Adelaide Metro A-City Class 4000


The Adelaide Metro A-City 4000 Class is a class of electric multiple unit trains built by Bombardier Transportation, Dandenong for the electrified Adelaide Metro rail network. The class are the only electric trains to have operated in South Australia.

History

In March 2011 Bombardier Transportation was awarded a contract to build 22 three-carriage trains for the Adelaide rail network that was in the process of being electrified.
The design uses a similar shell to that of the V/Line VLocity diesel multiple units first introduced in 2004. The first was delivered in July 2013 entering service on 23 February 2014. The last was completed in October 2015. They operate services on the Seaford and Tonsley lines.
When they were ordered it was proposed the Gawler line would be electrified, which would allow them to access Adelaide Metro's Dry Creek depot. However, before they were delivered, this was cancelled. Whilst light maintenance is performed at their primary stabling point at Seaford, heavy maintenance needs to occur at Dry Creek with each being hauled by a pair of 3000 class railcars from Adelaide station when required. With the Gawler line to be electrified to Salisbury in 2020, this will cease. To operate the later service, in June 2019 a further 12 were ordered they were due to deliever in Mid 2020.

Operation

The sets operate on the Seaford and Tonsley lines as well as the Showground Shuttle services between Adelaide and Goodwood when the Royal Adelaide Show is running. For football extra services, two sets are coupled to make a six car set, this has caused problems with selected stations on the Seaford line that permit a maximum of five cars, these include Mile End, Marion and Hove. To allow for these stations to be serviced despite the train length, the rear car doors are isolated to allow for safe alighting.