THE State Government has sought to future-proof Perth’s rail network with automatic train control.
It allocated $7.4 million in today’s Budget over the next two years for planning for the new signal system.
The Government says the signalling will revolutionise the way the Transperth rail network operates, gradually replacing the ageing network with a high-tech automatic digital version.
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READ NOWIt will also enable more trains to travel more often on the network and will reduce the number of signals and other trackside equipment, increasing system reliability, making it easier for railcar drivers to monitor signals, and reducing field maintenance requirements.
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the number of trains operating at any one time would increase by up to 150 per cent.
“Rather than a piecemeal approach of repairing or augmenting old infrastructure, we’re going on the front foot and planning for the future,” she said.
“Investing in the automatic train control technology will bring Perth’s rail public transport in line with global best practice for city railways.
“As new Metronet rail projects come online, it will enable the network to handle the extra train movements.”
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