❓ Question regarding Australind train service disruptions, accessibility for disabled passengers, and the number/condition of train units. The answer deflects blame to the previous government for failing to replace the aging train and details replacement transport options for disabled passengers.
AnsweredQoN 5371Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the Australind train, and ask: (a) For 2017, 2018 and 2019 to date, for how many days has the Australind train been out of service; (b) When the Australind train has been out of service, what replacement public transport options are provided for people with a disability; and (c) How many powered rail units and unpowered carriages does the Australind train have and, if there are multiple powered units, why are both out of commission at the same time?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
17 September 2019
Responded by
Minister for Transport
Response time
11 days
It is noted that the Australind train came into service in 1987 and was originally planned to have an operational life of up to 30 years. This means a new Australind train should have been servicing Bunbury by 2017 at the latest, however this did not occur.
The Member for Vasse should explain why her government failed to allocate funding to plan for and begin the process of replacing the Australind despite knowing it would reach the end of its useful life by 2017.
(a) 2016/17 – 2; 2017/18 and 2018/19 – Refer to 2019-20 Legislative Assembly Budget Estimates Hearing Supplementary Information.
(b) If full accessibility is required, Transwa attempts to source a fully accessible road coach from its rail replacement contractor. If the contractor cannot provide an accessible road coach, Transwa will hire and pay for an accessible taxi for the passenger requiring disability access.
(c) Three power cars and two railcars. Earlier this year, all railcars were stood down to ensure the safety of passengers following the identification of longstanding corrosion issues which the former government neglected to address.
The Member for Vasse should explain why her government failed to allocate funding to plan for and begin the process of replacing the Australind despite knowing it would reach the end of its useful life by 2017.
(a) 2016/17 – 2; 2017/18 and 2018/19 – Refer to 2019-20 Legislative Assembly Budget Estimates Hearing Supplementary Information.
(b) If full accessibility is required, Transwa attempts to source a fully accessible road coach from its rail replacement contractor. If the contractor cannot provide an accessible road coach, Transwa will hire and pay for an accessible taxi for the passenger requiring disability access.
(c) Three power cars and two railcars. Earlier this year, all railcars were stood down to ensure the safety of passengers following the identification of longstanding corrosion issues which the former government neglected to address.
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