WA Getting PT Transport Priorities Right: Buswell unveils light rail plan for Perth

The light rail network will run from Balga to the CBD.

The West Australian Liberal party’s highly anticipated light rail plan will cost $1.8 billion and move 25,000 commuters a day.

Transport minister Troy Buswell unveiled the 22 kilometre tram network on Monday, saying it would reduce congestion and take Perth’s public transport system “into a new era”.

He says he’s confident the total cost estimate is accurate.

He says construction will start in 2016 and be completed in 2018.

“Light rail has been assessed as the most suitable option in these areas as it can move many more people in one lane than any number of buses and cars,” Mr Buswell said.

Heavy rail was not a suitable option as it would need to be built in a tunnel for much of the proposed route and the land available would not be sufficient.

During peak times, trams would run every five minutes, carry three times as many people as a bus and be powered by electricity, he said.

AAP, WA News, WAtoday, February 11, 2013

Read more: http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/state-election-2013/buswell-unveils-light-rail-plan-for-perth-20130211-2e89e.html#ixzz2KpNpjGzw