Adelaide will have at least 34 electric multiple unit (EMU) trains from Bombardier after 12 were added to the manufacturer’s orderbook late last week.
Bombardier said on June 28 it had won a contract variation from the South Australian Government. The variation calls for 12 three-car EMU trains for an undisclosed fee, to be manufactured at Bombardier’s Dandenong workshops in Victoria.
Once complete, the deal will bring Adelaide’s A-City EMU fleet to 34.
Bombardier Transportation’s President for South East Asia and Australia Region, Wendy McMillan, said the news was a welcome extension of what has been a good relationship for some time.
“Since 2005, Bombardier has been supporting Adelaide’s mobility needs with its diesel and electric commuter trains and this contract variation is another huge endorsement of our workforce and the quality of the products designed, built and maintained here in Australia,” McMillan said.
“We are proud to deepen our long-term partnership in this important market, built on a strong track record of delivery performance, best-in-class rail technology and value-adding long-term solutions; which has laid the foundation to further support South Australian Government’s great efforts to meet a higher demand for public transport that will ensure the comfort and ease of every passenger’s journey.”
The three-car A-City trains operate on Adelaide’s Seaford and Gawler line, and can accommodate 240 passengers seated and 300 more standing. The trains won a Good Design Award at the 2015 Australian International Design Awards, and the company says it achieves more than 60 per cent local content with each train.