AvonLink rapid Perth-Northam train service to start in September

8/8/95

The long-awaited AvonLink rapid train service between Northam and Perth will run to a regular timetable from next month, Transport Minister Eric Charlton announced today.

"The six-day-a-week return rail service will commence on September 24 and appeal to Avon Valley commuters as well as day tripper tourists," Mr Charlton said.

The Minister said the AvonLink fast train concept had been around for some years and only became possible after Westrail introduced a revised timetable for the Prospector service.

The Prospector schedules to and from Kalgoorlie-Boulder were streamlined providing greater flexibility in train crewing and rostering and in turn, significantly reducing operating costs.

Mr Charlton said a demonstration run from Northam to Perth this morning received unanimous approval from local government councillors, business people and Ministerial Committee members who made the trip.

"It is anticipated the commuter rail service will depart Northam for Perth at 6.55 am each day, stopping en route at Toodyay and returning to Northam at 5.15 pm the same day via Toodyay," he said.

The AvonLink fast train service would integrate Westrail's suburban and country rail and road schedules by presenting commuters and visitors with a wide and exciting choice of travel options throughout Western Australia.

Mr Charlton said a major benefit of the new rapid train service was the potential to reduce dramatically the volume of commuter vehicles which presently used the Great Eastern Highway between Northam and Perth.

"The alarming increase in the road toll in recent months on this section of highway and no funding commitment by the Commonwealth to rectify its own Federal highway, make AvonLink an attractive transport option," he said.

AvonLink Committee Chairman, Max Trenorden MLA, said commuting, access to specialist health care, specialised education, sport, recreation and the arts, connected to a Statewide travel system, would bring an extra dimension to the quality of life for Avon residents.

"The service is clear proof that very positive benefits are available to all Western Australians by applying lateral thinking and being willing to accept change," he said.

Mr Trenorden said the benefits, both social and economic, to the Avon Valley were in the embryo stage and would grow beyond all expectations.

Media contact:  Ian Hasleby 321 7333