its Final Silver-Set Passenger Trains

Sydney has said farewell to its last K-set passenger trains, marking the end of an era for the city's stainless-steel suburban rail network. The final journey of these iconic trains, which were introduced in 1981, took place on Friday. Despite initial concerns about vandalism, the last service proceeded with hundreds of passengers boarding at Central Station. The train, driven by Sydney Trains' longest-serving driver, Vince Vassiliou, and overseen by the most senior guard, Pat Breen, both of whom have spent 59 years in the railway industry, made its way to Olympic Park. The retirement of the K-sets signifies the end of Sydney's stainless-steel suburban train fleets, a journey that began with the introduction of the first S-set in 1972.

Key facts

• The last passenger service by Sydney's K-set trains took place on Friday.
• The K-sets were introduced in 1981 and were the first to introduce air-conditioned carriages to Sydney's commuters.
• Sydney Trains' longest-serving driver, Vince Vassiliou, and the most senior guard, Pat Breen, both of whom have spent 59 years in the railway industry, were in charge of the final journey.
• The retirement of the K-sets marks the end of Sydney's stainless-steel suburban train fleets, a journey that began with the introduction of the first S-set in 1972.

Sources

• The Sydney Morning Herald