Door opens for return of passenger rail in southern WA after 48 years
The WA government's plan to buy back the state's freight rail network has opened the door to a passenger train from Perth to Albany. The line was scrapped in 1978, and several attempts to revive it have failed. Rail advocates say now is the time to study the costs and benefits. The state government says public control of the network will allow new passenger rail options, but that significant investment would be needed. Community leaders in Albany and Katanning say a service would boost tourism and give residents better access to health care and education.