Alstom’s C-Series railcar completed its high-voltage testing in Bellevue and is now scheduled to move to the Nowergup depot this September.

The first of the Alstom C-series railcars marks the very first to be manufactured in Western Australia for METRONET and next month will see an extensive dynamic validation testing period undertaken at the Nowergup depot.

The dynamic testing will make sure that the units are capable of moving over 103,000 passengers each day and will monitor safety, efficiency and ride quality including braking, acceleration, operational systems, passenger comfort and energy usage. The train must be tested in a full working environment so that current signalling and communications systems can be observed in operation and take place outside of normal passenger service hours where possible so as not to affect the network.

Mark Coxon, Managing Director of Alston ANZ said: “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 first unit operating in passenger service is expected during late 2023 with the new C-Series railcars and Australian railcars set to be delivered over 10 years as per Alstom’s contract with the Public Transport Authority of Western Australia. The contract requires Alstom to design, supply, manufacture, test and commission 41 of the 6-car electric and 2 of the 3-car diesel trains alongside maintenance for both unit types for 20 years. The new railcars will operate on the Joondalup and Mandurah lines on the busy Perth network.

The production of the trains also marks the first time since 1994 that railcars have been built in Western Australia with 50% of employees coming from the local area in a bid to support local employment and skills development.  Alstom also recently won a contract to supply 100 Flexity low floor trams for the Department of Transport Victoria and will also support local employment.

Mark Coxon went on to say: “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 WA,”