Transperth TransWA - general articles, discussion

[ozbob]

The West Australian --> GPS tracking reveals best and worst performing Perth buses

"Thanks to GPS tracking technology, we are able to monitor the on-time running of our buses very closely," Mr Hynes said. "There are several external factors that impact bus OTR including congestion, road disruptions due to accidents and major events and roadworks being carried out."

He said there were a number of initiatives being adopted by the PTA for more reliable travel times. They included the introduction of bus-priority initiatives such as bus lanes, bus-only turns and special traffic signals.

Work was also being done with Main Roads to give buses priority in peak periods.

Bus patronage has been declining in Perth for several years, falling below 80 million journeys in 2017-18 for the first time in seven years.

Transport consultants Steven Piotrowski and Ian Wallis — in a paper presented to the recent Australian Institute of Traffic Planning and Management's annual conference — argued that making Perth's bus network more efficient was a key to stopping Perth's declining public transport use.

Services needed to be more frequent and reliable.

The Piotrowski-Wallis paper said the State Government was justifiably concerned about falling public transport patronage, especially in light of recent service expansions. But there were no easy solutions.

"The WA Government has invested billions of dollars in public transport infrastructure over the past 30 years," the paper said.

"But during the past five years, the upward trend in public transport usage, which had been apparent since the early 1990s, has gone into reverse."

[ozbob]

WA Today --> Perth bus drivers vote to take industrial action from next week

Dozens of bus routes, including the free CAT bus networks in the Perth CBD, could face disruptions from next week after more than 200 drivers voted to take protected industrial action.

The action, slated to begin Monday, could mean 'fare-free days' for commuters, but could also lead to delays.

The industrial action centres around one of Perth's biggest bus companies, Transdev.

Operating on behalf of Transperth, the company provides bus services in the Fremantle, Joondalup, Mandurah and Rockingham areas.

It also operates the free CAT services in Perth, Fremantle and Joondalup.

It's understood the company employs between 900-1000 bus drivers in WA.

About 270 of those employees voted last Friday to take protected industrial action.

The Transport Workers Union says the protected action relates to a pay dispute and subsequent breakdown in negotiations for a new enterprise bargaining agreement.

The union claims its members have not received a "meaningful pay increase" in 10 years and that the company refuses to offer any monetary increases.

The proposed action is expected to begin with a ban on uniforms on October 8.

The union says the action may "escalate" with disruptions across the network.

That escalation may result in an indefinite ban on taking fares and work stoppages.

It is not yet known when exactly the planned stoppages may occur.

"Our bus drivers deserve a fair go," TWU branch secretary Tim Dawson said.

"They've waited long enough for meaningful pay rises for the tough job they do every day and so now they're taking action."

A Public Transport Authority spokesperson said it was hopeful any industrial action could still be avoided.

"The proposed industrial action you refer to is not scheduled to take place until the afternoon of Monday October 8," the spokesperson said.

"Negotiations between Transdev and the union are still underway and we are hopeful of an outcome that avoids industrial action."

A Transdev spokesman said the company was disappointed with the TWU's decision to take industrial action.

"The TWU's decision to take industrial action hurts our customers, especially those on routes where there are limited or no other public transport options," the spokesman said.

"TWU members make up about one third or our employees, and we want to finalise a new Enterprise Agreement that will benefit all of our drivers as soon as possible."

"We have invited the TWU to return to the negotiating table, and urged the union to reconsider the decision to stop work so we can avoid the impact on customers and the broader the community."

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1054770649858621440

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Rita_Saffioti/status/1057830721094508544

[ozbob]

The West Australian --> Is public transport off the rails?

Perth's five-year decline in public transport use has been arrested but the result masks worrying trends.

Passenger journeys on Perth's public transport network rose 0.7 per cent to about 141 million last year — a long way short of its 2013 peak of almost 149 million.

But an analysis of the latest patronage data shows another major fall in numbers on the Fremantle train line, a downward trend in bus passenger numbers and that our love affair with ferry travel since Elizabeth Quay opened is over.

The only bright light was a 500,000 boost in passenger numbers on the Armadale train line — though the increase was mostly because of lower numbers in 2017 caused by delays related to building Perth Stadium.

Fremantle line patronage recorded its seventh consecutive annual decline, falling another 290,000 journeys in 2018.

It is 30 years ago this year that the Court Liberal government closed the Fremantle line because of falling patronage. It was reopened four years later by the Burke Labor government.

After a massive spike in use after Elizabeth Quay opened in 2016, ferry use fell by about 42,000 (5.8 per cent) journeys last year to almost 732,000.

Bus patronage fell by about 520,000 journeys last year, after annual patronage in 2017 dipped below 80 million for the first time in six years.

In an assessment of Perth's declining public transport use released last year, transport consultants Steven Piotrowski and Ian Wallis identified the need to make the city's bus network more efficient by introducing more bus-only and queue-jump lanes and removing bus stops that were too close to each other.

Public Transport Authority spokesman David Hynes confirmed the Armadale figures reflected the disruptions caused by work to incorporate the stadium station into the network in 2017.

"This was particularly noticeable in the January comparison — January last year was up almost 50 per cent on January 2017, when we shut the line down for a couple of weeks," Mr Hynes said.

Since the McGowan Government decided to keep the stadium train station open on non-event weekends, an average of 180 people have been using it on Saturdays and 85 on Sundays.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti has conceded that patronage numbers could be higher, but she said the latest figures showed that families and visitors were finding the stadium stop useful.

Perth's least busiest weekend stations are Success Hill (October average of 124 patrons), Seaforth (170) and Chalis (209).

This is more to do with the economic downturn that had particularly hit WA.  They need to get out of the state more.  Transperth rail carries more annual passengers than the QR Citytrain network, despite being only a 1/3 the size.  I say they are doing really well in fact.  I had an interesting conversation with a train driver at Butler during a recent visit, I was suggesting the rail network is 1st class and he agreed commenting the locals don't really know how good it is!  Yep ...

[#Metro]

When people lose their job, they generally don't need to travel to the city. Hence fall in trips.

[ozbob]

The West Australian --> Transport Minister Rita Saffioti to review Transperth train zones

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti will review the zone payment structure for Perth's train system, as the McGowan Government launches a major advertising blitz to encourage people to use public transport.

Unveiling the transport campaign, Ms Saffioti said she believed there were some issues with the current zone structure for the train network – which is sometimes criticised as confusing to tourists and irregular public transport users.

But the Transport Minister promised that any restructure of fares would leave commuters no worse off.

"I think fares are reasonable," she said.

"I think there are some issues and I raised them in opposition about the complexity of the fare structure. So it's something that we will be looking at in particularly the amount of zones in particular in NSW and Victoria who have simplified their zone structure.

"What we will do is make sure people are not worse off."

The Government's $1.25 million transport campaign seeks to push commuters to give the train and bus network a go, arguing it is quicker and cheaper than driving and parking in the CBD.

Figures show there was just a 0.74 per cent increase in overall patronage of the transport network in 2018.

Ms Saffioti rejected suggestions the slow growth raised questions about the Government's plan to pump billions of dollars into its Metronet scheme, arguing more people would use the network if it was extended to and needed investment was made.

"Part of Metronet is catching up with that growth," she said.

In addition to the ad campaign, the Government is developing a new app to make catching trains and buses easier and upgrading the SmartRider system to enable debit card and smartphone tag-on capabilities from 2021.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/MarkMcGowanMP/status/1090419005888749568

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/MarkMcGowanMP/status/1090426411511214080

[verbatim9]

The West Australian --> Transport Minister Rita Saffioti to review Transperth train zones

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti will review the zone payment structure for Perth's train system, as the McGowan Government launches a major advertising blitz to encourage people to use public transport.

Unveiling the transport campaign, Ms Saffioti said she believed there were some issues with the current zone structure for the train network – which is sometimes criticised as confusing to tourists and irregular public transport users.

But the Transport Minister promised that any restructure of fares would leave commuters no worse off.

"I think fares are reasonable," she said.

"I think there are some issues and I raised them in opposition about the complexity of the fare structure. So it's something that we will be looking at in particularly the amount of zones in particular in NSW and Victoria who have simplified their zone structure.

"What we will do is make sure people are not worse off."

The Government's $1.25 million transport campaign seeks to push commuters to give the train and bus network a go, arguing it is quicker and cheaper than driving and parking in the CBD.

Figures show there was just a 0.74 per cent increase in overall patronage of the transport network in 2018.

Ms Saffioti rejected suggestions the slow growth raised questions about the Government's plan to pump billions of dollars into its Metronet scheme, arguing more people would use the network if it was extended to and needed investment was made.

"Part of Metronet is catching up with that growth," she said.

In addition to the ad campaign, the Government is developing a new app to make catching trains and buses easier and upgrading the SmartRider system to enable debit card and smartphone tag-on capabilities from 2021.

https://twitter.com/MarkMcGowanMP/status/1090419005888749568

https://twitter.com/MarkMcGowanMP/status/1090426411511214080

^^The fares in Perth weren't that cheap. You do get a 2 hour window to travel though. The Perth smart rider card could give better incentives. Plus the card should be refundable for travellers. A $10.00 non refundable fee is a bit steep especially when the card remains in credit.

I did buy one anyway and who knows they could make it refundable at some stage and introduce better incentives. It's better to introduce incentives for the smart rider than for cash fares.

The guy at the Transperth desk said 2 weeks ago  a virtual card and touching on with a credit or debit card is still 2 years away unless that has changed as per the article?

I wonder if Netflix paid Premier McGowan to tweet "catch up with the latest episode on your favourite netflix show"?

[#Metro]

Wouldn't it be better to spend the $1.25 million on determining cause and effect relations first, before jumping into measures?

[verbatim9]

Public Transport expert/analyst says trains need to run every 10 mins to get people out of cars.

https://youtu.be/7q_qV_7q0Ho

[#Metro]

If Perth moves to 10 min it will have a metro system.

[ozbob]

Perth Now --> More Perth public transport users feel unsafe on trains, buses

More than one in four West Australians feel unsafe using public transport at night, the second worst rate in the nation.

New Productivity Commission data shows the rate has jumped from one in five just two years ago.

The McGowan Government yesterday launched a $1.325 million advertising campaign to entice more commuters on to Perth's trains and buses.

After five years of decline, Perth recorded a 0.74 per cent increase in overall patronage of the transport network last year.

But there was another major fall in numbers on the Fremantle train line and a downward trend in bus passenger numbers.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti also announced a review of the zone payment structure for Perth's trains, which she said was sometimes confusing for tourists and occasional users.

Would this new advertising campaign convince you to leave the car at home and get on Perth's public transport?
7 News

The Productivity Commission data — based on a survey of 2800 West Australians — shows 24.4 per cent feel unsafe on public transport at night, second only to the 27.9 per cent of Victorians and well above the national rate of 20.6 per cent. The WA rate has grown from 21.5 per cent in 2016-17 and 19.5 per cent in 2017-18.

Only 5.5 per cent of WA commuters feel unsafe on public transport during the day, still above the national average of 4.3 per cent.

Ms Saffioti said the State Government's 2018 passenger satisfaction monitor — which gets feedback from 4000 people who regularly use public transport — showed 87 per cent felt safe on buses at night and 82 per cent felt safe on trains at night.

"I acknowledge there is always room for improvements when it comes to safety on our public transport network," she said.

"The State Government is addressing this in the short-term with continued investment in transit officers, improved and expanding CCTV technology, security contractors and a 24-hour central monitoring room.

"In the medium term, I believe our investment in Metronet will also encourage improved safety around transit stations.

"By building more vibrant precincts around new and redeveloped transit stations, wefoster a better sense of safety due to more activity and passive surveillance."

[ozbob]

Transperth App

The new Transperth app for iOS and Android is officially here.

https://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/Journey-Planner/Mobile-Services/Official-Transperth-App

[ozbob]

Volgren has signed the biggest bus supply deal in its four-decade history, extending its contract with Volvo and the Public Transport Authority (PTA) of Western Australia, the state's government-run transport operator.

https://www.busnews.com.au/industry-news/1903/volgren-and-volvo-announce-largest-ever-australian-bus-supply-deal

[ozbob]

[ozbob]

Transperth fare increase from 1 July 2019

Details > https://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/tickets-fares/fares

[ozbob]

https://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/Service-Updates/Service-Update-Details/train-and-bus-network-wide-changes-87105

Train and Bus Network Wide Changes

From Sunday 21 July 2019 there will be significant changes to bus and train services across the Transperth network.

In preparation for the future Forrestfield-Airport Link, which will connect with the Midland Line at Bayswater Station, we are making changes to the Midland and Fremantle lines. This means that a number of bus services that connect with trains will be adjusted to ensure that good connections are still provided.

In addition to these changes, we will be launching the new Route 96, which will provide a high frequency connection between Leederville Station, UWA, QEll Medical Centre and Perth Childrens Hospital.

[ozbob]

^

" ... This means that a number of bus services that connect with trains will be adjusted to ensure that good connections are still provided. ... "

Connections matter in WA.

[#Metro]

^ Route 96 is a feeder service that doesn't go to the CBD, despite being close enough to extend.

[BrizCommuter]

In my opinion the Freo and Midland Lines need to have their peak A/B express service patterns scrapped and replaced by all stations services. This would double the peak frequency for most stations. Maybe removing the station parking charge (I noticed people parking in nearby streets instead of the empty car parks) would also help boost patronage.

[SurfRail]

^ Freo and Midland are going to all stations all the time from this weekend.  It hasn't been possible hitherto now because A-sets have been needed to run Mandurah and Joondalup line trips, AFAIK that no longer happens now there are enough B-sets so the A-sets are fully captive to the older lines.

[SteelPan]

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-07-22/despite-metronet-perth-still-prefers-cars-to-buses-trains/11317776

[ozbob]

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-07-22/despite-metronet-perth-still-prefers-cars-to-buses-trains/11317776

The has been a considerable economic slowdown in the West.  As the roads choke they will be so grateful for the present and expanded rail 
network.  Like most jurisdictions. bus network improvements are not always optimal and lag.

[wandering_fred]

The only thing that will get people out of cars is public transport FREQUENCY, though minimizing cost to the user helps.

Just wandering
Fred

[ozbob]

Rail Express --> PTA closes Moore Street crossing

Western Australia's Public Transport Authority has decided to close the four-lane level crossing at Moore Street in Perth's CBD, after extensive consultation with key stakeholders.

PTA said on September 4 it had opted to close the crossing after speaking with the City of Perth, Royal Perth Hospital, St John Ambulance, WA Police, Western Power, Perth's Children Court and Main Roads.

The crossing is the intersection point between Moore Street – which is two lanes in either direction – and four sets of railway tracks which handle Armadale, Thornlie and Midland line services.

According to PTA, the crossing's boom gates have been closed for around 30 minutes every hour during peak periods. This figure was expected to rise to as much as 45 minutes an hour once new rail traffic from the Forrestfield-Airport Link comes online.

"Since Optus Stadium operations came online, the crossing has also been closed for many hours leading up to, during and after events due to the high number of trains running between the stadium and the city," PTA said.

In addition, near-misses are regularly reported by train drivers at the crossing, with exasperated motorists more likely to take risks due to the long boom gate closures.

The crossing will be permanently closed from October 1.

The pedestrian level crossing on the western side of Moore Street will also close, while the existing pedestrian level crossing on the eastern side of the road will remain open.

100 metres east of Moore Street is Lord Street, a major road overpass which crosses the railway.

[ozbob]

WA Today --> Train line closures after car rolls onto train tracks south of Perth


Emergency crews are working to retrieve the vehicle. CREDIT:NINE NEWS

Closures are in place along the Mandurah train line after a car rolled onto the train tracks south of Perth, triggering a daring rescue operation to free the driver from the wreckage.

The incident occurred in the Rockingham suburb of Cooloongup just before 1.30pm on Saturday, with emergency services attending shortly after.

The driver has been rescued but train closures remain in place between Mandurah and Rockingham stations as crews work to retrieve the vehicle.

"Trains on the Mandurah line are cancelled between Rockingham and Mandurah due to a police incident," a Transperth spokesperson said.

"Train replacement buses are running between Rockingham and Mandurah."

[ozbob]

^

https://twitter.com/Transperth/status/1172846375454699520

[ozbob]

Rail Express --> New law to target rail trespassing in WA

A proposed 25-fold increase to the maximum penalty for rail trespassing in Western Australia is hoped to at curb an increase in dangerous behaviour, according to the state government.

Draft legislation introduced to WA Parliament on September 26 by state transport minister Rita Saffioti would see the maximum fine for trespassing on Public Transport Authority property lifted from just $200 to $5000.

Under the Criminal Code the maximum trespass penalty is a $12,000 fine and 12 months imprisonment, but this legislation is rarely applied to incidents of rail trespass.

Saffioti said a significant increase in the prescribed fine specifically for rail trespass would help address a concerning rise in such incidents.

There were 885 incidents reported in 2018/19 around WA's rail corridors which qualified – under the Rail Safety National Law Act – as 'incidents that may have the potential to cause a serious incident'.

That represented a 70 per cent increase on the 2017/18 figure of 510 reported offences.

"Despite awareness campaigns by the PTA, incidents of trespass in WA have increased," Saffioti said.

She specifically noted the highly dangerous practice of train surfing, which received significant public attention last year when footage went viral of a man leaping from a moving Perth train, from the Fremantle Bridge, into the water below.

"The sporadic incidents of train-surfing, and last year's bridge-jumping incident on the Fremantle Line are examples of the stupid and unsafe behaviour we want to stop," Saffioti said.

"When something goes wrong, it drastically impacts a lot of people – commuters, first responders and PTA staff just to name a few – and that's why we need to prevent it happening."

[ozbob]

WA Today --> Blood on the tracks: Opposition warns on hike in bus and train assaults

The WA Opposition is pointing the finger at the McGowan Government over what they say is a massive increase in anti-social behaviour on Perth's public transport system.

The Public Transport Authority has released figures showing a 71 per cent increase in anti-social and safety incidents over a two year period from the middle of 2016, according to opposition transport spokeswoman Libby Mettam.

Ms Mettam said five transit guards had been assaulted in the last month.

She called on the government to detail its plan to protect commuters and transit guards in the face of the "increased unacceptable behaviour".

"These figures are deeply concerning and the McGowan government needs to do more to prevent this behaviour and protect the workers who are simply doing their job and providing a valuable service," Ms Mettam said.

"Moreover, they need to make sure commuters feel safe and comfortable travelling on our trains and buses, otherwise, patronage will be affected.

"There has been a 71 per cent increase in incidents over the period 2016-17 to 2018-19 while patronage over the same period has only increased by 0.4 per cent in total boardings or 2 per cent for trains alone."

Ms Mettam said transit guards were fed up with the treatment dished out to them by unruly patrons and the lack of protection they face on the job.

"Guards are quitting because of the treatment they are receiving and if the guards are uncomfortable with their working environment, there is no doubt patrons would also be deeply concerned when travelling on Transperth trains and buses," she said.

In Parliament earlier this month, the government admitted five transit officers had quit in August.

"Transit officers are trained to perform an important role in difficult circumstances and, regrettably, officers are at risk of being assaulted in the course of their duties," Upper House MP Stephen Dawson said.

"The PTA does not believe there is a relationship between resignations in the period and assaults.

"Of the five transit officers who have left, one went to the Western Australia Police Force, two went to prisons, one did not successfully complete their training and one resigned."

On Wednesday, Transport Minister Rita Safioti said figures from the PTA's annual report revealed passenger satisfaction with Transperth services had reached an "all-time high".

She said 95 per cent of train passengers and 91 per cent of bus passengers were happy with their public transport services.

"Green shoots have emerged in patronage data with an additional 1.6 million extra boardings across trains, buses and ferries over 2018-19," Ms Saffioti said in a press release.

The McGowan Government is spending $1.25 million on a campaign aimed at promoting the benefits of public transport to people who are not regular users.

"The results of this year's Passenger Satisfaction Monitor, along with the rise in patronage, show users are happy with the quality of public transport services," Ms Saffioti said.

"Our network is considered the best in the nation by passengers, and I look forward to seeing our excellent system continue to get better as Metronet projects come online."

[ozbob]

WA Today --> WA Huawei rail radio project's CCTV, body cam and live-tracking potential revealed

A mobile data network under construction for Perth's public trains by Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei could be used to support body-worn cameras, CCTV and live tracking of personnel and assets, government documents have revealed.

The controversial company, which won the $206 million tender in a joint venture with construction firm UGL, will build 80 radio masts – similar to mobile phone towers – along Perth's passenger rail corridors.

Last year, Premier Mark McGowan told Parliament the Huawei network was "a closed system to provide communications between train drivers and their headquarters".

"That is all it is," he said.

Huawei has been banned from Australia's 5G network over security concerns, and last week the Wall Street Journal reported concerns the company could covertly access mobile networks around the world through back doors designed for use by law enforcement agencies.

In a briefing note signed by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti just weeks before Huawei was announced as the contractor, the Public Transport Authority said the Huawei network would transmit voice and data "to serve a range of potential railway uses".

These included "data capability for personal security", "bodyworn cameras", "live CCTV images sent back to a central monitoring room of security staff in dangerous place" and "geolocation – tracking of personnel and assets".

The document, which was released to the WA Opposition under freedom of information laws, also revealed "the timely and successful implementation of the new digital system is a precursor for the planned ATC [Automatic Train Control] project and Metronet extensions".

Opposition integrity and procurement spokesman Tjorn Sibma accused the government of deliberately covering up the sensitivity of the project.

"The Premier tried to distance himself from the Huawei Metronet project by not taking this important matter to Cabinet despite long-standing Cabinet protocols, the project value exceeding $200 million and his own department engaging Commonwealth intelligence agencies due to national security concerns," he said.

"Premier McGowan and Minister Saffioti then tried to downplay the importance of the project by characterising it as a simple telephone system for train drivers.

"However, when confronted with documents released under the Freedom of Information Act it became clear that this project had significant long-term implications for Western Australia, including for the imminent $1 billion automatic train control system."

A state government spokesman said "the initial focus of the [Huawei] Radio System Replacement project is only to support voice communications".

"The briefing note, which was prepared five months before the contract was awarded, makes clear that the network could 'potentially' support those uses some time in the future," he said.

"The use of the radio network for these purposes is not part of the current project scope.

"There is no current proposal before government to use the system for cameras or geolocation tracking. Any future uses of the system would be subject to ongoing security assessment."

Huawei train project running on time, government insists

The PTA says the Huawei/UGL mobile data network has not been delayed, despite a subtle change to information about the project's delivery on its website, which now says "the new digital radio system is expected to be operational in late 2021".

But in December 2019, the PTA website had said project would be finished "early 2021".

Tender documents for the project suggest an end date of early November 2021 for the project.

And according to the briefing note released under FOI laws, the Australian Communications and Media Authority required the PTA to stop using the radio spectrum used by its existing analog radio system by May 2020.

According to a PTA spokeswoman: "The project timing listed on the website was not updated after contract award."

This content was live until January," she said.

"Someone picked this up internally and we corrected it as soon as we were notified.

"PTA had a rolling estimate for completion prior to starting the procurement process in early 2018, however, a target completion date was defined at the time of procurement and is reflected in tender documentation."

But when WAtoday asked the PTA in July 2019 whether the project was still on track to be finished in early 2021, a spokesman said: "The PTA is happy with the progress so far on this project, which is on schedule."

A spokesman for the state government said it was talking to ACMA about the availability of the spectrum licences allocated to the PTA.

"The requirement to potentially vacate the spectrum is now deferred to at least beyond 2020," he said.

Both Huawei and UGL declined to comment on the project.

[verbatim9]

ABC News---> Public Transport Authority contract with Huawei scrapped over crippling US trade restrictions

Public Transport Authority contract with Huawei scrapped over crippling US trade restrictions

A $200 million contract between Western Australia's Public Transport Authority (PTA) and Chinese technology giant Huawei has collapsed, due to trade restrictions imposed by the United States.

Key points:

The $200 million contract to upgrade train radios was struck in July 2018
The Government says US trade restrictions on Chinese led to the contract collapse
The PTA is calling for a "fresh approach" to the radio network upgrades
The consortium of Huawei Australia and UGL (HUGL) won the tender in July 2018 to upgrade the radio communications system for Perth's urban rail network.

The plan had involved building about 80 radio masts and base stations throughout the metropolitan network and replacing radio devices in trains, security vehicles and handheld radios.

But both parties have now mutually agreed not to continue the current arrangement.

In a statement, WA's Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the HUGL consortium had earlier provided the State Government assurances that it could deliver the project in light of trade restrictions imposed by the US Government.

However, further restrictions imposed in August 2019 had led to a "force majeure" event which both companies could not overcome.

The State Government said the measures required to overcome the situation would result in unacceptable uncertainty around the total cost of the project and completion time, while there was no guarantee the solution would be effective.

"It is extremely unfortunate that the State Government's project — which is limited to a radio network for train drivers and transit guards — has been caught up in the ongoing trade dispute between the US and China," Ms Saffioti said.

"The PTA will continue its plans to deliver a new digital radio system for our expanding public transport system."

Ms Saffioti said the decision was made before taking into account the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Contract had been reviewed over security concerns

The contract had been reviewed by the WA Government in March 2019 after allegations by the US had led to greater scrutiny of how the company conducted its business.

WA Premier Mark McGowan at the time assured parliament that security advice had been followed when awarding the contract.

"We sought advice from the Federal Government, from essentially federal security agencies on two separate occasions about whether or not there was any security issue whatsoever," he said in July 2018.

"And the Federal Government advice is there was no security issue whatsoever involved in this decision."

'Fresh approach' sought for new plan

Ms Saffioti said the PTA was working with the HUGL Consortium on new arrangements to deliver the project without breaching US trade restrictions, including what subcontract arrangements could be preserved.

"In all the circumstances, the PTA has recommended a fresh approach for the Radio Systems Replacement project," she said.

"We'll continue to work towards the delivery of a high quality radio system at the best possible price for taxpayers."

The PTA had originally been required to leave the analogue radio spectrum by May 2020, however that has since been extended to beyond 2021.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1243553254233059336

[ozbob]

https://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/Using-Transperth/coronavirus-advice

COVID -19 Services Change Monday 6 April 2020

Following the Government's advice to eliminate non-essential travel, patronage on the Transperth network has dropped significantly. As a result, we will be temporarily changing services to more efficiently meet this demand. In doing so, we seek to continue to support essential workers and those making essential trips who do not have other transport options.

We also aim to find a balance between reducing the exposure of our essential front-line staff to infection risk, while maintaining our passengers' capacity to practise social-distancing on services with fewer people.

We will continue to monitor patronage and services and make adjustments as required to continue to meet those commitments.

From Monday 6 April changes will be made to the times of operation for all services across the network.

    Train services on Monday to Saturday will operate on a Saturday timetable
     
    Bus services on Monday to Saturday will operate on a Saturday timetable
     
    CAT services will operate on a reduced frequency
     
    Ferries will operate on a Winter timetable.

[ozbob]

WA Today --> Costs of derailed WA Huawei deal not known but now under negotiation

The full costs of the WA government's decision to dump Huawei from a $206 million public transport project will not be known until the company's exit is negotiated.

The Chinese telco was to build a mobile data network along Perth's passenger train corridors, but Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said a US trade ban on the company meant they couldn't finish the job.

A state government spokesman said the Public Transport Authority, which had been managing the project, was working on new arrangements to build the network, which involved the rollout of 80 mobile data towers with construction firm UGL.

"The PTA is now working with the Huawei-UGL Consortium towards the orderly transition to new arrangements to allow delivery of the project without breaching US trade restrictions," he said.

"Until those negotiations have been finalised, the state government will not be in a position to outline potential timeframes or cost details."

In Parliament, Environment Minister Stephen Dawson, who represents Ms Saffioti in the upper house, said it was too early to provide details of the new arrangements.

On Wednesday he said Huawei and the government had been working since August to mitigate to effects of the US trade ban.

"Work was undertaken on whether new arrangements could be created that would allow the contract to be performed by the parties in a different structure," he said.

"The parties also monitored whether the trade restrictions were likely to be lifted by the US government as part of its trade negotiations with China as similar restrictions against ZTE, another Chinese telecommunications company, had been lifted.

"The sum claims payable for work done to date under the contract are yet to be resolved."

On Tuesday, Mr Dawson did not answer specific questions about which telco would finish the work, whether a new contract would be taken to cabinet or how many people would lose their jobs as a result of the decision.

The project was to be completed at the end of 2021, with department briefing notes obtained under Freedom of Information laws warning delays could impact the state government's Metronet project.

But the state government spokesman said Metronet projects would use the existing analogue communications system in the interim and construction would not be affected.

Huawei Australia's director of corporate affairs Jeremy Mitchell said the company was widely regarded as a world leader in railway communications.

"Western Australians were in line to benefit from our best-in-class technology on the PTA project but sadly that will no longer be possible," he said.

In February, the PTA denied the project had been delayed, despite a subtle change to the completion date on its website from early to late 2021.

Tender documents for the project suggest an end date of early November 2021 but on Friday, Ms Saffioti said a delay in completion of the project was inevitable.

[ozbob]

https://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/Using-Transperth/Coronavirus-Advice/Free-Parking

From Tuesday 14 April until further notice, parking at Transperth car parks will be free. 

All other existing terms and conditions, such as time restrictions, use of ACROD bays and patrons parking at their own risk, will still apply.

Please note that the waiver does not extend to travel, and passengers will still need to pay the correct fare to travel on any Transperth service. We continue to encourage passengers to use a SmartRider when doing so.

Once parking returns to normal operations a My Alert email will be sent, as well as an alert sent via the Transperth app.

We recommend passengers sign up to these services so that they are aware of the resumption of normal operations and don't risk a fine.

[ozbob]

https://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/Using-Transperth/Coronavirus-Advice/Changes-to-services/May-4

Services Change from 4 May

Following the Government's announcement to reopen schools from the beginning of Term 2, Transperth will be increasing its current service provision to better meet any resulting increase in patronage.

From Monday, 4 May 2020 Transperth services will upgrade to a modified weekday timetable as outlined below.

Passengers are encouraged to plan their journey, as services they took pre-COVID might be operating differently.

We anticipate the new timetable will be available online and via our app from Thursday 30 April.

As school services will not be operating between 29 April – 1 May, any students planning on using public transport to get to/from school who are unable to do so are invited to call us on 13 62 13 to seek assistance in identifying alternative services.

We will continue to closely monitor patronage and make adjustments as required to continue to meet our commitment to provide a safe and sustainable service.

To plan your journey please visit the JourneyPlanner, use the Transperth app or call 13 62 13.

[ozbob]

Rail Express --> WA trains begin to return to normal timetable

Western Australia will begin to back public transport services that were reduced because of coronavirus (COVID-19).

Services were scaled back on March 31 as passenger numbers dropped while people stayed at home and self isolated, however with school students returning to face-to-face classes, the WA government has brought forward regular timetabling.

"With students returning to school from April 29, we will see an increase in transport activity across our community," said WA Transport Minister, Rita Saffioti.

"While initially we prepared a staged and scaled return to normal services, it is now our view to have services running to a normal schedule as soon as possible," she said.

"In particular, feedback from parents, and from schools directly, has been that we bring the school services back from the first day."

While it had already been announced that bus services would pick back up when school resumed, the latest announcement confirms that trains will begin to return to regular timetables on Monday, May 4. Until then, trains will follow the current timetabling – a Saturday in place of the Monday to Friday timetable, and no after-midnight train services on Friday and Saturday nights.

"Working with the contractors, unions and the PTA, we are now bringing forward the return of normal public transport services," said Saffioti.

The WA government has advised passengers to continue following COVID-19 hygiene practices and additional cleaning will continue. WA was one of a few states to reduce train services. In NSW and Victoria, services continued to their regular timetable to allow passenger to practice social distancing, while in Queensland cuts were only made to long-distance and tourist train services.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Perth_Traffic/status/1268053322923204609

WA Today --> Kwinana southbound, Mandurah line reopened after freeway crash cleared