The AvonLink - Australia

The Avonlink

The first AvonLink left Northam at 6.55am on September 24, 1995. The event attracted considerable fanfare, it being the first new country passenger rail service in Western Australia for 47 years. It arrived in Perth at 8.27am to more celebrations, not the least because it was the State's 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 Australia's 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 Perth's 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.

AvonLink Midland to Northam

Departs/arrives: Midland Station (Platform 1), Corner of Victoria and Helena Streets,  Midland.

Arrives/departs: Northam Station, Peel Terrace, Northam.

The AvonLink train service operates between Midland and Northam (via Toodyay) and covers the journey in just over an hour. It is one of the most regular regional services, making 10 trips (5 return services) every week as well as being one of the most comfortable commuter train rides in Australia with free WiFi and air conditioning.

Tickets for the AvonLink can be purchased on board (cash only) so there’s no need to book in advance. However, if you do, your AvonLink ticket includes free travel to Midland Station on Transperth train services, as long as you travel on the same day. It’s also fully accessible for people with a disability.

Save Money with a Transwa SmartCommuter Card

If you’re a regular user of the AvonLink, the Transwa SmartCommuter Card is a great way to save on your fare. For an annual fee of just $60, you’ll enjoy a 35% discount off the standard adult fare every time you travel. Plus the good news is, you can use the Transwa SmartCommuter Card for discounts on the Australind and MerredinLink (between East Perth and Northam) services, too.

Avonlink

• Route: Perth - Merredin and vice versa
• Duration: Approximately 3 hours
• Distance: 284 kilometres
• Frequency: 6 services per week