Perth’s largest ever railcar contract has been officially signed between Alstom and the State Government. 

Over the next 10 years, Alstom will deliver 246 new-generation C-series railcars (102 for METRONET projects and 144 to replace the ageing A-series railcars), as well as six railcars to replace the Australind. 

The new deal will see a return of local train manufacturing to WA with Alstom confirming it will reach a local content level of 50 per cent, a key target set by the government in the competitive tender process. 

The new railcars will be built at an assembly facility in Bellevue, with tender submissions for its construction currently being assessed. Several contracts have already been awarded to local companies, including a $850,000 contract to supply four cranes, the biggest of which will lift 25 tonnes, recently awarded to Bassendean manufacturer Eilbeck. Meanwhile, a $3.8 million contract to deliver lifting jacks, a bogie press and bogie turntables has been awarded to Cockburn company Vector Lifting.

The new six-car trains will carry approximately 1,200 passengers and have an operational life of 35 years. Some of the features include;

• A combination of seating styles, which will enable more seats to fit on each train and make every door on the train fully accessible
• Additional and wider passenger doors will make it easier and quicker to get on and off
• Technology including USB charging points, LED lighting and regenerative braking
• Floors will no longer be carpeted and will instead be covered in hard-wearing, easy to clean flooring.

The first of the C-series trains will be delivered in 2022, in time to service the Yanchep Rail Extension and Thornlie-Cockburn Link. The Australind railcars will also be prioritised for delivery.

It is expected the $1.6 billion, 10-year project will be delivered about $347 million under budget.