Trackless tram.
Camera IconTrackless tram. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Perth Trackless Tram project could be great benefit, says City of Stirling

Aaron Corlett and Laura PondStirling Times

IT is the radical concept that could change the face of transport in Perth.

The Perth Trackless Tram project is being worked on by Curtin University Sustainability Policy Institute Professor Peter Newman with several local governments, including City of Stirling.

The tram would run from the City of Canning through Curtin University, the Town of Victoria Park, City of Perth and the City of Vincent before stopping in Stirling.

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Dr Newman said he believed trackless trams had “enormous potential” as they provided links through corridors not serviced by trains.

“The cost would be $5 million to $10 million per kilometre, which compares to $45 million to $50 million per kilometre for light rail,” he said.

“The advantage over a bus is that you have many doors, so people can get on and off quickly.

“The trams could have two to five carriages and be modular so you can add or subtract carriages, you could fit 100 people on each carriage.”

Stirling planning and development director Ross Povey said Curtin University was co-ordinating the project and believed it could greatly benefit the City.

“The electric trackless tram concept, which is currently being trialled in China, could significantly reduce implementation costs and timeframes while providing great public transport and land use benefits that comes from clean technology and frequent service,” he said.

“This could transform the second stage of the Stirling City Centre project, which aims to link the City to the Beach by providing light rail from Glendalough Train Station along a 7km route to the iconic Scarborough Beach.

“If viable, the City of Stirling will look to present this unique opportunity to the Federal Government as part of a bid for a city deal to fund this long term infrastructure for our community.”

Dr Newman said he had not spoken with Transport Minister Rita Saffioti but Metronet project director Anthony Kannis had attended meetings and told him there was no money available from the State Government.

“I’ve been talking about light rail for 20 years, but I think this is the year of the trackless tram and I want to put it on the agenda for the next Federal election,” he said.

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