Third Prospector set to enter service for the Goldfields

23/12/04

The State Government will accept delivery of the third of its new Prospector trains tomorrow following successful negotiations with the manufacturer.

Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said that the handover agreement was the result of successful talks between the train's manufacturer, United Goninan (UG), and Transwa - the regional passenger operation of the Public Transport Authority.

Ms MacTiernan said that the new three-car set could be in service as early as next week, giving Transwa a back-up to the two trains already operating during the busy holiday season.

"The Government made it clear that the third train would not be accepted until we were satisfied that UG had detailed plans to overcome the occasional problems with the first two trains, backed by an adequate performance bond," she said.

"The manufacturer has now agreed to provide an additional $7million in security, which will be released once the problems are fully rectified.

"The impending handover is excellent news for commuters between Perth and the Goldfields, essentially providing a back-up to existing Prospector services during the festive season and beyond."

Under a $58million contract, UG is supplying nine railcars - two two-car sets and a three-car set for the Prospector, and a two-car set for the AvonLink, which will service Northam and Merredin.

The first two Prospectors were delivered in May this year, and went into service on June 28.