New warning devices for Fastrak trains

8/8/93

Transport Minister Eric Charlton today announced measures for improving safety for people boarding and alighting Fastrak electric trains.

New warning devices have been installed on the trains to give people more advanced notice of when train doors are to close.

Announcement of the changes coincided with today's opening of Currambine rail station by Attorney General and Member for Kingsley, Cheryl Edwardes.

"In the past there have been a number of unfortunate incidents in which people have been caught between closing doors," Mr Charlton said.

"Transperth and Westrail have been working on the problem and have come up with a system of multiple chimes to replace the existing single signal.

"In addition, an audible message has been added to the station identification message which tells passengers the doors are about to close."

The $2.9 million Currambine station is the final phase of construction of the $277 million northern suburbs railway service and is the last station on the line.

Currambine will be the focus of Fastrak rail and Traklink bus services for people living in Quinns Rock, Mindarie Keys, Kinross, Clarkson and Burns Beach as well as the areas of Currambine and Iluka which are yet to be developed.

Transperth has provided an initial 400 car parking bays at Currambine.  This will eventually be increased to 800 bays.

Mr Charlton also announced a new Fastrak through-service from Whitford to Fremantle on Sundays.

Passengers would have a 30-minute non-stop ride from Whitford to Fremantle.

Mr Charlton said he hoped the new service would encourage people to leave their cars at home when contemplating a day trip to Fremantle.

Media contact: Dean Roberts 321 7333