Transperth C-series train
| Company type | Electric multiple unit train fleet |
|---|---|
| Industry | Rail transport |
| Founded | 2019 |
| Headquarters | Bellevue , Australia |
| Products | Alstom X'Trapolis electric multiple units |
| Parent | Metronet |
The Transperth C-series trains represent electric multiple units from the Alstom X'Trapolis range, procured as part of the Metronet initiative. These units began operating on Perth's suburban rail system, initially servicing the Yanchep line and Mandurah line starting 8 April 2024.
History
In April 2018, the Public Transport Authority issued a call for expressions of interest to manufacture 41 six-car electric multiple unit trains. Three shortlisted bidders included:
- Alstom
- Bombardier / EDI Rail
- Momentum West, a partnership between CAF and UGL
On 18 August 2019, Alstom was confirmed as the successful contractor. Assembly of the trains takes place in Bellevue. Of the total sets, seventeen are allocated to support expansions under the Metronet project, while 24 units are designated to replace the aging A-series fleet from 2024 onward.
In December 2019, contract details were disclosed by Alstom with a value near €800 million (AUD1.3 billion). The agreement covers the design, supply, construction, testing, and commissioning of 41 six-car EMUs for suburban routes alongside four three-car diesel multiple units (DMUs) dedicated to the Australind service. The contract stipulates a minimum of 50% local content and includes a 20-year maintenance and support commitment for both EMUs and DMUs.
Between April 3 and 18, 2021, a two-thirds scale mock-up carriage was exhibited at Yagan Square to gather public input. This prototype featured a combination of high-back and bench seats, graphical passenger information systems consistent with earlier models, USB charging ports, and resilient flooring replacing traditional carpeting. The mock-up was also presented at the 2023 Perth Royal Show.
The Railcar Manufacturing and Assembly Facility in Bellevue was officially inaugurated on Western Australia Day, June 7, 2021, and transferred to Alstom to commence production activities. The first completed train was revealed on August 14, 2022, followed by a planned year-long testing period on the Joondalup and Mandurah lines. Testing operations along the Joondalup line between Clarkson and Butler began on December 23, 2022.
Service introduction for these trains occurred on the Yanchep and Mandurah routes on April 8, 2024. A public inaugural journey event was held on April 7 using a lottery system for ticket allocation. By April 24, 2025, eight C-series trains were active with five to six units typically deployed during weekday operations.
Since their launch, passenger feedback has identified concerns regarding seat comfort, lack of hanging straps, and difficulty operating door-opening buttons. In response to these issues, Transperth implemented on April 2, 2025, a feature allowing passengers to select doors prior to full train stoppage—mirroring functionality available on earlier A and B-series models.