Study of Fremantle-Mandurah rapid transit service

17/8/93

Transport Minister Eric Charlton says the State Government is doing more than the previous Labor Government to progress the Fremantle-to-Mandurah rapid transit service.

Mr Charlton said Labor had neither costed the project, a funding source, nor defined a route for the proposed railway line.  In contrast, the Government was actively planning for the project and would explain how it would be funded.

"The Government stands behind its pre-election commitment to see a rapid transit system established," he said.

"Transperth is currently examining the options - whether a light or heavy rail service is the way to go, or if a dedicated buslane is a viable alternative.

"This study will examine the number of route and technology options for the provision of a rapid transit service linking Fremantle, Rockingham and Mandurah."

Mr Charlton said studies on the rail alternatives were complete and had put the cost at between $326 million and $570 million.

The dedicated busway option was now being subjected to the same detailed examination as the rail options.

This would include a comparison of all options in financial and socio-economic terms and their expected impact on the environment and urban development.

Mr Charlton said the results of the study should be known by the end of this year and the Government should be in a position to choose the type of service needed by the middle of next year.

"It is irresponsible of Opposition MP John Cowdell to talk up the issue in a negative way when quite clearly planning for this project is being progressed," he said.

"The proposals have also caught the attention of private industry.

"A number of consortia have expressed interest in constructing, owning and operating a rapid transit service between Fremantle and Mandurah.

"If there is to be private sector involvement in the project, the final design will have to strike a balance between what the community wants and at what cost, and its commercial viability."

Media contact: Dean Roberts 321 7333