First Siemens's new metro train for Sydney
posted on 18th Aug 2026 21:40
With the delivery of the first of 12 three-car trains for the Sydney Metro - Western Sydney Airport turnkey project, Siemens Mobility has reached an important project milestone. The next step involves comprehensive testing and commissioning of the train, in a first step at the Stabling and Maintenance Facility in Orchard Hills, NSW and then on main track.
Once in operation, all trains will run at Grade of Automation 4 (GoA4), enabling fully automated service on the new 23 km metro line, which connects Greater Western Sydney with the Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport. Based on Inspiro High Capacity platform, the train has been specifically tailored to meet the unique requirements of the Sydney Metro - Western Sydney Airport line. Delivered by the Parklife Metro consortium - comprising Siemens Mobility, Plenary Group, Webuild, and RATP Dev - under a public-private partnership with Sydney Metro, this project forms an integral part of one of Australia’s most advanced rail infrastructure programs.
Comfortable Interiors and Barrier-Free Accessibility
With large windows, flexible layouts, and accessibility features like level access, wheelchair spaces, low noise engineering and wide doors, they ensure a safe and enjoyable journey for all passengers. The customer-centered interior integrates advanced technology with thoughtfully designed passenger amenities. Real-time passenger information displays, CCTV, emergency intercoms, and wide, open gangways enhance safety, orientation, and ease of movement throughout the train.
The distinctive interior design celebrates the cultural and natural heritage of the Cumberland Plain, home to the new metro line. Inspired by First Nations traditions, the upholstery incorporates elements of Ngurra (Country) and Badu (Water). Grey and blue patterns on the standard seats evoke the night sky, while yellow priority seats depict daytime gathering places near waterholes surrounded by flowering wattle, creating a unique visual identity that reflects the landscape and stories of the region.
Before delivery, the trains already underwent first extensive commissioning and testing in Wien and in the PCW Wildenrath. Trials included wind performance tests in a climate chamber, ensuring reliable operation under all environmental conditions. It s the first Siemens Mobility metro train delivered to Australia since 2006 as well as the first deployment of Railigent X in Australia.
Turnkey Project Overview
In 2022, Siemens Mobility was awarded a turnkey contract to deliver Australia's first turnkey rail project and public-private partnership: the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport project. The 23-kilometer-long metro line will connect the new Western Sydney International Airport with the Bradfield City Center. The contract includes 12 fully automated, driverless metro trains, as well as digital rail infrastructure like signaling, electrification, telecoms, platform screen doors, and a depot.
Siemens Mobility will deploy Railigent X, the IoT-suite for services and applications for deeper insights and AI-powered analytics. This supports proactive fleet monitoring, remote diagnostics, and early issue resolution, within a 15-year full service maintenance contract. Designed to be carbon-neutral and fully automated, the project is expected to create 14,000 construction jobs, driving economic growth in New South Wales and across Australia. Siemens Mobility is part of the Parklife Metro consortium with experienced international infrastructure partners. The Siemens Mobility share of the contract is valued at 900 million EUR.
