❓ Question regarding Australind train service outages and replacement transport options. Answer deflects blame to previous government, provides outage data, and outlines alternative transport arrangements, including disability services.
AnsweredQoN 236Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the Australind train service, and ask: (a) How many days in total has the train been out of service in each of the following years and what was the reason for each stoppage: (i) 2017-2018; (ii) 2018-2019; (iii) 2019-2020; (iv) 2020-2021; and (v) 2021-date; (b) When the train was out of service, what replacement public transport options were provided; and (c) What services were specifically provided for people with a disability?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
13 October 2021
Responded by
Minister for Transport
Response time
7 days
The current Australind train was introduced in 1987 with an operational life of 30 years. This means the train should have been replaced by 2017 at the latest, and because the former Liberal-National government refused to fund or plan for a replacement, the McGowan Government had to start this process from scratch.
As a direct result of this Liberal-National government neglect, the train has experienced increased mechanical issues in recent years.
The Member for Vasse continues to refuse to explain to the people of the South West why she and her government failed to fund or plan for a new train, despite knowing it needed to be replaced by 2017 at the latest.
(a) (i)-(v) Number of days when the Australind had been impacted by mechanical issues:
2013/14: 7
2014/15: 13
2015/16: 5
2016/17: 2
2017/18: 11
2018/19: 88 – Primarily the result of the extensive maintenance work undertaken in early-2019.
2019/20: 7
2020/21: 89 – Primarily the result of axle box replacement in late-2020, early-2021.
(b)-(c) Alternative arrangements including replacement road coach services and fare discounts are publicly available via both Transwa and multiple ministerial media statements.
In relation to passengers with a disability, as the Australind is a booked service, Transwa can provide fully accessible road coaches to meet the needs of passengers. In the event a fully accessible coach is not available, Transwa will charter an accessible taxi for the passenger.
As a direct result of this Liberal-National government neglect, the train has experienced increased mechanical issues in recent years.
The Member for Vasse continues to refuse to explain to the people of the South West why she and her government failed to fund or plan for a new train, despite knowing it needed to be replaced by 2017 at the latest.
(a) (i)-(v) Number of days when the Australind had been impacted by mechanical issues:
2013/14: 7
2014/15: 13
2015/16: 5
2016/17: 2
2017/18: 11
2018/19: 88 – Primarily the result of the extensive maintenance work undertaken in early-2019.
2019/20: 7
2020/21: 89 – Primarily the result of axle box replacement in late-2020, early-2021.
(b)-(c) Alternative arrangements including replacement road coach services and fare discounts are publicly available via both Transwa and multiple ministerial media statements.
In relation to passengers with a disability, as the Australind is a booked service, Transwa can provide fully accessible road coaches to meet the needs of passengers. In the event a fully accessible coach is not available, Transwa will charter an accessible taxi for the passenger.
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