Derailed: shadow transport minister Shane Love takes aim at State Government over Australind train shutdown

The Australind train that links Bunbury to Perth could be out of action for up to 18 months after the shock State Government announcement that the Armadale line will be shut down for Metronet works. The trouble-plagued train, which spent more than 100 days off the rails in 2021, uses the line between Armadale station and Perth city. But no replacement services have been confirmed for when the shutdown begins at the start of next year, The move has been blasted by the State Opposition, with shadow transport minister Shane Love saying it “leaves commuters in limbo” and breaks Labor’s election promise to deliver an upgraded Australind train by 2023. New rail cars are on the way for the now 34-year-old train but they won’t be delivered until after the shutdown work is complete, which will not be until at least the middle of 2024. “Given work on the Armadale line is expected to begin in 2023 and will see the line closed for 18 months, the Government has guaranteed they will not be able to deliver on that promise,” Mr Love said. “The Australind train is a vital connection to Perth and is used by students, workers and travellers daily but the McGowan Government is too focused on Metronet to deliver a much-needed upgrade to the South West service.” Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said travellers would be engaged in a consultation process as the State Government plans a suitable replacement service. That could include a direct link between Bunbury and either Mandurah or the Perth CBD, or an “all-stops service between Perth and Bunbury”. “In the coming weeks we will conduct passenger research to help plan these replacement services,” Ms Saffioti said. “All options are on the table and we want to hear from passengers to help us plan replacement services.” The train has been on and off the rails continually in recent years, having been designed with an intended working life of 30 years. Mr Love said the latest shutdown meant South West residents were being “let down” again. “In February 2021, the service was disrupted by maintenance for more than two months, only to be taken back off the rails 12 days after works were completed,” he said. “South West residents were already fed up by the constant disruptions and have now been let down even by their local member — this is another example of Labor putting regional WA last.” The extensive upgrades include elevating the rail line through Victoria Park and just south of Leach Highway and the construction of new stations at Carlisle, Oats Street, Queens Park and Cannington. The Armadale line will also be extended 8km to Byford, with Armadale station rebuilt at elevation to allow the removal of seven level crossings.