The first of four new Australind trains has entered passenger service, restoring the connection between Perth and Bunbury which has been closed since 2023.

The three-car X’Trapolis train, named Marley by public suggestion, made its first official journey on June 29.

It travelled from Perth to Bunbury in two-and-a-half hours, with the trip ending with a community celebration in Bunbury.

The new Australinds have been locally built by Alstom at its Bellevue site.

They have a modern design with greater accessibility, including spaces for wheelchairs and fully accessible toilets.

Each Australind can carry 158 seated passengers and six wheelchairs, and has onboard storage for 14 bicycles.

Other enhancements include contemporary interiors, Wi-Fi, luggage storage, LED lighting and in-seat USB-C charging.

The trains also feature Aboriginal artwork to reflect the distinctive identity of South West Western Australia.

The other three trains – named Kwilena, Koombana and Linda – will enter passenger service in stages.

Alstom is delivering 252 railcars for 41 electric multiple units (EMUs) and 12 railcars for 4 diesel multiple units (DMUs) from its Bellevue facility, as part of the WA Railcar program.

The contract was awarded to Alstom in 2019 and is valued at around 1.3 billion Australian dollars.

Alstom continues to build, test, commission and maintain the DMU and EMU fleets.

Commenting on the success of the first passenger service for the Australinds, Guillaume Tritter, Managing Director of Alstom ANZ said: “The ongoing investment and partnership of the West Australian Government has been critical to restoring not just the Perth to Bunbury service, but the continuity of local rail manufacturing, the local supply chain and high-skilled jobs in the State.

“The first Australind trip is a milestone only made possible because of our incredible local workforce and the deep partnership we have with the West Australian Government.

“This is a locally built train, combining our global technological excellence in rail manufacturing with local Australian knowhow to deliver a great outcome for the people and communities of South West Western Australia.”