The South Australian Government has announced that from next week, the Gawler line will be run entirely by electric trains as another train enters operation.
The new train is Adelaide Metro’s 10th new Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) train to operate the Gawler line. The last two new trains of the 12 ordered will enter operation in the coming months.
“We’re flicking the switch on a new era for the Gawler line — with sufficient capacity for passengers to enjoy electric trains on every service,” Minister Tom Koutsantonis said.
The testing and commissioning of the newest three-car train set is now complete, which means the train may enter service in the coming days, allowing full electric services on the Gawler line.
According to the State Government, the announcement is a step towards transitioning to an efficient, zero-emissions public transport system to support its net zero emissions target by 2050.
“Electric services not only deliver a better experience for our passengers with efficient, quieter and more comfortable rides, but also supports the State Government to reduce emissions and deliver a greener future,” Minister Koutsantonis stated.
The remaining two of the 12 EMU trains are scheduled to enter operation by the end of 2023.
Alstom, a locally represented company contracted to provide maintenance services to the metropolitan train operator, Keolis Downer Adelaide, custom-fitted these EMUs for the Adelaide Metro fleet.
Once the remaining two EMU trains reach service, Adelaide Metro will have a fleet of 34 EMU trains to sustain completely electric services on the Gawler, Seaford, and Flinders lines.
The addition of the tenth electric train to the Gawler line allows the State to operate a completely electric service on the route. Due to network maintenance and fleet enhancements, it may still be required to occasionally run a diesel train on the line. However, each extra EMU increases the capacity to maintain all-electric services during these periods.
