Adelaide Metro A-City 4000 Class

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.[2][3][4]

The design uses a similar shell to that of the V/Line VLocity diesel multiple unit trains, introduced in 2004. The first of the Adelaide trains was delivered in July 2013, and entered service on 23 February 2014.[5][6][7][8][9] The last was completed in October 2015.[10][11] The trains currently operate services on the Seaford and Flinders lines.[12]

When they were ordered, it was proposed that the Gawler line would be electrified, which would allow the trains to access Adelaide Metro's Dry Creek depot. However, before they were delivered, that project was temporarily cancelled. Whilst light maintenance is performed at their primary stabling point at Seaford, heavy maintenance needs to occur at Dry Creek. When required, each train is hauled there from Adelaide station by a pair of 3000 class railcars. This movement will then cease once the Gawler Line is electrified to Salisbury in early 2022.[13] In June 2019, a further 12 train sets were ordered and were due to be delivered in mid-2020.[14]

The sets primarily operate on the Seaford and Flinders lines, as well as the Showground Shuttle services between Adelaide and Goodwood during the Royal Adelaide Show. During major events, such as AFL matches, two sets are coupled to form a six-car set. That causes problems at some stations on the Seaford line, including Mile End, Marion and Hove, which only accommodate a maximum of five cars. To allow for those stations to be served despite the train length, the doors of the rear car are isolated to prevent unsafe alighting.

Media related to Electric multiple units of South Australia at Wikimedia Commons