Australind train service
579. Hon Rod Caddiesto theparliamentary secretary representing the Minister for Transport:
I refer to the Australind passenger train service.
(1) Can the minister confirm that replacement of the ageing Australind railcars was promised by the WA Labor government in 2017?
(2) Can the minister advise when the new Australind railcars will be operational?
(3) Why did the Labor government prioritise the construction of new Metronet railcars over the construction of new Australind railcars?
(4) Will the new Australind railcars have working demisters?
Hon Samantha Rowe replied:
I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question and provide the following answer on behalf of the Minister for Transport.
(1)–(4) The new Australind railcars are currently undergoing static testing at the Bellevue railcar manufacturing facility, and we expect on-track live testing to commence shortly.
Train services are set to recommence in early 2026, with the state government to announce the date for this in due course. Replacement coach services will continue to operate in the interim.
