Premier of South Australia

The State Government has begun the search for 50 new electric trains as part of its massive $2 billion plan to revitalise the public transport system.

An invitation for manufacturers and suppliers of new electric trains to lodge expressions of interest and open up communication about South Australia’s needs will be advertised this weekend.

Transport Minister Patrick Conlon says it is the start of a process to find the best trains to run on Adelaide’s electrified rail network.

“We’ve made a $2 billion commitment to reinvigorate public transport and a key part of that is upgrading our railway lines and purchasing new rolling stock,” he said.

“It’s been over ten years since new heavy vehicle rolling stock was supplied to Adelaide’s rail network and during that time there has been considerable advances made in rolling stock design.

“It’s important we find the best trains to run on our electrified rail network.  This process will allow us to test the market, see what is available and what suppliers have to offer.

“We would expect the first new electric trains to arrive in 2012.

“We’ve already begun the process of a $37 million refurbishment of our existing rail cars which will eventually be converted to electric and we have now completed replacing windows in this fleet.”

The State Government’s massive investment in rail will see the electrification of the Noarlunga, Gawler and Outer Harbor lines.

An upgrade of the Belair line is already underway and works are set to get underway on the Noarlunga line in the second half of this year.

“The Rann Government is committed to providing one of the best public transport systems in Australia,” said Mr Conlon.

“Work has now started on extending the tram to the Entertainment Centre and in time we’ll be extending tram services to West Lakes, Port Adelaide and Semaphore.

“An efficient and green public transport system, coupled with Transit Oriented Developments such as Bowden Village, will make Adelaide a more attractive and affordable place to live and a more competitive place to do business.”