Perth to Bunbury Train Returns After 3-Year Wait

After 30 months without their beloved train, residents of Western Australia's biggest regional city are finally getting their connection to Perth back.

The Australind train service between Perth and Bunbury will resume on June 29, ending a frustrating gap that began in November 2023. The aging diesel trains had become notorious for breakdowns and delays before being pulled for what was supposed to be a quick upgrade.

The wait stretched from months to years as the government opted to manufacture four brand-new trains locally rather than buying them off the shelf. Transport Minister Rita Saffioti acknowledged the community's patience, saying the delays were necessary to ensure safety and quality standards.

The $160 million investment brings meaningful improvements. Each three-car train features LED lighting, USB charging at every seat, an onboard buffet, and storage for 14 bicycles. The journey will take two hours and 25 minutes, with talks underway to make it even faster.

Service will start gradually, with one train running four return trips weekly on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. By early August, that increases to two daily return services. The goal is four daily round trips by January 2027.

The Ripple Effect

The train's return means more than just transportation for Bunbury. Local MP Don Punch called the service "part of the heart and soul of our community," reflecting how deeply the loss affected daily life.

Opposition MP Steve Thomas noted that people with disabilities particularly struggled with the replacement bus system over the past two and a half years. The train's accessible design and direct service will restore independence for many travelers.

Eleven stops between Perth and Bunbury remain unchanged, connecting smaller towns like Pinjarra, Waroona, and Harvey. These communities depend on the link for work, medical appointments, and staying connected to family.

The choice to manufacture locally also created jobs and expertise in Western Australia. While it added time to the project, it built capacity for future rail projects in the state.

The new trains represent a commitment to regional connectivity that looked uncertain when the old service kept breaking down. Now Bunbury has modern, reliable trains built to last decades.