The disruption-plagued Bunbury to Perth rail line will be significantly impacted next year as upgrades are carried out along the Armadale stretch in outer Perth.
The state government has announced that from 2023 the Armadale line will be shut down for 18 months in order for major works, including the construction of six new stations and the removal of 12 level crossings.
Bunbury MP Don Punch said there would be a service operating for passengers travelling between Bunbury and Perth, but the details were yet to be decided.
"There could be a number of options … replacement bus services from Bunbury to link up with the existing Mandurah-to-Perth line, there could be a direct bus service," he said.
"It could be that the Australind train could run up to just short of where the new works begin and a bus service from there."
Mr Punch said the announcement of the closure was made well in advance to allow for "good quality consultation with [the] local community."
He said the consultation period would be used to "work out what the best way is for dealing with that temporary closure and what forms of transport may be the best way of meeting the needs of the people in the community".
"Whether that's the continuation of some form of train services or bus services, that's all part of the discussion that will take place between the Passenger Transport Authority (PTA) and our community over the next six months," Mr Punch said.
Frequent disruptions
Australind patrons have faced significant disruptions to the service over recent years due to a number of problems with the ageing train.
The government is spending millions on a replacement train, which could be completed early next year.
But South West Liberal MP Steve Thomas raised concerns about the accessibility of replacement services.
"The train has easy disabled access, but the buses are much more problematic," he said.
Mr Punch, the Minister for Disabilities, Seniors and Ageing, said the PTA had made arrangements in the past for individuals with special accessibility requirements and that he expected "that approach to continue".
"There's an absolute requirement to make sure that the services are accessible to people with disability," he said.
"I firmly expect the PTA will be in the communities along the South West line, talking to special needs groups and … the community."
Mr Punch said the upgrades were a "must-do".
"The line is 120 years old and this will have to take place at some point," he said.
"But there will certainly be a quality public transport link while that line is rebuilt."
