Alstom has delivered the first Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) C-Series train as part of the Western Australian Government’s METRONET Railcar Program for passenger service.
METRONET Perth is a six-line suburban (“S-Bahn”) rail service operating on 181 km of routes radiating from Perth, electrified with power supply of 25 kV 50Hz AC via catenary and running on 1,067 mm gauge. Further extensions are under way, with the Joondalup Line from Butler to Yanchep 4 km expected to open still this year. A network maop is available here:
https://www.urbanrail.net/au/perth/perth.htm.
The delivery of the first new METRONET train into passenger service is a seminal moment for Western Australia which marked the return of train manufacturing in the State in 2019 with the award to Alstom of a €800M (AUD$1.3 billion) contract for the design, supply, manufacturing and testing of 41 six-car electric (EMU) trains and 2 three-car diesel (DMU) units.
The C-Series train are manufactured by Alstom at METRONET’s Bellevue manufacturing site in Perth achieving 50% local content including 15 local Western Australian subsuppliers.
Prior to entering passenger service, the first EMU train has undergone vigorous testing and validation by Alstom on the Perth rail network since 2022. The C-series train is based on Alstom’s service proven 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.
Pictures: © Alstom
