The first C-Series EMU for Perth manufactured by Alstom will entered into passengers operation on Mandurah and Joondalup lines and in the future on the Yanchep Rail extension, comprising a 14.5 km new line and three new stations.
Prior to entering passenger service, the first EMU train has undergone vigorous testing and validation by Alstom on the Perth rail network. The C-series train is based on the X’trapolis commuter train platform, featuring enhanced energy efficient technologies. It is designed to accommodate future upgrades through the train’s operational life. Each train can carry 1,200 passengers and includes three double passenger doors per side of each car for enhanced passenger flow. The train can reach peak speeds of 130 km/h with a 35-year service life and will be maintained by Alstom.
Featuring higher-backed seats, upgraded displays and USB ports under select seats, the rail cars will help more passengers ride safely, reliably, and comfortably on the Joondalup and Mandurah lines and service the growing rail network facilitated through the METRONET program of works.
The delivery of the commuter train is part of a EUR 800 million contract for the design, supply, manufacturing and testing of 41 six-car electric trains and two 3-car diesel (DMU) trains. The contract includes options for additional 30 electric multiple units and further two options for a total of a 10-year period of maintenance service provision.
The 144 metre-long C-Series train, manufactured Metronet’s Bellevue manufacturing site in Perth, has seen the transfer of the latest railway technologies and manufacturing processes to create one of the most technologically advanced train manufacturing sites in Australia.
The new train has improved energy efficiency and reliability and is fitted with regenerative braking to reduce energy consumption. It is equipped with modern passenger information systems including audio, visual and digital, as well as counting systems to provide passenger loading data.
The train has three doors on each side of every railcar for easy access, reduced loading times and better passenger distribution along the train and is designed for universal access to meet disability standards for accessible public transport.
The new train has a capacity of 400 seats and is capable of carrying more than 1,000 passengers and will transport more than 103,000 daily passenger boardings.
The first C-Series EMU for Perth as part of the Western Australian Government’s Metronet Railcar Programme for passenger service. Made from over 50% local materials and providing and providing over hundreds of jobs for Western Australians, the train is the first of 41 that will join Perth’s commuter rail network.
“We committed to bringing railcar manufacturing back to WA – and to see the first C-series train make its inaugural trip today will be a proud moment for all Western Australians. We’re continuing to exceed our local manufacturing target of 50 per cent – with 15 local businesses across Perth currently delivering key components for the trains,” Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said.
The C-series train has a modern design with higher passenger capacity than both the A-series and B-series trains. Each set will be six cars with a driver cab at either end and additional doors on each side to improve passenger flow and reduce dwell times at stations. It is expected these new trains will travel around 220,000 km a year. They have the ability to travel at speeds of up to 130 km/h and have a service life of 35 years.
The train is an important moment for Western Australia which marked the return of train manufacturing in the state in 2019. After 27 years, railcar manufacturing has returned to Western Australia at the purpose-built Bellevue railcar manufacturing and maintenance facility, operated by Alstom Australia.
The railcar programme will deliver 246 new C-series railcars to service new Metronet projects, replacing the older A-series trains, and six new diesel railcars to replace the existing Australind service between Perth and Bunbury.
In a first for public transport in Perth, railcars can now undertake their extensive testing regime. In June 2021 the facility was completed to allow the first railcar to be built and will work at least 10 years to deliver the 246 new C-series railcars. With the additional completion of the High Voltage Testing Facility, all testing and commissioning can occur in Western Australia instead of using interstate and overseas suppliers.
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 rail cars can continue in Western Australia for years to come.
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