The First Electric Passenger Train In The World,

that is solar powered,

 and operating with paying passengers, a one way ticket is $4 for a ride aboard the train, or $8 return, if you don’t fancy a lovely leisurely walk back to Byron Bay via the beach,

 this marvel is working at Byron Bay, on a disused old railway track along the sandy coast of New South Wales, Australia, a little 1940s “engine that could” has become the world’s first solar-powered train,

 the restored 600 class railcar has been going since 2017, transporting passengers in its vintage carriages with old-world charm in every detail,

 a gorgeous ten minute journey each way, it’s the perfect way to avoid traffic, rolling along the 3km coastal track, powered by the sun,

 the train consists of ex-NSWGR railmotors 661 and 726, modified from diesel power to run on batteries fed from roof solar panels and a charging point in it’s depot,

The Byron Solar Train itself generates up to 6.5kW of power. Solar PV panels on the train storage shed roof produce an additional 30kW –  so that’s enough energy required to operate the train daily, plus power 17.5 three person homes for an entire year. Surplus electricity generated from the train shed roof is exported to the electricity grid and used on heavily overcast days,

and if you think that is good news, it gets even better! The Byron Bay Company is actively seeking drivers to operate their heritage 660 class railcars. Full training will be provided for suitable applicants – all you need is a a “keen interest in railways or transport and a desire to contribute to the community”. Sound like your dream job? Apply here, all photographs from The Byron Bay Company, and there was me thinking that go ahead train companies in France or Japan would have a solar powered working and paying  passenger train by now, but apparently they are well behind Australia, so well done to the followers, supporters and financiers of The Byron Bay Company!