Futureproofing Perth's public transport network

Perth's public transport network is being set up for generations to come, with major technology and infrastructure upgrades that will eventually see train services running every 3 minutes.

A 10-year $1.6 billion contract has been awarded to AD Alliance – Alstom Transport Australia Pty Ltd and DT Infrastructure Pty Ltd – to design, supply and build Perth's High-Capacity Signalling (HCS) project.

The project will replace and significantly upgrade the signalling and train control systems on Perth's rail network, allowing more trains to run more often and ultimately increasing capacity by 40 percent.

Works will include:

• upgrading signalling along the total length of the Transperth train network (500 kilometres);
• installing more than 7,000 transponders enabling precise train location;
• introducing new in-cab signalling equipment for 125 trains including the Prospector and Australind regional trains;
• improving passenger information on more than 600 displays on 89 stations across the network; and
• installing more than 250 kilometres of electrical conduit.

Local workers will also benefit from the upgrade, with the project expected to create 230 direct jobs and support 750 jobs overall.

The HCS control technology will be housed at the new state-of-the-art Public Transport Operations Control Centre (PTOCC) in East Perth, which will be a central point to ensure smooth and safe public transport operations, including incident management.

The HCS project is funded by both the Australian and Western Australian governments and will be delivered in stages over the next decade to minimise disruption to train operations.

The Australian Government is committing $300 million to stage one of the project.

The project has been identified by Infrastructure Australia as a priority since 2020.

Quotes attributable to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

"It is vital to not only get METRONET built, but also to invest in the technology and infrastructure upgrades needed to ensure the network runs safely, efficiently and reliably into the future.

"This project is part of the Australian Government's $4.87 billion investment into METRONET, which includes $300 million in this year's Federal Budget to deliver the first stage of automatic train control infrastructure."

Quotes attributable to Western Australian Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:

"As our public transport system expands, it's vital we ensure our network remains fit-for-purpose and suitable for our growing population.  

"Our vision for the future of public transport in Perth is a network that doesn't require timetabling, where commuters can turn up to their train station and know there will be a service running every few minutes or so. 

"This is a major and necessary investment that will help us to achieve that and set up our rail network for generations to come, allowing trains to run more often and improving reliability and safety.

"Of course, a project of this size also presents major opportunities and benefits for local employment, with 750 jobs set to be supported through the HCS, including the creation of 230 new ones – another big win." 

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Swan Zaneta Mascarenhas:

"New jobs, local investment, and better public transport – that's what Labor is all about.

"I am thrilled about what this means for local people – a smoother and reliable way to get around our beautiful city.

"The Albanese Labor Government is getting on with the job and creating more opportunities in Western Australia and a building a reliable and efficient transport system for generations to come."