The first full six-car C-series train manufactured in Western Australia is now ready to leave Bellevue for an extended dynamic validation testing phase after passing high voltage testing.
The new train will operate on the Mandurah and Joondalup lines for about a year, outside of passenger service hours, to assess how it functions in a real-world setting.
This will involve testing the train’s braking and acceleration, operational systems, passenger comfort, and energy usage, with the train expected to be ready for passenger services in late 2023.
WA Premier Mark McGowan said the ten-year contract to deliver 246 new C-Series railcars over the next 10 years will see 130 workers directly employed at the Bellevue workshop, and hundreds of jobs created through the local manufacture of train components such as bogie frames, battery boxes and passenger seats.
“In a WA first since 1994, we are bringing back railcar manufacturing and delivering on our promise to build trains locally and create local job opportunities,” the Premier stated.
“Western Australians will soon see locally built trains on our rail lines as we undertake critically important testing to ensure the railcars are ready to enter service next year.
“Congratulations to all of the workers involved in reaching this milestone and helping to bring back railcar manufacturing to WA.
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the new C-series will initially operate along the Joondalup and Mandurah lines to maximise capacity along the two busiest lines.
She said the rigorous testing program will ensure the future railcars will be able move more than 103,000 daily boardings on these lines as safely, reliably and smoothly as possible.
“With railcars previously built outside of WA, this level of testing has never occurred locally. It is an extremely important step in making sure the millions of passengers boarding the new trains each year will enjoy a safe, reliable and smooth journey,” Minister Saffioti continued.
“After this year of rigourous testing on the network in a live environment, the new train will begin passenger services, and will have the ability to move more people than the current trains.
“By 2029 we will see 246 new C-series railcars locally built at our Bellevue facility, which will service Perth’s growing METRONET train network.”
