AUSTRALIND — RAILCARS
120. Hon
JAMES HAYWARD to the Leader of the House representing the Minister for
Transport:
My question is to the parliamentary
secretary representing the Minister for Transport.
I refer to the upcoming 18-month
shutdown of the Australind rail service.
(1) What is the
revised date of when the six new rail cars, originally promised to the people
of the south west by 2023, will be in operation on the Australind line?
(2) Has construction of the six new
railcars begun at Alstom's Bellevue assembly facility?
(3) If yes to (2), where will the
rail cars be stored until the Australind line reopens?
(4) Can the
minister confirm that all buses used to temporarily replace the Australind
rail line will be wheelchair-accessible?
Hon SUE ELLERY replied:
I know the honourable member has a few
other things on his mind, but it is the second time he has referred to me as
the parliamentary secretary. I advise him that I am the Leader of the House and
the minister representing the Minister for Transport.
(1)–(4) As
previously announced, the new locally made Australind railcars will be
programmed for delivery and entry into service after the shutdown has
concluded. Transwa has already acquired two additional fully accessible road
coaches to assist with the provision of alternative services.