The opening door alarms of Perth’s newest trains are causing distress to people with disabilities, according to commuters on commenting on Facebook.

The METRONET C-series train started operating on the Joondalup and Mandurah lines on Monday, April 8. 

Many social media users have said the alarm sounded more like an emergency signal than a warning. Some also shared their concerns on how this impacts them and other people with sensory sensitivity, particularly those on the autism spectrum.

Curtin Autism Research Group member Dr Melissa Black said: “Noise in the environment can contribute to stress and anxiety for individuals on the autism spectrum, and for some, this can be quite overwhelming and distressing.”

Dr Black added that if the tone of the alarm can’t be reduced, other alternatives could be explored. 

“In terms of noise, specifically, it’s important to note that not all noise can be reduced, and in many cases, noises, like alarms, might be necessary for the safety of passengers or for those with different access needs. But there are some things that can help, for instance, providing quiet spaces or quiet carriages, in the case of trains, can help reduce the amount of noise.”

According to Autism Spectrum Australia, an estimated 1 in 70 people have autism in Australia. This figure represents a 40% increase since 2014. 

In a media release, the Western Australian government said the C-series trains were part of an initiative to return local train manufacturing to WA after a 30-year hiatus. Train company Alstom was commissioned to build 246 railcars for this project. 

Each train consists of six railcars and can carry more than 1000 passengers. In addition, three double passenger doors were designed for each side of each car. 

The Mandurah and Joondalup train lines, where the new trains are currently running, are the busiest train lines in Perth, according to the Public Transport Authority’s transport performance record. 

Despite concerns expressed by people with autism, loud noises can be helpful for people with other disabilities.

VisAbility accessibility specialist David Vosnacos said people with vision impairment needed non-visual cues to access public transport. 

“When the information provided to all other commuters is in a visual format and is not provided in an alternative form, as audio or in braille, it won’t be very accessible to someone with very low vision.”

Mr Vosnacos added that audible alerts are beneficial to determine if the doors are opening or shutting. However, he also said the current alarms in the non-c-series trains had worked well.

“What they’ve done is they have found a very nice connection between the tone, the pitch and the volume for it to not be alarming. It certainly can alert you that things are happening, but not to the point of shock.”

VisAbility WA has been consulted by the PTA before. Mr Vosnacos said he found their approach to accessibility positive.

“The PTA is certainly very receptive to getting feedback from consumers, and they are always on the lookout for that feedback, whether it is just from the general public or from their access and inclusion groups. They certainly put the invitations out there, and they know people with disability use their services.” 

PTA spokesperson David Hynes told Western Independent that the organisation was looking into the alarm.

“The tone to notify of the doors opening has been designed to the Australian Standard. However, we are working with the rail manufacturer to lower the tone while remaining compliant with the standard.”

According to the METRONET website, 41 new C-series trains and six new Australind railcars will be built in the next 10 years to meet growing demand.