The first Metronet train manufactured by Alstom in Western Australia has been rolled-out from Bellevue railcar manufacturing facility following the completion of high-voltage testing.
The new train will be sent to the Nowergup depot next month for an extensive dynamic validation testing period. The train will soon conduct dynamic testing to ensure the units will move more than 103,000 passengers daily as safely, efficiently, and smoothly as possible.
Testing will include braking and acceleration, operational systems, passenger comfort, and energy consumption, ensuring the train is ready for passenger service. It is crucial the train is tested in a live environment, with existing signalling and communications systems. This will be conducted outside regular passenger service hours where possible to minimise disruption to the network.
The Metronet train is expected to enter passenger service by the end of 2023.
The new C-Series railcars, and Australian railcars will be delivered over a 10-year period as part of a contract awarded by the Public Transport Authority of Western Australia (PTA) in December 2019. Under the contract, Alstom is responsible for the design, supply, manufacturing, testing and commissioning of 41 6-car electric trains (EMUs) and two 3-car diesel (DMU) trains and 20 years maintenance of the EMU trains and maintenance support services for the DMU trains.
The new EMUs will replace the ageing A-series trains, and six new diesel railcars will replace the existing Australind service between Perth and Bunbury.
The EUR 800 million contract also includes options for additional 30 EMUs and a further two options of 5 + 5 years of maintenance.
The new railcars will run along the Joondalup and Mandurah lines, two of the busiest services on the Perth network.
The Bellevue facility, situated at the end of the Midland Line, includes a 180m-long building with a railcar assembly area and was inaugurated in 2021 as part of Western Australia’s railcar programme. With the additional completion of the high voltage testing facility, all testing and commissioning can now occur in Western Australia instead of using interstate and overseas suppliers. The railcar manufacturing and assembly facility is operated by Alstom Australia. The facility is set to be expanded further with a new diesel maintenance facility, B-series maintenance facility, bogie and railcar wash facilities and railcar wheel lathe meaning manufacturing and maintaining railcars can continue in the state for years to come.
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