en.Wedoany.com Reported - The first metro train for the Sydney Metro–Western Sydney Airport line has arrived in Sydney, marking a key step toward commercial operations.
This train is the first of 12 next-generation trains, manufactured by Siemens Mobility in Vienna and shipped by sea, with a typical voyage duration of 45 to 61 days and a total journey of approximately 23,000 kilometers. Each train consists of three carriages, transported individually by ship to Port Kembla in New South Wales, and then moved separately to the new maintenance and storage facility at Orchard Hills for assembly.
The trains are specifically designed for high passenger volumes at the airport, with a focus on travelers carrying luggage. Key features include a central aisle approximately 30 centimeters wider than existing trains, dedicated luggage storage space under seats, and high-resolution screens inside the carriages that can directly display airport flight information. Each train has 194 seats and a capacity of 645 passengers; the interior offers various seating types (including group seating layouts), along with accessible areas, wheelchair spaces, hearing induction loop systems, and dedicated bicycle spaces. The seat upholstery fabric was designed by Dharug artists, inspired by traditional routes and journeys, reflecting cultural connections to the land and water.
The project is managed by the Parklife Metro consortium, which includes Plenary Group, Webuild, Siemens, and RATP Dev. The contract covers the delivery of trains and digital infrastructure, as well as system operation and maintenance. Siemens Mobility will supply all 12 driverless trains, along with signaling, electrification, telecommunications, and digital infrastructure systems, and will provide 15 years of vehicle maintenance services using the Railigent X digital platform.
The new line is 23 kilometers long with six stations, connecting St. Marys to the new Western Sydney Airport and Bradfield City Centre, and will become the main transport corridor for the region. This project is Siemens Mobility's first public-private partnership in Australia and its first "turnkey" contract. The trains are based on the Inspiro platform, integrating advanced digital technologies such as fully automated operation and predictive maintenance, with an interior design focused on comfort and efficiency, featuring high-performance climate control, noise reduction systems, and multifunctional spaces.
