Thursday, 23 April 2026

Australind train from Perth to Bunbury to return by June as Minister Rita Saffioti acknowledges delay

 Australind train from Perth to Bunbury to return by June as Minister Rita Saffioti acknowledges delay | The West Australian

🚆 Australind Train Service — Key Points

1. Service finally returning by June 2026

  • The long-delayed Australind train between Perth and Bunbury will resume from Monday, June 29, 2026.

  • This comes nearly three years after its closure in 2023 due to Armadale line upgrade works.

2. Multiple delays pushed the reopening

  • Originally expected to reopen mid‑2025.

  • Delayed again due to setbacks on the Thornlie–Cockburn Link.

  • Government later targeted early 2026, but testing pushed it further.

3. Staged rollout instead of full service

  • Initial service: one train operating on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

  • Coach services will continue on the other days.

  • A second train is planned for early August.

  • Government aims for four trains total, doubling services by early 2027.

4. Government position

  • Minister Rita Saffioti acknowledged the delays.

  • Emphasised the need for thorough testing to ensure safety and reliability.

  • Thanked the community for its patience.

5. Opposition criticism

  • Shadow Transport Minister Steve Martin labelled the June return a “half‑service”.

  • Argued regional communities deserve a full, reliable timetable.

  • Called for the rollout to be fast‑tracked.