Australind Train Returns June 29 With New Fleet
Perth-Bunbury Australind train service resumes June 29 with new fleet after 39 years
Australind Train Returns June 29 With New Fleet
Australind train service between Perth and Bunbury resumes June 29, 2026, with four new three-car trains replacing railcars that've operated since 1987. Western Australia's government confirmed the restart date after a suspension period, with the first train carrying passengers on the scheduled date and additional trains entering service over following months. Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the phased rollout ensures safety and reliability standards are met before full operations begin.
Four-Decade-Old Fleet Gets Major Upgrade
The new trains represent the first major fleet replacement for the Perth-Bunbury corridor in nearly 40 years, officials said. The previous railcars entered service in 1987 and lacked modern amenities now standard on regional rail services. The State Government allocated $45 million in the 2026-27 budget to support operations and increase service frequency, with work continuing with Arc Infrastructure to finalize infrastructure plans. The investment aims to make regional rail more competitive with road travel between the two cities, according to transit officials.
Modern Amenities and Cultural Recognition
Each train features contemporary interiors with LED lighting, USB-C charging ports at seats, improved accessibility features, an onboard buffet, and dedicated space for 14 bicycles. The trains will display unique Aboriginal artwork by local Indigenous artists to recognize South West culture, with each of the four trains showcasing different designs. The route includes stops at Armadale, Byford, Mundijong, Serpentine, North Dandalup, Pinjarra, Waroona, Yarloop, Cookernup, Harvey and Brunswick Junction. A public naming competition for the four trains remains open until May 18, 2026, with winners invited to travel on the first service.
Service Frequency to Double by Early 2027
The expanded timetable with doubled service frequency is expected by early 2027, pending finalization of infrastructure plans with Arc Infrastructure. Some coach services will continue operating until the second train formally begins running to maintain connectivity during the transition period. Officials said the progressive rollout allows testing of operations and infrastructure before scaling up to full frequency. The $45 million budget allocation specifically targets increasing the number of daily services once all four trains are operational.
What Riders Need to Know
Passengers can begin using the service starting June 29, 2026, though initial frequency will be limited until additional trains enter service in following months. Coach services will supplement rail operations during the transition period. Saffioti thanked the community for patience during testing and commissioning, emphasizing the importance of meeting performance standards before full operations. Riders can check Moovit for real-time schedule updates and trip planning as the new Australind service launches and expands frequency through early 2027.
