The V-sets served the line from 1970 until 2026, and their replacement with modern Mariyung trains signals ongoing modernization of Sydney’s rail network.

Not all reactions were celebratory; some commuters, like Kristine Thompson, found the unusually crowded platform and the presence of influencers perplexing on the final journey.

The V-Set, first introduced in 1970, was celebrated for modern features at the time such as automatic doors, air conditioning, and reversible seats that encouraged social bonding among passengers.

Public sentiment reflected nostalgia rather than frustration, as commuters and families recalled childhood memories and everyday routines associated with the Blue Goose trains.

Crowd enthusiasm extended beyond adults to children, including seven-year-old Sayan Poudel, who remarked that it’s time to say goodbye to the models that have operated since 1970.

The V-Set class will be succeeded by the Mariyung Fleet, which offers improvements like larger bathrooms and a quieter ride, though seats on the newer trains cannot be flipped.

At Central Station, the train’s arrival was met with rapturous applause and cheers, with music from a band marking the moment as doors closed on an era.

The final V-set train service through the Blue Mountains to Sydney marked the end of an era for a 55-year-old fleet, with enthusiasts and families gathering for one last ride on the historic carriages.

The NSW V-Set train, in service for 55 years, made its final run on January 30, 2026, departing Lithgow and terminating at Sydney Central after a commemorative journey.

The final V-set train, freshly painted in the iconic Blue Goose livery, operated with full passenger loads, causing some stations to be skipped due to crowding.

Thousands of enthusiasts and rail fans gathered at Central Station for the farewell, with live music and fanfare marking the occasion and some delays due to high demand.

Rail lovers Crystal and Ben Parker, along with their six-year-old son Luke, traveled overnight to Central and reached Lithgow, then boarded the last service in the early morning, underscoring the strong sentimental value attached to the V-sets.