Transperth A-series train
| Industry | Rail vehicle manufacturing |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Maryborough , Australia |
| Products | Electric multiple units (A-series trains for Transperth) |
Transperth A-series
The A-series trains are electric multiple units manufactured by Walkers Limited in Maryborough, Queensland specifically for Transperth during the period from 1991 to 1999. Debuting in 1991, these units represented the inaugural electric passenger trains in Western Australia and remained the exclusive rolling stock on the Perth suburban rail system up until 2004.
History
Planning for the electrification of Perth’s suburban rail network commenced in 1984, culminating in a 1988 contract for 43 two-car electric railcars with Walkers Limited, based in Maryborough. Prior to this development, Perth’s rail infrastructure consisted of three lines operated by diesel-powered railcars and locomotive-hauled services. Notably, the Fremantle line had been closed in 1979 but was reinstated in 1983 following a change in government.
The trains were initially delivered on standard gauge bogies before undergoing conversion locally to Western Australia’s narrower gauge. The first trainset arrived in September 1990; however, its introduction was delayed due to industrial disputes at Westrail’s Midland Railway Workshops, centered on pay disagreements and concerns over transitioning to one-person train operations facilitated by the new fleet.
Testing primarily took place on the Armadale line amid ongoing electrification efforts. These trials identified several technical challenges, including braking system malfunctions and harmonic vibrations that caused discomfort among passengers.
Public operation began on 28 September 1991 with special services during the Perth Royal Show. By April 1992, electric trains had become predominant on suburban routes, with diesel services ceasing entirely by 30 October 1992.
Some of the named train sets include:
- 01 City of Perth (April 1992)
- 02 City of Armadale (April 1992)
- 03 Shire of Swan (April 1992)
- 04 City of Fremantle (April 1992)
- 05 City of Wanneroo (March 1993)
- 43 City of Maryborough (October 1993)
The introduction of these trains revolutionized commuter transport in Perth but was accompanied by initial setbacks and early incidents. Collisions at unprotected level crossings increased due to higher speeds and quieter operation compared to diesel counterparts, resulting in three fatalities within the first year—all involving vehicle occupants.
Additional non-fatal accidents occurred, such as a shunting collision at Claisebrook, which led to temporary intermixing of train sets during repairs. For instance, combinations like AEA226 paired with AEB339 were used until original configurations were reinstated.
Early operational difficulties included braking issues that caused improper station stops; these problems were subsequently rectified, allowing reliable service over time.
In April 1997, an order for five more train sets was placed, with these entering service between 1998 and 1999. These newer units featured longitudinal seating arrangements, the current green Transperth livery, onboard information displays, additional security cameras, and quieter wheel motors. Termed 'second generation' sets, they share an external appearance identical to the first generation models, some of which were later retrofitted with similar enhancements.
Configuration
There are currently 48 two-car A-series train sets in operation, each comprising two semi-permanently coupled vehicles, designated AEA and AEB. Both cars are equipped with driver’s cabs and powered bogies. These trains generally run in formations of two or four cars, though it is possible to link three sets together to form a six-car consist.
Initially, the seating arrangement featured two inward-facing bench rows positioned near the doors, complemented by side-facing two-seat rows. This configuration provided 72 seats and standing room for 82 passengers per car, resulting in a total capacity of 308 passengers per train. Since 2010, all units have been refitted with full-length inward-facing benches, which has decreased seating numbers but expanded standing capacity. Each carriage also accommodates one or two wheelchair spaces.
Upgrades
The A Series has seen several enhancements over time, including the installation of new External Destination Indicators (EDI), Internal Passenger Information Displays (PID), Passenger Emergency Intercoms (PEI), USB charging outlets, and an onboard Public Address System—all developed and supplied by COMRAIL. Additionally, the traction and brake controllers were upgraded to models akin to those used in the B Series, improving driver ergonomics and control consistency by addressing the irregular feedback issues found in the previous controllers.
In service
A-series trains predominantly operate on the Fremantle, Midland, Armadale, and Thornlie–Cockburn lines. Up until late 2016, twelve two-car A-series sets also ran on the Yanchep and Mandurah lines during peak hours as four-car formations. Between 2024 and the opening of the Thornlie-Cockburn Line in June 2025, these trains occasionally operate six-car formations on "W" pattern services between Cockburn and Yanchep. The routes are also served by the more recent C-Series trains.
USB charging ports
In early 2016, COMRAIL equipped Sets 43 and 44 with USB charging ports as part of a successful six-month pilot program. These ports, designed to endure demanding rail environments, are installed at wheelchair bays, adjacent to priority seating near door areas, and beside inter-carriage gangway doors.
See also
- Transperth B-series train
- Transperth C-series train
- Queensland Rail Suburban multiple unit
- Queensland Rail Interurban multiple unit
Bibliography