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Transperth B-series train

The B-series trains are a class of electric multiple unit built by Downer Rail in Maryborough, Queensland for Transperth between 2004 and 2019.

Design

Each set consists of three semi-permanently coupled cars designed to be used in either a three-car or six-car formation. The trains were designed to use AC motors rather than DC traction motors like the previous A-series, and to have a maximum service speed of 130 km/h (81 mph).^: 116

In each set, IGBT inverters power eight AC traction motors distributed along the three cars, providing a 66% motorised unit.^: 10

These trains are similar in design to Queensland Rail's IMU160/SMU260 EMU, V/Line VLocity DMU, and Adelaide Metro 4000 class EMU trains. The B series trains were originally built concurrently with the V/Line VLocity.

History

Perth's first electrified trains, the two-car A-series, entered service in September 1991.

In May 2002, a $437 million contract for the construction of the initial 31 three car B-series trains and the Nowergup depot was awarded to EDI Rail–Bombardier Transportation Joint Venture. These railcars were purchased to provide enough capacity for the Joondalup line extension to Clarkson, the Thornlie line spur from the Armadale line, and the Mandurah line. Of the total contract value, $24 million was for the railcar construction, $34 million was for the Nowergup depot construction, and $114 million was for the maintenance of the railcars for ten years. The trains were specifically optimised for the higher possible speeds and greater station spacing on the newer Joondalup and Mandurah lines: contemporaneous planning documents expected that all-stops services on the older Fremantle, Armadale, and Midland lines would likely lead to overheating problems with the propulsion and braking systems.^: 118

Platforms at the original stations on the Joondalup line had to be lengthened to accommodate the six-car trains,^: 74 as did Platform 1 at Showgrounds and both platforms at West Leederville. The Mandurah line stations, along with Butler, Clarkson,^: 85 Currambine and Greenwood on the Joondalup line, and the rebuilt Kelmscott station on the Armadale line, were built with longer platforms.

In December 2006, the government signed another contract, worth $160 million, with EDI Rail–Bombardier Transportation Joint Venture for 15 more three car B-series trains to be used on the Joondalup and Mandurah lines. In 2009, the first of these additional railcars were delivered, allowing several A-series trains to be moved from the Joondalup and Mandurah lines to the other lines on the network, and for frequencies to increase on the Mandurah, Joondalup, Fremantle and Midland lines. The first entered service on 28 June 2009.

In May 2011, the government announced 15 more three car B-series trains worth $164 million would be ordered to cater for the extension of the Joondalup line to Butler, and a general increase in capacity on the network. These trains were ordered in July 2011. In August 2012, this order was increased by two, to cater for the planned Aubin Grove station, and in November 2012, this order was increased by five, to make the total order be for 22 three car trains. The final cost was $243 million. With the final delivery from that order, all trains operating on the Joondalup and Mandurah lines were B-series trains.

Funding for an additional 10 sets was announced in the May 2016 state budget with delivery planned for 2018-20 these sets will provide additional capacity on the existing network as well as service the Forrestfield–Airport Link when it opens in 2022. The B series fleet will total 78 3-carriage sets. As of April 2019 all 78 3-car sets have been delivered with 78 3-car sets in service.

In service

As of 2024, B-series railcars operating as six-car sets are not the only trains used on the Joondalup and Mandurah lines. The A series and new C series trains run rarely on the lines as well. B-series railcars operating in three-car sets are the only trains used on the Airport line.

The B-series trains are cleared to operate on the Midland, Armadale/Thornlie and Fremantle lines and are regularly used on these lines alongside the older A-series: fears of adverse impacts on the trains due to the short station spacing were found to have been unwarranted, except in extreme operating conditions such as with both high temperatures and low line voltage.^: 10 However, as some stations on these lines have insufficient platform length to handle six-car sets, they are usually operated as 3-car sets. The newer Airport line services use three-car B-series sets for the same reason.