Politics · Australia · 2 hrs ago
WA considers bringing back passenger trains between Perth and Albany
Western Australia is considering a passenger train between Perth and Albany after plans to bring the state's freight rail network back under public control.
The 450-kilometre Great Southern Railway passes through towns including Narrogin, Wagin, Katanning, Tambellup and Mount Barker.
Passenger trains on the route stopped in 1978, and earlier efforts to restore them have not succeeded.
Regional communities say a service could connect residents with health care and education in Albany or Perth, as well as support tourism and local businesses.
The state government has expressed in-principle support, but says the service would require major investment in tracks and ongoing operations.
A rail advocacy group wants an economic assessment and feasibility study, while Albany has also backed a study.
The government has not approved a service, and its priority is bringing the regional rail network under public control.
The Western Australian government is considering a Perth-to-Albany passenger train as it plans to buy back the state’s freight rail network.
The Great Southern Railway runs 450 kilometres from Perth to Albany, passing through towns including Narrogin, Wagin and Katanning.
Regional communities say a passenger service could improve access to essential services and support tourism and local businesses.
The state government has expressed in-principle support but says passenger rail would require significant investment and ongoing operating costs.
The service was scrapped in 1978, and several attempts to restore it have not succeeded.
- Who
- The Western Australian government is considering the proposal; regional communities and the Countrynet Rail Alliance support examining it.
- What
- A passenger train service between Perth and Albany could be brought back.
- When
- The government is considering the idea as part of its plan to buy back the state’s freight rail network. The current consideration was reported on 25 October 2026.
- Where
- The proposed service would run between Perth and Albany, through towns in the Great Southern region.
- Why
- Supporters say it could connect residents to vital services and benefit tourism, businesses and the regional economy.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Great Southern Railway was built between Perth and Albany.
The passenger line was scrapped.
ABC Australia reported that the state’s freight network buyback plan had opened the door to considering a Perth-to-Albany passenger service.
- Railway length
- 450 kilometres
- Route
- Perth to Albany
- Passenger service scrapped
- 1978
- Towns on route
- Narrogin, Wagin, Katanning, Tambellup and Mount Barker
- State government position
- In-principle support for a Great Southern passenger service
What people are saying
As part of the buyback, I think it is time to actually take a really good look at this from an economic perspective and to look at all of the potential gains and benefits that could come from it
Public control of the network will allow for the consideration of new passenger rail opportunities
However, passenger rail requires significant investment, both in terms of capital expenditure and ongoing operational costs, to make it a viable alternative to road transport
Having a passenger rail service will allow our community access to those services that are likely going to be based in either Albany or in Perth