Alstom has marked a major milestone in Australian rail manufacturing with the successful introduction of the first Australind train into passenger service for the Public Transport Authority of Western Australia.
The new train, named Marley, completed its inaugural passenger journey on 29th June, travelling from Perth to Bunbury in approximately two and a half hours. The launch concluded with a large-scale community event in Bunbury, underscoring the significance of the project for the region.
The Australind deployment forms part of the wider WA Railcar Program, awarded to Alstom in 2019 and valued at approximately €800 million (£690 million / AUD $1.3 billion). Under the contract, Alstom is delivering 252 railcars for 41 Electric Multiple Units (EMU), and 12 railcars for 4 Diesel Multiple Units (DMU).
All trains are being manufactured at Alstom’s facility in Bellevue, Western Australia, marking a return of large-scale rail production to the state.
The programme has generated substantial economic and social benefits, including:
- Around 50% local content in C-series trains
- Creation of hundreds of local jobs
- Strong engagement with local suppliers
- Development of apprenticeships and training schemes, including an Aboriginal pre-employment programme delivered with Northern Metropolitan TAFE
The full fleet of four Australind trains – Marley, Kwilena, Koombana, and Linda – will be rolled out progressively as manufacturing, testing, and commissioning activities continue.
Each train has been designed with passenger comfort and accessibility in mind, featuring:
- 158 seats per train
- Spaces for six wheelchairs
- Storage for 14 bicycles
- Accessible toilets
- Onboard Wi-Fi
- USB-C charging ports
- Expanded luggage space
These features position the Australind trains as a modern, passenger-centric solution for regional rail travel.
Commenting on the milestone, Guillaume Tritter, Managing Director of Alstom ANZ, said:
“The ongoing investment and partnership of the West Australian Government has been critical to restoring not just the Perth to Bunbury service, but the continuity of local rail manufacturing, the local supply chain and high skilled jobs in the State. The first Australind trip is a milestone only made possible because of our incredible local workforce and the deep partnership we have with the West Australian Government.”
“This is a locally built train, combining our global technological excellence in rail manufacturing with local Australian knowhow to deliver a great outcome for the people and communities of South West WA.”
The Australind and Perth’s C-series trains are part of Alstom’s X’trapolis platform, within the wider Adessia commuter rail portfolio. These trains are designed to support urban and suburban networks worldwide by increasing capacity and easing congestion.
Globally, Alstom-built commuter trains are already enabling more than 20 million passenger journeys every day across over 60 systems, demonstrating the scale and maturity of the technology now being deployed in Western Australia.
Image credit: iStock
