Transperth B-series train

Each set consists of three semi-permanently coupled cars designed to be used in either a three-car or six-car formation. The trains were designed to use AC motors rather than DC traction motors like the previous A-series, and to have a maximum service speed of {{Convert|130|km/h|abbr=on}}.{{rp|116}}

In each set, IGBT inverters power eight AC traction motors distributed along the three cars, providing a 66% motorised unit.{{rp|10}}

These trains are similar in design to Queensland Rail's IMU160/SMU260 EMU, V/Line VLocity DMU, and Adelaide Metro 4000 class EMU trains. The B series trains were originally built concurrently with the V/Line VLocity.

Perth's first electrified trains, the two-car A-series, entered service in September 1991.

In May 2002, a $437 million contract for the construction of the initial 31 three car B-series trains and the Nowergup depot was awarded to EDI Rail–Bombardier Transportation Joint Venture. These railcars were purchased to provide enough capacity for the Joondalup line extension to Clarkson, the Thornlie line spur from the Armadale line, and the Mandurah line. Of the total contract value, $24 million was for the railcar construction, $34 million was for the Nowergup depot construction, and $114 million was for the maintenance of the railcars for ten years.{{cite web |title=Railcar contract seals railway commitment |url=https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/Gallop/2002/05/Railcar-contract-seals-railway-commitment.aspx |website=Media Statements |access-date=18 January 2022 |date=12 May 2002 |archive-date=18 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118151147/https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/Gallop/2002/05/Railcar-contract-seals-railway-commitment.aspx |url-status=live }} The trains were specifically optimised for the higher possible speeds and greater station spacing on the newer Joondalup and Mandurah lines: contemporaneous planning documents expected that all-stops services on the older Fremantle, Armadale, and Midland lines would likely lead to overheating problems with the propulsion and braking systems.{{cite book |title=Perth Urban Rail Development Project – Supplementary Master Plan, August 2002 |date=August 2002 |author=Perth Urban Rail Development Office |author2=Department for Planning and Infrastructure |isbn=0730724263 |url=http://www.newmetrorail.wa.gov.au/NMR/Documents/Plans/Master%20Plan/PURD%20MP%20-%20200208%20-%20Supplementary.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070829024413/http://www.newmetrorail.wa.gov.au/NMR/Documents/Plans/Master%20Plan/PURD%20MP%20-%20200208%20-%20Supplementary.pdf |archive-date=29 August 2007 |via=New MetroRail}}{{rp|118}}

Platforms at the original stations on the Yanchep line had to be lengthened to accommodate the six-car trains,{{cite web |title=OnTrack: October 2003 |url=http://www.newmetrorail.wa.gov.au/NMR/Documents/Resources/Publications/On%20Track/OnTrack%202003-10.pdf |website=New MetroRail |access-date=24 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070829000235/http://www.newmetrorail.wa.gov.au/NMR/Documents/Resources/Publications/On%20Track/OnTrack%202003-10.pdf |archive-date=29 August 2007 |date=October 2003 |url-status=dead |page=8}}{{rp|74}} as did Platform 1 at Showgrounds and both platforms at West Leederville. The Mandurah line stations, along with Butler, Clarkson,{{cite book |publisher =Urban Rail Planning and Implementation Steering Committee, Department of Transport, Government of Western Australia |title=Northern Suburbs Transit System, Currambine to Butler Extension, Interim Master Plan |date=June 2000 |url=http://www.newmetrorail.wa.gov.au/NMR/Documents/Plans/NSTS/NSTS%20-%20Currambine%20to%20Butler%20Extension%20-%20Complete.zip |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070828214331/http://www.newmetrorail.wa.gov.au/NMR/Documents/Plans/NSTS/NSTS%20-%20Currambine%20to%20Butler%20Extension%20-%20Complete.zip |archive-date=28 August 2007 |via=New MetroRail}}{{rp|85}} Currambine and Greenwood on the Yanchep line, and the rebuilt Kelmscott station on the Armadale line, were built with longer platforms.{{citation needed|date=January 2022}}

In December 2006, the government signed another contract, worth $160 million, with EDI Rail–Bombardier Transportation Joint Venture for 15 more three car B-series trains to be used on the Joondalup and Mandurah lines.{{cite web |title=More trains for Perth's transport system |url=https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/Carpenter/2006/09/More-trains-for-Perth%27s-transport-system.aspx |website=Media Statements |access-date=18 January 2022 |date=19 September 2006 |archive-date=18 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118150332/https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/Carpenter/2006/09/More-trains-for-Perth%27s-transport-system.aspx |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=WA Government secures new railcars |url=https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/Carpenter/2006/12/WA-Government-secures-new-railcars.aspx |website=Media Statements |access-date=18 January 2022 |date=22 September 2006 |archive-date=18 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118151141/https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/Carpenter/2006/12/WA-Government-secures-new-railcars.aspx |url-status=live }} In 2009, the first of these additional railcars were delivered, allowing several A-series trains to be moved from the Joondalup and Mandurah lines to the other lines on the network, and for frequencies to increase on the Mandurah, Joondalup, Fremantle and Midland lines.{{cite web |title=Timetables change as train capacity boosted |url=https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/Barnett/2009/06/Timetables-change-as-train-capacity-boosted.aspx |website=Media Statements |access-date=18 January 2022 |date=4 June 2009 |archive-date=18 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118183058/https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/Barnett/2009/06/Timetables-change-as-train-capacity-boosted.aspx |url-status=live }} The first entered service on 28 June 2009.{{citation needed|date=January 2022}}

In May 2011, the government announced 15 more three car B-series trains worth $164 million would be ordered to cater for the extension of the Joondalup line to Butler, and a general increase in capacity on the network.{{cite web |title=State Budget 2011-12: Supporting our Community; Building the State (Transport) - Massive injection to build WA’s road, rail and bus networks |url=https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/Barnett/2011/05/State-Budget-2011-12-Massive-injection-to-build-WAs-transport-networks.aspx |website=Media Statements |access-date=18 January 2022 |date=19 May 2011 |archive-date=18 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118150336/https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/Barnett/2011/05/State-Budget-2011-12-Massive-injection-to-build-WAs-transport-networks.aspx |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=State Budget 2011-12: Building the State - Funding for new railcars for Perth’s growing transport system |url=https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/Barnett/2011/05/State-Budget-2011-12--Building-the-State---Funding-for-new-railcars-for-Perth%E2%80%99s-growing-transport-system.aspx |website=Media Statements |access-date=18 January 2022 |date=23 May 2011 |archive-date=18 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118183027/https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/Barnett/2011/05/State-Budget-2011-12--Building-the-State---Funding-for-new-railcars-for-Perth%E2%80%99s-growing-transport-system.aspx |url-status=live }} These trains were ordered in July 2011. In August 2012, this order was increased by two, to cater for the planned Aubin Grove station, and in November 2012, this order was increased by five, to make the total order be for 22 three car trains. The final cost was $243 million.{{cite web |last1=Carter |first1=Mark |title=Perth grapples with growth and funding challenges |url=https://www.railjournal.com/in_depth/perth-grapples-with-growth-and-funding-challenges |website=International Railway Journal |access-date=18 January 2022 |date=6 November 2013 |archive-date=28 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928093553/https://www.railjournal.com/in_depth/perth-grapples-with-growth-and-funding-challenges/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=More rail cars for Perth transport system |url=https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/Barnett/2012/11/More-rail-cars-for-Perth-transport-system.aspx |website=Media Statements |access-date=18 January 2022 |date=4 November 2012 |archive-date=19 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119000121/https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/Barnett/2012/11/More-rail-cars-for-Perth-transport-system.aspx |url-status=live }} With the final delivery from that order, all trains operating on the Joondalup and Mandurah lines were B-series trains.

Funding for an additional 10 sets was announced in the May 2016 state budget with delivery planned for 2018-20. These sets would provide additional capacity on the existing network, as well as the Forrestfield–Airport Link. The B series fleet would total 78 3-car sets. As of April 2019 all 78 3-car sets have been delivered with all 78 3-car sets in service.[http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/traction-rolling-stock/single-view/view/more-emus-for-perth.html More EMUs for Perth] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160627072629/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/traction-rolling-stock/single-view/view/more-emus-for-perth.html |date=27 June 2016 }} Railway Gazette International 23 June 2016

As of 2024, B-series railcars operating as six-car sets are not the only trains used on the Yanchep and Mandurah lines. The A series and new C series trains run regularly on the lines as well. B-series railcars operating in three-car sets are the only trains used on the Airport and Ellenbrook lines.

The B-series trains are cleared to operate on the Midland, Armadale/Thornlie and Fremantle lines and are regularly used on these lines alongside the older A-series: fears of adverse impacts on the trains due to the short station spacing were found to have been unwarranted, except in extreme operating conditions such as with both high temperatures and low line voltage.{{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/$file/tp-2874.pdf |website=Parliament of Western Australia |access-date=14 August 2023 |archive-date=24 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230124094324/https://www.parliament.wa.gov.au/publications/tabledpapers.nsf/displaypaper/3912874cc5fc39f2e6de87f348257e440005910a/$file/tp-2874.pdf |url-status=live |date=16 April 2015}}{{rp|10}} However, as some stations on these lines have insufficient platform length to handle six-car sets, they are usually operated as 3-car sets. The newer Airport line services use three-car B-series sets for the same reason.

Since early-2016, B-series sets 115 and onwards have been fitted with USB charging ports as part of a 6-month trial.{{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=7 January 2019|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}}

• Transperth A-series train
• Transperth C-series train
• Queensland Rail Suburban multiple unit
• Queensland Rail Interurban multiple unit
• V/Line VLocity DMU
• Adelaide Metro 4000 class

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{{commons category|Transperth B-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 2004

Category:Bombardier Transportation multiple units

Category:25 kV AC multiple units