A growing public transport network needs more trains to service it.
The $1.6 billion Railcar Program will deliver 246 new railcars needed for METRONET projects and to replace the ageing A-series trains, which were the first electric trains on the Transperth network. It will also replace the five diesel railcars that operate the twice daily Australind service between Perth and Bunbury.
World-class railcar manufacturer Alstom Transport Australia, has been announced as the preferred proponent to build the new C-series railcars.
Delivery of the first C-series railcars is expected to begin in 2022, with all of the trains expected to enter service between 2022 and 2029. This project will allow increased capacity on the rail network to cater for boosted passenger numbers with wider and additional passenger doors making it easier and quicker to get on and off. It will also improve service efficiency and reliability, as the older A-series trains are retired.
The Railcar Program has been identified as a Strategic Project under the WA Jobs Act 2017, which has additional requirements for local job creation. With a target of 50 per cent local content for the manufacturing of the new trains, this project will bolster our local manufacturing industry and maximise WA jobs.
Contract negotiation with preferred provider Alstom is now underway.