Passenger trains linking Collie to Perth and other towns in the South West are unlikely to be introduced in the near future, according to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti.
Premier Mark McGowan recently announced TransWA’s daily bus services linking Collie to Perth and Bunbury would be reinstated, however the possibility of utilising the existing rail infrastructure to provide further public transport options was raised within the community.
Ms Saffioti said the state government’s decision and the cost of upgrading the existing train line through town would make it hard to justify providing passenger train services.
“Collie is currently serviced by TransWA’s road coaches. At this time it would be difficult to justify the cost of upgrading existing rail infrastructure and purchasing additional rolling stock,” she said.
“TransWA services receive high ratings in annual passenger satisfaction surveys, with many passengers praising the service. However, we are always looking to improve services where funding permits.”
Collie previously had a passenger train service that was cancelled due to low patronage decades ago due to an increase in the availability of cars.
While some infrastructure remains in place, it is currently only suitable for freight trains and would require a multi-million dollar upgrade to be suitable for passenger train services.
