❓ A parliamentary question regarding the cost differences between A, B, and C-series trains, specifically questioning the impact of local manufacturing versus overseas shipping on cost efficiency. The Minister's answer deflects, criticising the previous government's approach to rolling stock procurement.
AnsweredQoN 593Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the Minister's answer to pre-hearing Estimates questions in relation to per-railcar cost for A-, B- and C-series trains, which factored in inflation to March 2025, and I ask: (a) is the assessed $7 million comparison cost per A-series railcar 117% greater than the C-series railcar cost of $3.233 million due to the fact that the A-series were 100% Made in WA at the Bassendean plant, rather than shipped from overseas like the C-series railcar bodies; (b) is the assessed $5 million comparison cost per B-series railcar 54% greater than the C-series railcar cost of $3.233 million because the railcar bodies were manufactured in Australia, rather than shipped from overseas like the C-series railcar bodies; (c) if no to (a), what is the reason for the jump in efficiency in relation to railcar manufacturing suggested by the Minister's answer; and (d) if no to (b), what is the reason for the jump in efficiency in relation to railcar manufacturing suggested by the Minister's answer?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
15 October 2025
Responded by
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Transport
Response time
5 days
(a-d) The WA Government entered into a long-term contract with Alstom that allowed the Government to get value for money.
The previous Liberal-National Government made ad-hoc purchases of rolling stock because it did and still does not value public transport. Only 2 per cent of these trains were made in WA.
The previous Liberal Government also had no plan for a new train series.
The previous Liberal-National Government made ad-hoc purchases of rolling stock because it did and still does not value public transport. Only 2 per cent of these trains were made in WA.
The previous Liberal Government also had no plan for a new train series.
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