TRAIN TRIP TO MERREDIN WA WESTERN AUSTRALIA

The first AvonLink left Northam at 6.55am on September 24, 1995. The event attracted considerable fanfare, it being the first new country passenger train service in Western Australia for 47 years. It arrived in Perth at 8.27am to more celebrations, not the least because it was the States first dedicated, long-distance commuter train. However, it was always seen as more than a commuter exercise in that it opened up the whole Avon Valley-Toodyay-Northam area for long-term growth in tourism and regional development.

In late June 2004, the AvonLink introduced extended journeys three days a week through to Merredin. This service has become known as the MerredinLink. These extra train services provide a new transport option for people in communities such as Cunderdin, Tammin, Kellerberrin, Merredin as well as other smaller rural towns in the region.

The new $12 million AvonLink train made its maiden trip from Northam to the city on August 1, 2005 - in the process officially marking the end of service for the 'old' Prospector railcars, which have travelled the route for more than 30 years.

Now that the new AvonLink has come into service, passengers can expect a smoother, faster and more comfortable ride aboard Australias latest commuter train. This upgraded commuter service represents a major investment by the WA Government into powered railcars. The new AvonLink is the final part of a $56 million contract with NSW-based United Goninan, covering the delivery of nine railcars, configured into four trains - the two-car AvonLink, two two-car Prospectors and a three-car Prospector.

The new AvonLink will provide one of the most comfortable commuter train rides in Australia with air conditioning throughout, cloth seats with footrests (and some with power outlets for laptop computers), and background music. It operates twice daily, Monday to Friday between Midland, Toodyay and Northam. Passengers arriving at Midland will be able to connect with Perths suburban electric train services. The MerredinLink operates from the East Perth Rail Terminal through to Merredin on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Like the new Prospector, the AvonLink was built in Newcastle and was put through extensive local testing before its introduction to service.

The AvonLink joins the Prospector and Australind Train services as part of Transwa regional rail service
don pugh may 2009

Category:

Education

Tags:

• COTTESLOE
• EAST
• PERTH
• MERREDIN
• WA
• MUSEUM
• TRANSWA
• TRANSPERTH

[77magenta]

shut the fuck up yank.

[Hammertin]

lol trainspotters, have a wank

[timothyl365]

Sir, this is a well researched and thoughtfully scripted video. Thanks very much for the work you have put into this!

[robmasterman]

Thanks very much Don, and with a surname of Pugh, you must have Welsh Blood in you somewhere..ha..ha. The video was fascinating, entertaining and very informative. It brings back happy memories of a holiday we enjoyed with friends in Perth Back in 1991. 5*...Bob

[NN2Blue]

Don, this is the first time I have come across your videos (I just searched YT "trains" uploaded "today"). It took me a while to get used to the split screen presentation but once I had, it was OK! I really enjoyed this. Thank you for sharing! 5*

One thing - the split screen of the Chinese restaurant also showed a lizard - surely not!!

LOL - Mike