Timetables change as train capacity boosted

04/06/2009

The State Government is boosting capacity on four metropolitan train lines.
 
Transport Minister Simon O’Brien said extra capacity would be generated by the introduction of the first three of 15 new three-car B-series trains ordered in 2006.
 
“The new trains are suitable for use only on the newer lines, between Mandurah and Clarkson, and will be introduced late this month,” Mr O’Brien said.
 
“However, their introduction allows some of the older (A-series) trains, used on the Mandurah and Joondalup lines, to be ‘cascaded’ across to the other lines.
 
“Starting late this month, A-series trains will be allocated to the Midland and Fremantle lines, where morning and evening peak capacity will be increased by about 20 per cent. 
 
“Transperth expect to be able to cascade trains on to the Armadale Line later in the year.”
 
To accommodate the changes, new timetables for the Mandurah, Joondalup, Midland and Fremantle lines begin on June 28.  Some bus timetables will also be updated.
 
As part of the changes, the shuttle train, operating between Whitfords and Cockburn Central, will no longer operate outside peak hours.  Morning and evening peak services and the through-trains will not be affected.
 
The Minister said the first of the new trains had arrived in Perth late last year from Maryborough, Queensland, where they are manufactured.
 
“The first train had an extended commissioning service, as well as being fitted with a sophisticated new communications system,” he said.
 
“This proved more difficult than had been expected and delayed its introduction into service, but will not have any effect on the longer-term timetable.
 
“Deliveries of the new trains continue through until late 2010.  After commissioning, they are scheduled to come into service from now until the first quarter of 2011.
 
“As the new units are progressively placed into operation, the State Government will continue to improve services across the whole system.
 
“By mid-2011, when all 15 three-car sets have been commissioned and introduced into service, overall system capacity should increase by about 25 per cent from today’s level.”