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House of Assembly - Fifty-Second Parliament, Second Session (52-2)
2013-07-24 Daily Xml
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RAIL ELECTRIFICATION PROJECT

Ms THOMPSON (Reynell) (14:34): My question is to the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure. Will the minister inform the house of recent milestones in the rail revitalisation program?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy, Minister for Housing and Urban Development) (14:34): Last week, our state reached a significant milestone in the development of a more efficient, reliable and environmentally friendly rail network with the arrival of the state's first new electric railcar. I was pleased to be joined by the member for Reynell, of course, the Minister for Transport Services, the federal minister for Kingston (Ms Amanda Rishworth) and the member for Mawson, all of whom have been passionate advocates for investments across our rail network.

Adelaide's first A-City Class 4000 electric railcar successfully completed its journey from Bombardier's factory in Dandenong, Victoria, to the Seaford rail depot last Friday. A further two A-City Class 4000 electric railcars will arrive in the coming days. This will complete the first set of three that will be used for intensive on-track tests and evaluations beginning next month. In total, 66 cars will arrive.

I hope commuters who have been patiently enduring substitute bus services since January will be excited about it when they begin to see the first of the A-City railcars being track tested in the next few months. The commissioning phase is required to ensure that the new Seaford line has all the necessary approvals in time for the launch of our first electrified commuter services in the new year. This will be a service that will signify a fundamental shift in the way in which the people of the south view the transport network. I think it is fair to say that, without this government's commitment to investing in the future of our public transport network, these exciting developments would not have been possible.

The A-City Class 4000 trains are designed to meet stringent new international crashworthiness standards as found in Europe and the United Kingdom. The A-City Class 4000 has been designed to meet South Australian conditions, with high-capacity air conditioning and safe weatherproof walk-through access between railcars. The new train cars also have a host of safety features, including CCTV covering the rear, front and interior, disability access compliance with wheelchair spaces and access ramps, and permanently coupled three-car sets. They also contain double-leaf saloon doors for quick entry and exit, and passenger emergency intercoms at each doorway. The wide body design creates more room for passengers, seating around 240 and providing standing room for a further 300 people.

Electrifying the Noarlunga line and Seaford rail extension is now entering its final stages. The new electrified line is expected to be operational later this year. The first electric train services are expected to commence between Adelaide and Seaford early next year. As such, I remind the community to be mindful of their safety around the new electrified rail corridor on the Noarlunga and Seaford train lines. I ask that all members in this place play their part in informing the public of the risks associated with an electrified rail network by promoting our Stay Switched On campaign. The campaign reinforces the message that overhead wires and fittings should be considered live and carrying currents at all times.

The arrival of the first railcars signals a renewal of our state's rail network. I look forward to commuters catching a 35-minute express service on a new electric train from the new Seaford station, disembarking at the redeveloped Adelaide Train Station and crossing the new Torrens footbridge to Adelaide Oval to watch the Port Adelaide Football Club thrash the Crows.

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