❓ Opposition questions the testing and quality control of the C-series trains, citing union concerns. The Minister rejects the premise, highlighting extensive testing, public feedback, driver input, job creation, and collaboration with the RTBU.
AnsweredQoN 304Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the rushed rollout of the Government's C-series trains, and media reports of a union survey outlining train drivers' concerns, and I ask: (a) with respect to the testing and quality control of C-series railcar manufacturing prior to the introduction of the first train to passenger service: (i) when and where did the testing and quality control of the railcars, prior to being placed onto tracks, take place; (ii) when and where were trials undertaken on rail tracks; (iii) what faults or concerns were identified during this testing and quality control phase; (iv) in reference to (iii), what actions were taken to remedy the faults; (v) in reference to (iii), were all faults remedied prior to introduction into service; (vi) were any of the faults or concerns identified in (iii) determined to be of not sufficient importance to prevent the rollout of the C-series; (vii) if yes to (vi), what were they; (viii) once entered into service, were any railcars recalled for remediation of further work; (ix) if yes to (viii), for what reason, and what remediation action took place for each issue identified; (x) in reference to (viii), please identify the days on which each recall occurred; and (xi) for each date in (x), please identify the date on which the train/ impacted railcar was returned to service?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
12 August 2025
Responded by
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Transport
Response time
5 days
(a) I reject the premise of the question.
The C-Series trains underwent an extensive testing and commissioning process, with all trains obtaining all technical and safety approvals required under the relevant technical standards and rail safety legislation required to enable rollout to passenger service.
A full-scale model of two-thirds of a C-Series train carriage was exhibited in Yagan Square during the April 2021 school holidays, with members of the public invited to provide feedback on the ‘mock-up’.
A Drivers Cab Committee comprising of several Transperth Train railcar drivers and other operational staff was created in August 2020 and continues to meet regularly with the PTA and Alstom to seek input and endorsement of various aspects of the drivers cab design.
Over 225 staff are employed directly at the Bellevue Railcar Manufacturing Facility, with several indirect jobs created through suppliers and broader economic uplift.
Information about the C-Series contract and budget can be found on TendersWA and in the State Budget Papers.
The PTA and the State Government have been working constructively with the RTBU to incorporate driver feedback on changes that will improve driver comfort and operability.
The C-Series trains underwent an extensive testing and commissioning process, with all trains obtaining all technical and safety approvals required under the relevant technical standards and rail safety legislation required to enable rollout to passenger service.
A full-scale model of two-thirds of a C-Series train carriage was exhibited in Yagan Square during the April 2021 school holidays, with members of the public invited to provide feedback on the ‘mock-up’.
A Drivers Cab Committee comprising of several Transperth Train railcar drivers and other operational staff was created in August 2020 and continues to meet regularly with the PTA and Alstom to seek input and endorsement of various aspects of the drivers cab design.
Over 225 staff are employed directly at the Bellevue Railcar Manufacturing Facility, with several indirect jobs created through suppliers and broader economic uplift.
Information about the C-Series contract and budget can be found on TendersWA and in the State Budget Papers.
The PTA and the State Government have been working constructively with the RTBU to incorporate driver feedback on changes that will improve driver comfort and operability.
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