- Community celebration marks return of Australind train service
- Four new modern trains to roll out in stages
- First new train to enter passenger service tomorrow
- Services set to double from early 2027
Cook Labor Government committed to delivering reliable public transport to support regional communities and economies
The South West community will today celebrate the return of the new and improved Australind train service reconnecting Perth to Bunbury.
The first of four new modern Australind trains will return to passenger service tomorrow, providing a more reliable and comfortable experience for travellers.
The Cook Labor Government is progressively rolling out four brand-new Australind trains, with the frequency of services set to double from early 2027.
An uplift in the reliability of services will help bring more people to the Peel and South West regions, and better connect locals to work, study and essential services.
Built locally at the Bellevue Railcar Manufacturing Facility, the new three-car trains represent a significant upgrade to the older fleet which started services in 1987.
Each train features wider passenger doors, onboard toilets, contemporary interiors with LED lighting, improved accessibility, in-seat USB-C charging, dedicated storage for up to 14 bikes, an onboard buffet and a striking orange livery that will help it stand out on its travels.
A competition to name the new trains received more than 3500 entries, with the winning names paying tribute to the spirit and heritage of the South West.
The winning names will each be displayed on a plaque within the trains:
- Marley: named after the dingo who lived at Bunbury Port;
- Kwilena: the Noongar word for dolphin;
- Koombana: named after the iconic bay on which Bunbury is situated; and
- Linda: a name given to the Australind by many in the train enthusiast community
Each of the new trains will feature a unique Aboriginal artwork by a local Indigenous artist, celebrating the culture and connection to the South West.
The first train to enter service features the artwork ‘Country Colours’ by Candy Riley.
From tomorrow, the Australind train will run a return service between Perth and Bunbury on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, with coaches remaining in place for other services.
Once the second train is introduced later this year, services will return to the same timetable as before the shutdown.
The Australind’s stopping pattern will remain unchanged, with services operating on the original route between Perth and Bunbury, stopping at Armadale, Byford, Mundijong, Serpentine, North Dandalup, Pinjarra, Waroona, Yarloop, Cookernup, Harvey and Brunswick Junction.
For more information on Australind services visit www.transwa.wa.gov.au
Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:
“My Government is focused on delivering quality infrastructure and services across our State, through our world-class public transport.
“The reopening of the Australind services resumes an important connection between Perth and Bunbury, which supports communities across the South West and Peel regions.
“The four new railcars also supports my Government’s Made in WA vision, ensuring we diversify the Western Australian economy by making more things here, and developing a skilled and productive workforce.”
Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
“We’re so proud to have secured the future of the Australind and to be delivering a more reliable public transport service for the communities in and around Bunbury.
“The old Australind trains were well past their working life and required regular maintenance that was too often causing disruptions.
“Our four new trains are bigger, better and more accessible, providing passengers everything they need to sit back and enjoy the journey.
“We’ll also be running more services once all the new trains are in action, so it will be even more convenient to leave the car at home and jump on public transport.
“This investment is about making travel to and from our South West easier, improving the lives of regional Western Australians and getting more people out into the regions supporting our local economies.”
Comments attributed to South West Minister and Bunbury MLA Don Punch:
“I’m thrilled to see the Australind back on the tracks, reconnecting Bunbury and the South West with Perth and ushering in a new era for our region.
“This service makes it easier for people across the South West to travel for work, education and essential services, with a more reliable and comfortable journey.
“Improving regional accessibility is at the heart of this investment and these locally built trains will help keep our communities connected, independent and strong.”
Comments attributed to Peel Minister Jessica Stojkovski:
“The return of this service is fantastic news for Peel, making it easier than ever for people to travel between Perth, Peel and the South West.
“Western Australians will benefit from more reliable rail services that support local businesses, tourism and provide better connections for people travelling to work, education, appointments or to visit family and friends.
“As services increase over the coming months, the Australind will continue to strengthen Peel’s position as a growing regional hub, helping to attract more visitors and support local jobs.”
Comments attributed to Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns:
“This is such a special moment for our community that marks a new era of connectivity and convenience for people travelling to and from the South West.
“Thank you to the community for their patience throughout this process, it will be so great to see local families, workers and students enjoying trips to Perth again.
“With improved amenities on board including dedicated bike storage, we hope to see more people travelling down from Perth for a day out in our beautiful South West.”
