New bus depot in Pinjarra

CONSTRUCTION has started on new bus depot in Pinjarra.

The $2.3 million project will take pressure off the Mandurah Depot, which is at capacity.

The project on Harries Way will also create significant cost savings by reducing the use of empty buses.

Almost half of the depot construction works will be undertaken by local Peel and South-West businesses.

A $2.3 million project to create a new bus depot in Pinjarra is about to kick off, with construction starting this week.

The $1.3m tender, awarded to local company Shelford Construction Pty Ltd, will allow construction of a new administration office, upgrade of an existing on-site workshop, along with installation of a hardstand, fencing, lighting and CCTV.

The additional $1 million has been allocated for land acquisition and planning.

To date, 47 per cent of subcontractor awards have been granted to local Peel and South-West businesses.

Demolition, earthworks and civil works will be carried out by Carbone Bros Pty Ltd from Brunswick Junction, electrical services delivered by Bay Electrical Service from Mandurah, and hydraulic services performed by Ocean Edge Plumbing & Gas Pty Ltd based in Erskine.

The Harries Way bus depot is expected to be completed in early 2020, and will initially house nine buses. When fully-developed, it will be able to host about 30 buses.

Currently, Pinjarra buses must travel 18km from the Mandurah Bus Depot before they can enter service. They also need to travel back at the end of their shift.

“Dead running” (operating without passengers) for such a long distance creates significant costs for extra fuel and maintenance. Reducing dead running minimises the risk of timetable delays if a bus gets stuck in traffic on the way to its starting point.