Alstom’s first C-series railcar for Metronet is on its way to the network operator’s Nowergup depot to begin dynamic testing in mid-September.
Having completed high-voltage testing at Alstom’s Bellvue facility, the railcar will now undergo dynamic testing on its braking and acceleration, operational systems, passenger comfort and energy consumption.
This will take place across the network outside of regular passenger service hours to avoid disruption.
“Alstom is delighted to have completed the first six-car train in the Bellevue facility. These locally manufactured trains will provide a boost to the local economy and provide ongoing local jobs for local workers.
“The next 12 months of dynamic testing will ensure these trains meet Alstom’s rigorous quality standards in order to provide a safe, comfortable, and reliable public transport option for the people of Western Australia.”
The new C-Series railcars will be delivered over a 10-year period as part of a contract agreed between Alstom and the Public Transport Authority of Western Australia (PTA) back in 2019.
Valued at 1.253 billion AUD (800 million EUR), this was the biggest railcar order in the state’s history.
Under this contract Alstom is responsible for the design, supply, manufacturing, testing and commissioning of 41 x 6-car EMU and 2 x 3-car DMU trains and 20 years of maintenance of the EMU trains and maintenance support services for the DMU trains.
As part of the contract, Alstom built a manufacturing and assembly plant in Bellevue to ensure that at least half of the railcars would be built in the same state as they will operate.
This facility opened in June 2021.
The new railcars will run along the Joondalup and Mandurah lines, two of the busiest services on the Perth network, with the first unit scheduled to enter passenger service late next year.
