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 three 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.
HCS 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 per cent.
Work will include:
- upgrading signalling along the total length of the Transperth train network (500 km);
- installing more than 7000 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 km of electrical conduit.
The project is expected to create 230 direct jobs and support 750 jobs overall.
DT Infrastructure Chief Executive Officer, Darren Crichton spoke about the project.
“With several METRONET projects nearing completion, Perth’s upgraded rail network means residents and visitors are more connected than ever before,” he said.
“The High Capacity Signalling program will ensure that this capability is fully utilised, running more trains more often.
“We’re delighted to be working with Alstom to deliver this remarkable project, drawing on our extensive experience optimising and delivering improvements to passenger rail networks across Australia.”
The HCS control technology will be housed in 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.
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