Perth (TAN): Bunbury’s twice-daily Australind train has resumed operations after a significant maintenance overhaul. The service is an important connection between Perth and Bunbury, not only for commuters and locals but also for tourists seeking to access southwestern Australia.
The ageing railcar set, which has been in operation for more than 30 years, has experienced recurrent outages over several months. Transwa has operated a rail service to Bunbury since 1947, with the existing diesel rolling stock introduced in 1987.
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The Western Australia state government is keeping the existing train running till it procures a new one.
As part of the recent AUD 700,000 maintenance program, engineers identified corrosion in a number of internal brackets and concealed panels, along with air conditioning, auxiliary engine and electrical/earthing issues. A significant replacement program – complicated by the fact that many of the original components with which the train was built are now obsolete – has now enabled the train to be returned to service, a government statement said.
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The state’s transport minister Rita Saffioti said the government was doing its best to ensure uninterrupted service on the route. She said: “We know the Australind service is a vital link between Perth and Bunbury, not only for commuters and locals but also for tourists seeking to access the beautiful South-West.”
“The reality is the process for procuring a new train should have commenced years ago, before the train reached the end of its useful life,” Bunbury MLA Don Punch said.
