AUSTRALIA: The design of the diesel multiple-units ordered for Transwa’s twice-daily Australind service has been unveiled by Premier of Western Australia Mark McGowan.
‘The sleek new design will make the journey between Perth and Bunbury more comfortable for residents and tourists alike, encouraging more people to visit our southwest region’, said McGowan.
Alstom is to supply two three-car DMUs for the Australind service at cost of $54m, as part a wider A$1·3bn contract awarded in December which includes the supply and maintenance of 41 six-car C-series EMUs for use on Perth suburban routes from 2022.
To meet the state’s requirements for local input the 1 067 mm gauge multiple-units will be produced locally at Bellevue. The DMUs are scheduled for delivery in 2022-23, and will feature USB sockets, wi-fi, a buffet, three toilets and storage for 16 bicycles.
To mitigate problems with the reliability of the existing ADP/ADQ units dating from the 1980s, a weekday non-stop coach service is to be provided between Bunbury and Mandurah for 12 months from May this year. A train delay compensation system has also been introduced, offering passengers a credit for their next trip if they are delayed for more than an hour.
