In a major milestone, the Gawler line will run with all electric trains from next week as another new train enters service.
This new train is the tenth new Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) train to join the Adelaide Metro fleet to service the Gawler line. The remaining two new trains of the 12 ordered will enter service in coming months.
The testing and commissioning of this latest three-car train set has now been completed, meaning the train can go into service in coming days, providing capacity to run full electric services on the Gawler line.
The benefits of the electrified Gawler rail line include:
*cleaner and greener high-performance trains
*an improved customer experience with quieter, faster and smoother journeys for passengers
*better reliability and safety
*decreased noise and no diesel emissions for residents along the rail corridor and passengers at stations
*better energy efficiency through regenerative braking
*encouraging people to take public transport and leave their cars at home.
This another step forward in the transition to an efficient, zero-emissions public transport system to support the State Government’s target of net zero emissions by 2050.
The final two of the 12 EMU trains are planned to be introduced into service by the end of 2023.
These EMUs have been custom-fitted for the Adelaide Metro fleet by Alstom, a locally represented company engaged to provide maintenance services to the metropolitan train operator, Keolis Downer Adelaide.
Once the remaining two EMU trains enter service, Adelaide Metro will have a fleet of 34 EMU trains to maintain fully electric services on the Gawler, Seaford and Flinders lines.
The addition of the tenth train to the Gawler line gives us the capacity to run a fully-electric service on the line. On occasions, it may still be necessary to run on a diesel train on the line due to maintenance and fleet improvements across the network. However, each additional EMU builds greater capacity to continue all-electric services during these periods.
The State Government committed to purchasing 12 new EMU trains as part of the Gawler Rail Electrification Project.
The first of these new EMU trains was introduced into service in April 2022.
As put by Tom Koutsantonis
We’re flicking the switch on a new era for the Gawler line – with sufficient capacity for passengers to enjoy electric trains on every service.
We all know it has been a long journey to this milestone, with years of setbacks, most notably the withdrawal of funding from the then-Abbott Coalition Government in 2013.
The tenth new electric train will enter service next week, with a further two electric trains to be running on the Gawler line by the end of the year.
Electric services not only deliver a better experience for our passengers with efficient, quieter and more comfortable rides, but also supports the State Government to reduce emissions and deliver a greener future.
By leaving your car behind and embracing public transport, you’re actively contributing to easing traffic congestion and supporting sustainability – every train trip takes hundreds of cars off our roads.
