New Australind rail cars delivering Western Australian jobs

Monday, 19 August 2019

• McGowan Government announces Alstom as preferred proponent to deliver six new Australind rail cars
• 50 per cent of the railcars must be made in Western Australia, creating hundreds of new jobs in construction and maintenance
• $1.28 million upgrades to North Dandalup and Cookernup stations to begin next month
• Key McGowan Government South West transport election commitments moving ahead

The McGowan Government has announced a major step forward in bringing railcar manufacturing back to Western Australia, with Alstom announced as the preferred proponent to deliver 246 C-series trains and six new Australind rail cars.

Under the policy, at least 50 per cent of the railcars must be made in Western Australia, creating hundreds of new jobs in construction and maintenance.

The $1.6 billion project will deliver 246 new railcars over the next decade as well as six diesel rail cars for the Australind - the biggest order of railcars in the State's history.

The target delivery date for the new Australind railcars is 2022-23, subject to final negotiations with the contractor.

Once the contract is finalised, Alstom will also be responsible for maintaining the fleet of rail cars for the next 30 years, creating a pipeline of work for local businesses and maximising opportunities for local workers and local content.

Funding of up to $20,000 is available through the Local Capability Fund to assist local businesses interested in working on METRONET projects in improving their capability and competitiveness in supplying goods and services.

While the design details are still being finalised, the McGowan Government is committed to keeping the same high standard of comfort on the new Australind railcars, with comfortable seats and a kiosk available for purchase of refreshments and snacks.

It's anticipated the new railcars will also be much more efficient and, similar to the new C-Series metropolitan railcars, more aesthetically pleasing.

Work will begin next month to upgrade North Dandalup and Cookernup train stations, another key election commitment.

The $1.28 million upgrades will improve passengers travelling experience with the stations to be sheltered, accessible via ramp or stairs and with seating for three people.

Upgrades will also be made to the existing low-level platforms raising the platforms so they are fully compliant with Disability and Discrimination Act standards. 

Two car bays and one ACROD bay, line marking and bollards, new kerbing and bitumen surfaces will also be installed.

The station upgrades are expected to be complete early next year.