Wednesday, February 18, 2015

W.A. Night trains still run

WA Police Minister Liza Harvey has hinted that late-night weekend train services may be saved while admitting she was not consulted about a move to scrap them.

The State Government has faced heavy criticism over its plan to axe the after midnight service in Perth on weekends.

Transperth said an average of just 80 passengers used each service and it was not viable to continue them.

But after a public backlash, there have been indications from the Government the decision could be overturned if passenger numbers improved before the service was due to cease operation in April.

In Parliament today, Ms Harvey said there was room for change.

"I've had consultation with the Minister for Transport and I understand that decision is being revisited," she said.

Transport Minister Dean Nalder said people would need to "vote with their feet" to keep the service alive.

"We haven't set a defined number of what that would be," he said.

"But on low patronage this service is not justifiable."

Mr Nalder was unable to answer questions in Parliament about how the average number of passengers using the services was calculated, or which of the late-night trains were free, which the Opposition seized upon.

"It simply shows this Minister is out of his depth in managing our public transport system," Labor MP Ken Travers said.

"The Minister should be fully briefed and be able to answer very simple questions."

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