State Budget 2011-12: Building the State - Funding for new railcars for Perth’s growing transport system

Western Australia’s public rail transport system will expand to cater for an extra 8,400 people with the State Government’s investment of $164million to buy 45 new rail cars.

Transport Minister Troy Buswell said the move will service growing demand while maintaining fiscal responsibility by not wasting funds on more carriages surplus to requirements.

The purchase is part of a broader strategic approach to building the train network.  This strategy includes $159million for parking bays, rail infrastructure and upgrades to train stations (excluding works completed up to June 30, 2011 and works outside of the forward estimates period).

“This significant investment during the next four years will ensure the continuation of an effective and efficient public transport rail system in the metropolitan area,” Mr Buswell said.

“The extra 45 rail cars will boost passenger capacity of the rail fleet by about 8,400 people, which is vital to catering for the Butler extension as well as an expected general increase in patronage of public transport.”

Mr Buswell said the Public Transport Authority (PTA) was in negotiations with the current supplier about ordering the new trains which will be based on the B-series railcar design used on the Joondalup and Mandurah lines.

“The State Government has an opportunity to order new rail cars for delivery in time for the opening of the Butler extension in 2014,” he said.

“The PTA is in talks with the current supplier, EDI Rail-Bombardier Transportation Pty Ltd, to negotiate the ordering and delivery date of the 15 new, three-car train sets.  I expect delivery of the railcars will be staggered over three years.”

In April, the Minister directed the PTA to add four three-car trains into service to relieve the strain on peak-hour services