The Western Australian government is celebrating the return of new and improved train services reconnecting Perth to Bunbury.
The revamped Australind service is officially back, with the first of four new modern trains returning to passenger service.
The state government will progressively roll out the four trains, with frequency of services set to double from early 2027.
An uplift in the reliability of services will help bring more people to the Peel and South West regions, and better connect locals to work, study and essential services.
Built locally at the Bellevue Railcar Manufacturing Facility, the new three-car trains represent a significant upgrade to the older fleet which started services in 1987.
Each train features wider passenger doors, onboard toilets, contemporary interiors with LED lighting, improved accessibility, in-seat USB-C charging, dedicated storage for up to 14 bikes, an onboard buffet and a striking orange livery that will help it stand out on its travels.
A competition to name the new trains received more than 3,500 entries, with the winning names paying tribute to the spirit and heritage of the South West.
The winning names will each be displayed on a plaque within the trains:
- Marley: named after the dingo who lived at Bunbury Port;
- Kwilena: the Noongar word for dolphin;
- Koombana: named after the iconic bay on which Bunbury is situated; and
- Linda: a name given to the Australind by many in the train enthusiast community
Each of the new trains will feature a unique Aboriginal artwork by a local Indigenous artist, celebrating the culture and connection to the South West.
The first train to enter service features the artwork ‘Country Colours’ by Candy Riley.
Now, the Australind train will run a return service between Perth and Bunbury on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, with coaches remaining in place for other services.
Once the second train is introduced later this year, services will return to the same timetable as before the shutdown.
The Australind’s stopping pattern will remain unchanged, with services operating on the original route between Perth and Bunbury, stopping at Armadale, Byford, Mundijong, Serpentine, North Dandalup, Pinjarra, Waroona, Yarloop, Cookernup, Harvey and Brunswick Junction.
“My government is focused on delivering quality infrastructure and services across our State, through our world-class public transport,” WA Premier Roger Cook says.
“The reopening of the Australind services resumes an important connection between Perth and Bunbury, which supports communities across the South West and Peel regions.
“The four new railcars also supports my government’s Made in WA vision, ensuring we diversify the Western Australian economy by making more things here, and developing a skilled and productive workforce.”