The contract calls for the supply a minimum of 50 C-series EMUs, which will be "equivalent to an existing six-car B-series train." The trains will be delivered over a 10-year period and will need to be capable of operating over the entire TransPerth network.

The additional trains are required to cope with growing ridership on existing lines and expansion of the network, including the Forrestfield-Airport Link.

The contract will include the design and upgrading of maintenance, cleaning, and stabling facilities and the winning bidder will be responsible for maintaining the fleet for a minimum of 15 years.

Following evaluation, PTA says successful respondents to the RFI may be shortlisted and invited to submit formal bids through a restricted tender process, although it may decide to publicly advertise a tender. The closing date for RFI submissions is October 2.

For news of the latest rail industry tenders from around the world subscribe to Global Rail Tenders.