New items have been added to the on-board menu of NSW TrainLink’s long distance train services in time for summer’s peak travel season.
Some of the most popular new items are rice paper rolls, granola yoghurt and specialty flavoured pies such as beef, cheese and bacon and chicken and mushroom.
Other recent additions are a snack pot – carrot and celery with hummus – salad bowls, a chicken and avocado panini, and an Italian club baguette.
There are also some new additions that were introduced in winter and have stayed on the menu for summer, such as butter chicken and rice.
NSW TrainLink regularly reviews its menu and changes it seasonally to keep it fresh and appealing, while retaining popular favourites on its existing menu.
The menu develops as a result of trends, customer feedback and advice from NSW TrainLink staff about what passengers like and what types of foods and snacks work well on long rail journeys.
Menu items are served daily on the buffet cars of the XPTs and XPLORERS which travel to Brisbane, Melbourne, Canberra, Casino, Moree, Armidale, Griffith and Dubbo.
As part of a recent menu refresh, some hot meals are now served in segmented containers so that components like rice and meat are in separate compartments, helping to preserve texture and flavour when heated.
Where possible, NSW TrainLink uses food sourced from regional areas and the current menu includes pies and sausage rolls from a bakery in the state’s central west.
NSW TrainLink will continue to cater for dietary needs including offering gluten free, halal, and vegetarian menu options.
Chief Executive Roger Weeks said NSW TrainLink is continually looking at ways to improve customers’ experience of long-distance train travel.
“We have listened to our passengers about what food options they’d prefer and we hope they love the modern, fresh additions such as healthy snacks and substantial meals while retaining old favourites like pies,” Mr Weeks said.
“So far, the feedback from our passengers about the refreshed menu has been positive.
“In line with our commitment as an affordable public transport provider, our menu is also budget friendly, with all items priced under $20 and best sellers like Devonshire tea, complete with two scones and jam and cream, for $8.50.
“Coming into our peak travel season of Christmas and the summer holiday period, we look forward to helping people sit back and enjoy the journey, perhaps enjoying a bite or a drink while we take care of the driving.”