WA’s Public Transport Authority (PTA) has awarded global transport company Alstom a ten-year, $1.6 billion contract to upgrade signalling and train control systems in Perth.

Alstom will design, build, test and maintain new high-capacity signalling technology across the suburban rail network in what it says is the world’s largest signalling project by route length.

Once completed, the project will increase Perth’s network capacity by 40 per cent and see train services run every three minutes, the government says.

The project, part of the METRONET program, will also upskill PTA staff on the new signalling technology.

It will be delivered by the PTA in partnership with Alstom and engineering and construction services provider DT Infrastructure, with DT Infrastructure installing Alstom’s Urbalis CBTC technology.

Work will include upgrading signalling along the total 500km Transperth train network, installing more than 7,000 transponders, introducing new in-cab signalling equipment for 125 trains, improving passenger information across the network and installing more than 250 kilometres of electrical conduit.

The federal government is putting $300 million towards the first stage of the project, which has been identified as a priority by Infrastructure Australia since 2020.

Fit-for purpose transport system

WA transport minister Rita Saffoti says it’s vital that the public transport system remains fit for purpose for a growing population.

“Our vision for the future of public transport in Perth is a network that doesn’t require timetabling, where commuters can turn up to their train station and know there will be a service running every few minutes or so,” she said in a statement.

“This is a major and necessary investment that will help us to achieve that and set up our rail network for generations to come, allowing trains to run more often and improving reliability and safety.”

Alstom Australia and NZ managing director Pascal Dupond said the state was experiencing a rail renaissance.

“Clearly, the Western Australian government requires the best for the people of Perth. It is our privilege to deliver this … for Western Australia, continuing our long history of deep partnership with the State,” he said in a statement.

DT Infrastructure CEO Darren Crichton said with several METRONET projects reaching completion, an upgraded Perth rail network would connect residents and visitors more than ever before.

“The High Capacity Signalling program will ensure that this capability is fully utilised, running more trains more often,” he said.

Perth will become the third Australian city to deploy Alstom’s Urbalis CBTC signalling system, joining around 190 other global metro lines.

The technology includes enhanced cyber security and energy saving, and a new multipurpose communications system based on a private Long-Term evolution radio network.  

METRONET represents Perth’s largest ever investment in public transport, involving around 72 kilometres of new passenger rail and 23 new stations.