A C-Series train heralded the Armadale line’s re-opening. There was just one problem

The reopening of the Armadale line and unveiling of the shiny new station at Byford on October 12 was a big affair – and it needed a gleaming new train built in WA to match the occasion.

Which is why the government arranged for a C-Series to travel to the south-eastern fringe of the city as its chariot for the day.

The C-Series train arriving at Byford Station on October 12.Credit: PTA

There was just one problem. C-Series trains can’t actually be used on the upgraded Armadale line for regular service.

It has led to accusations from the opposition that Labor was trying to “hoodwink” the public for a media opportunity.

C-Series trains come assembled as 143 metre-long, six-car sets, whereas many of the older stations on the Armadale line – like Sherwood and Challis – are only long enough to handle the 96-metre A-Series four-car sets, or 72-metre B-Series three-car sets.

“Rita Saffioti, the premier, and their Labor mates can use the C-Series trains for a media opportunity, but commuters on that line can’t,” opposition transport spokesman Steve Martin said.

“The rollout of these Temu trains is pure Labor theatre. A train shipped from India, covered with ‘Made in WA’ stickers, dodgy seats bolted on, demisters off and relying on a $26 Bunnings squeegee, rushed in for the cameras for an opening of a line it won’t be running on.

“Labor ministers love an announcement, a chance to wear a hard hat and cut a ribbon, but they need to get the basics right.”

However, a spokesman for Transport Minister Rita Saffioti rubbished Martin’s claims and said the C-Series was selected because it had enough capacity to handle the number of guests who attended the opening event.

“As has been the case for all new train lines, a community event and inaugural first train ride was held to mark the major milestone,” he said.

“Like a number of other train line openings including the Ellenbrook Line, Yanchep Rail Extension and the Thornlie-Cockburn Line, a C-Series train was used for the first train ride as it has larger capacity to support the number of people invited to the commemorative first train ride.

“The rest of the trains operating throughout the day were A and B-Series trains.

“As the government has made clear previously, C-Series trains will initially operate on the Yanchep and Mandurah lines due to the size of platforms at older stations on the heritage lines.

“The PTA is undertaking a long-term body of work to upgrade smaller platforms around the network to support six-car trains.”

The Byford rail extension is the final extension of Labor’s Metronet network and has been hailed a success, with commuter numbers from stations like Armadale and Gosnells in line with what they were before the entire line was shut in November 2023 to start the works.

Figures revealed by Saffioti earlier this week suggest Byford is recording more than 1000 boardings a day.

The line, which included a viaduct raised line through Armadale as well as new raised station and the new Byford station, was originally expected to cost $797 million, but that blew out to $1.33 billion.

Lengthening the platforms

With the Armadale line limited to A-Series and three-car B-Series trains, the line has benefited from increased services to deal with increased passenger numbers.

But the four-car A-Series sets will start dwindling by the end of the decade as that class retires.

The government has plans to increase platform lengths at older stations under its platform and signalling upgrade program, which has not yet been funded.

Saffioti said the government continued to discuss the platform program with the Commonwealth, which was on Infrastructure Australia’s priority list.

“Infrastructure Australia’s priority list recognises these lines as being of national significance, and the PTA is currently progressing detailed planning to identify platform extension requirements for stations on these lines,” she said.

“It’s important to note that three car B-Series railcars can continue to operate along these heritage lines before the platforms are extended.”

Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.