The government of Western Australia has pre-qualified three bidders for a contract to supply up to 41 six-car electric multiple-unit trains for the Transperth network (serving Perth).

The companies are: Alstom Transport Australia; the Momentum West consortium of CAF and UGL; and a consortium of EDI Rail and Bombardier Transportation.

The government expects to select a supplier in early 2019.

An initial order of 17 six-car EMUs would be delivered from 2021, for use on extensions of the 1,067mm-gauge suburban network.

A follow-on order for 24 six-car sets (to be delivered between 2023 and 2028) would be used to replace the ageing A-series EMUs.

The government would like at least 50% of the rolling stock to be assembled in the state, and it has selected Bellevue as the preferred site for the assembly plant.

The site would also include a new maintenance depot. Approval from the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority is expected soon.