View source for Transperth A-series train

{{Short description|Type of Transperth train}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2021}}
{{Use Australian English|date=November 2021}}
{{Infobox train
| background = #87CEEB
| name = Transperth A-series
| image = Hugh llewelyn 209 (5680733149).jpg
| caption = A-series 09 between Bassendean and Ashfield
| interiorimage = Transperth A Train (cropped).jpg
| interiorcaption = Refurbished interior
| stocktype = 
| service = 1990–present
| manufacturer = [[ABB]]/[[Adtranz]] and [[Walkers Limited|Walkers]]
| factory = [[Maryborough, Queensland]]
| family = 
| replaced = [[ADK/ADB class diesel multiple unit|ADK/ADB]] and [[ADL/ADC class diesel multiple unit|ADL/ADC]] class diesel railcars
| yearconstruction = 1990-1999
| yearservice = 
| refurbishment = 
| yearscrapped = <!--We advise that you accompany additions to this field by a source from Transperth, WA Public Transport Authority, or news media.-->
| numberbuilt = 96 carriages (48 sets)
| numberservice = 96 carriages (48 sets)
| numberpreserved = <!--We advise that you accompany additions to this field by a source from Transperth, WA Public Transport Authority, or news media.-->
| numberscrapped = <!--We advise that you accompany additions to this field by a source from Transperth, WA Public Transport Authority, or news media.-->
| successor = [[Transperth B-series train|B-series]], [[Transperth C-series train|C-series]]
| formation = 2-car sets
| fleetnumbers = 01-48{{indent|5}}AEA: 201-248{{indent|5}}AEB: 301-348
| capacity = 148 seated<br>164 standing<br>(2-car set as delivered)
| operator = [[Transperth Train Operations|Transperth]]
| depots = [[Claisebrook railway depot|Claisebrook]]
| lines = [[Ellenbrook line|Ellenbrook]], [[Armadale line|Armadale]], [[Fremantle line|Fremantle]], [[Midland line, Perth|Midland]], and [[Thornlie–Cockburn line|Thornlie–Cockburn]]

 ([[Yanchep line|Yanchep]], [[Mandurah line|Mandurah]] weekday peak and stadium events)
| carbody = Stainless steel
| trainlength = {{convert|48422|mm|ftin|frac=16|abbr=on}} (over coupler faces)
| carlength = {{convert|24211|mm|ftin|frac=16|abbr=on}} (over coupler faces)
| width = {{convert|2.89|m|ftin|frac=16|abbr=on}}
| height = {{plainlist|
* {{convert|3699|mm|ftin|frac=16|abbr=on}} (excluding roof equipment)
* {{convert|3922|mm|ftin|frac=16|abbr=on}} (including roof equipment)
}}
| floorheight = 
| platformheight = 
| entrylevelorstep = 
| doors = Pneumatic sliding pocket, 2 per side of car
| art-sections = 1
| wheeldiameter = 
| wheelbase = {{convert|2500|mm|ftin|frac=16|abbr=on}}
| maxspeed = {{plainlist|
* {{convert|120|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} (design)
* {{convert|110|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} (service)
}}
| weight = {{convert|94|t|abbr=on}}
| axleload = 
| traction = [[ABB]] [[Gate turn-off thyristor|GTO]]–[[phase-fired controller]]<ref>{{cite web|title=New metro rail Perth 'B' series electric multiple units|url=https://railknowledgebank.com/Presto/content/GetDoc.axd?ctID=MTk4MTRjNDUtNWQ0My00OTBmLTllYWUtZWFjM2U2OTE0ZDY3&rID=NTE2&pID=Nzkx&attchmnt=True&uSesDM=False&rIdx=MjU4OQ==&rCFU=|publisher=Railway Technical Society of Australasia|access-date=6 March 2023|archive-date=19 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219080725/https://railknowledgebank.com/Presto/content/GetDoc.axd?ctID=MTk4MTRjNDUtNWQ0My00OTBmLTllYWUtZWFjM2U2OTE0ZDY3&rID=NTE2&pID=Nzkx&attchmnt=True&uSesDM=False&rIdx=MjU4OQ==&rCFU=|url-status=live}}</ref>
| traction motors = 6 × ABB {{convert|195|kW|abbr=on|0}} DC motor
| poweroutput = {{convert|1.17|MW|abbr=on|0}}
| tractiveeffort = 
| transmission = 
| acceleration = {{convert|0.8|m/s2|abbr=on}}
| deceleration = {{convert|1.12|m/s2|abbr=on}}
| aux = 
| powersupply = 
| hvac = 
| electricsystem = {{25 kV 50 Hz}} (nominal) from [[overhead line|overhead catenary]]
| collectionmethod = [[Pantograph (transport)|Pantograph]]
| uicclass = Bo′Bo′+Bo′2′
| bogies = Fabricated steel
| brakes = Electro-pneumatic braking (Davies and Metcalfe)
| safety = [[Hitachi Rail STS|Ansaldo STS]] L10000 ATP
| coupling = {{plainlist|
* [[Scharfenberg coupler|Scharfenberg]]
* [[Dellner]] (2012 and 2022 refit)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dellner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Reference-projects-Dellner-Australia.pdf |title=Dellner Australia's Footprint |access-date=14 August 2023 |page=16 |website=[[Dellner]] |archive-date=19 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230319201342/https://www.dellner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Reference-projects-Dellner-Australia.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
}}
| gauge = {{track gauge|1067mm|lk=on}}
| notes = Sourced from<ref name="tp-wa">{{cite web |title=A-Series EMU Car Review, Paper tabled to WA Parliament |url=https://www.parliament.wa.gov.au/publications/tabledpapers.nsf/displaypaper/3912874cc5fc39f2e6de87f348257e440005910a/$file/tp-2874.pdf |website=Parliament of Western Australia |access-date=19 April 2016 |archive-date=24 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230124094324/https://www.parliament.wa.gov.au/publications/tabledpapers.nsf/displaypaper/3912874cc5fc39f2e6de87f348257e440005910a/$file/tp-2874.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> except where noted
| seating = Longitudinal
}}

The '''A-series trains''' are a class of [[electric multiple unit]] built by [[Walkers Limited]] in [[Maryborough, Queensland]] for [[Transperth Train Operations|Transperth]] between 1991 and 1999. When introduced in 1991, the A-series trains became the first electric passenger trains to operate in [[Western Australia]] and until 2004, were the only type of train in use on the [[Perth]] suburban rail network.

== History ==
Studies for the electrification of Perth's suburban rail network began in 1984 and in 1988 43 two-car electric railcars were ordered from [[Walkers Limited]], [[Maryborough, Queensland|Maryborough]]. Prior to this, Perth's rail transport network consisted of three railway lines radiating from Perth and operated by a mixture of diesel railcars and diesel locomotive hauled trains. In 1979, one of these lines, the [[Fremantle railway line|Fremantle line]], was closed but reopened in 1983 following a change in [[Government of Western Australia|State Government]].

The trains were transported across the continent on [[standard gauge]] bogies and converted to Western Australia's {{RailGauge|3ft6in|lk=on}} gauge standard locally. The first set, set 01, arrived in September 1990 and immediately became the subject of industrial action at [[Westrail]]'s [[Midland Railway Workshops]] over a pay dispute and the impending one-man train operation which the new trains would ensure.

Testing of the new trains began soon afterwards and mostly on the [[Armadale line]] while the electrification process continued. While the trials were largely successful a number of negative points were noted, not the least of which were braking issues and the creation of a harmonic vibration from the train's bogies which caused nausea in otherwise healthy passengers.

The trains entered revenue service on the 28 September 1991, running [[Perth Royal Show]] specials and by April 1992 had virtually taken over the suburban network timetables, with only a very limited number of services still operated by the older diesel trains. The last entered service on 30 October 1992.

Some sets have been named:
* 01 [[Perth|City of Perth]] named 11 April 1992
* 02 [[Armadale, Western Australia|City of Armadale]] named 11 April 1992
* 03 [[City of Swan|Shire of Swan]] named 11 April 1992
* 04 [[Fremantle|City of Fremantle]] named 11 April 1992
* 05 [[City of Wanneroo]] named 21 March 1993
* 43 [[Maryborough, Queensland|City of Maryborough]] named 30 October 1993

The new trains revolutionised the commuter services on the Perth network, but their success was marred by project delays and a number of early accidents. Some of those accidents involved collisions with motor vehicles at unprotected level crossings, the increased speed and quieter operation as opposed to the older, slower and louder, diesel trains being considered as a contributing factor. In three accidents within the first twelve months of operations three fatalities - all in motor vehicles - were suffered.

Other accidents did not involve loss of life and some, such as a collision between sets while shunting at the train depot at [[Claisebrook railway depot|Claisebrook]], meant that some sets were mixed while their other half underwent repairs. Several months in 1993, for instance, saw the pairings of AEA226 and AEB339, and AEA217 and AEB326. When repairs were completed the original set combinations were restored.

Additionally, a number of teething troubles soon presented themselves, such as braking problems which meant that trains would sometimes fail to stop in the space required and thus not be correctly positioned at the station platforms. These problems were eventually overcome and the type has provided stable service ever since.

In April 1997, a further five were ordered, entering service in 1998/99.<ref>New Suburban Trains for Brisbane and Perth ''[[Railway Digest]]'' June 1997 page 14</ref> These sets introduced longitudinal seating and the current green [[Transperth]] livery to the fleet, and with detail improvements including internal information panels, extra security cameras and quieter wheel motors, were subsequently dubbed 'second generation' sets. They are externally identical. Some of the first generation trains were then progressively updated to bring them inline with the more recent units.<br />

== Configuration ==
{{Unreferenced section|date=October 2023}}
There are currently 48 two-car A-series trains in operation. Each set consists of two semi-permanently coupled cars, designated AEA and AEB, both of which have a driver’s cab and powered [[bogie]]s. It is common practice to operate them only as either two- or four-car consists, but three sets may be coupled together to make a six-car train. 

Originally, the majority of A-series trains featured two inward-facing rows of bench seats either side of the car forward of the front set of doors and to the back of the rear set of doors, with two-seat rows running down each side of the car in between the doors. In this configuration each car has the capacity to carry 72 seated and 82 standing passengers, giving unmodified the A-series trains a total capacity of 308.

However, since 2010, all sets have been reconfigured with two inward-facing bench rows running the entire length of the car. This reduces the number of seats available but increases standing room capacity. Each car has 1-2 wheelchair spaces available.

== Upgrades ==
Over time the A Series has had many upgrades, Those include new External Destination Indicators (EDI) and Internal Passenger Information Displays (PID), Passenger Emergency Intercom (PEI), USB Charging and Onboard Public Address System for controlling Announcements which were designed and supplied by COMRAIL.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://comrail.com.au/index.html|title=Comrail &#124; HOME|access-date=16 May 2020|archive-date=4 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200304113204/http://comrail.com.au/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Upgrades to the traction/brake traction controllers were made by retrofitting the fleet with a controller similar to those found in the B Series. The controllers improved operation comfort and control reliability, as the older controller design caused discomfort to the driver if used for long periods of time and suffered from a very "Notchy and inconsistent" feel when changing between traction and brake levels.<ref name="tp-wa" />

== In service ==
The A-series trains mainly run on the [[Fremantle railway line|Fremantle]], [[Midland line, Perth|Midland]], [[Armadale line|Armadale]] and [[Thornlie–Cockburn line|Thornlie–Cockburn]] lines. Until late-2016, the [[Yanchep line|Yanchep]] and [[Mandurah line|Mandurah]] lines were also serviced by 12 two-car A-series trains at high-demand periods, coupled together to make 4 cars. From 2024 until the opening of the Thornlie-Cockburn Line on 8 June 2025, upon which they were reallocated to the new line, A-series trains were occasionally operating as 6-car consists in service between Cockburn and Yanchep, primarily on the "W" patterns between Cockburn and Whitfords.
[[Transperth C-series train|C-Series]] trains have also been made and are servicing these lines as well.

=== USB charging ports ===
[[File:Walkers A-Series (43 and 44)-USB Charging Ports.jpg|thumb|The USB charging ports on A-Series Sets 43 and 44]]
In early-2016, A-Series Sets 43 and 44 were fitted by COMRAIL<ref name="comrail.com.au">{{Cite web|url=http://comrail.com.au/home_002.htm|title=Comrail &#124; Projects|access-date=16 May 2020|archive-date=4 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200304113133/http://comrail.com.au/home_002.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> with [[USB]] charging ports as part of a 6-month trial which was deemed successful. The USB port were designed and built by COMRAIL for the PTA to handle the harsh conditions and were tested to rail specifications.<ref name="comrail.com.au"/><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://thewest.com.au/news/australia/transperth-gives-power-to-commuters-ng-ya-137234|title=Transperth gives power to commuters|first=Acott|last=Kent|work=[[The West Australian]]|date=2016-02-19|access-date=11 September 2018|archive-date=12 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912022434/https://thewest.com.au/news/australia/transperth-gives-power-to-commuters-ng-ya-137234|url-status=live}}</ref> They are located at the wheelchair bays, on the exterior of the door housing alongside the priority seats and beside the inter-carriage gangway door.

== See also ==
* [[Transperth B-series train]]
* [[Transperth C-series train]]
* [[Suburban multiple unit#200 series|Queensland Rail Suburban multiple unit]]
* [[Interurban multiple unit#100 series|Queensland Rail Interurban multiple unit]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

=== Bibliography ===
{{refbegin}}
* {{MayGray-WAGRPassCar}}
{{refend}}

== External links ==
{{commons category|Transperth A-series}}

{{Perth public transport}}
{{WAGR Railcars|state=collapsed}}

[[Category:Electric multiple units of Western Australia]]
[[Category:Passenger rail transport in Perth, Western Australia]]
[[Category:Train-related introductions in 1991]]
[[Category:25 kV AC multiple units]]
[[Category:Adtranz multiple units]]
[[Category:Walkers Limited multiple units]]
[[Category:ABB multiple units]]