Trains expected to be back by early afternoon

Transperth train services are expected to be operating as normal by early afternoon.

There were major disruptions this morning following a small electrical fire caused when a conductor just east of Perth Station overloaded soon after 7am.

The Fremantle Line has not been operating in either direction, while the Midland and Armadale lines are running only part of the way into Perth – Armadale trains are turning at Cannington, and Midland trains are turning at Bassendean.

There was no major impact on Mandurah and Joondalup services.

Replacement buses were put into operation on the three affected lines as quickly as possible.

There were significant delays during the morning peak but, by 9.30am, the buses had cleared the build-up of Perth-bound commuters at Cannington and Bassendean.

PTA managing director Mark Burgess apologised to everyone affected by the disruption.

“Investigations are continuing into the cause of the fault,” Mr Burgess said.

“However, we know it happened in an area in which work on the Perth City Link project is taking place.

“Our priority at this stage is to get the trains back in operation, but we will be conducting a thorough examination of all the circumstances with a view to preventing a repeat.

“We understand that our trains and buses are an essential service – many people have no other way of getting around – and we are keenly aware of the responsibility that goes with that.”