Waroona-Pinjarra shopper bus service frequency to be doubled for 12 months as Australind comes off rails

A 12-month trial doubling the frequency of bus services to Waroona will begin next month as the State Government attempts to address the town’s lack of public transport options.

The Public Transport Authority’s Waroona-Pinjarra shopper bus service will run on Tuesdays and Thursdays each week from November 21, with the move being welcomed by the town’s peak business body.

It comes as the Australind train is set to be pulled from the tracks from November 19 as part of the 18-month closure of the Armadale line.

The shopper service currently runs once a week on Thursdays, travelling between the two towns before continuing on to Mandurah.

Transport Minister Rita Saffoti noted the State Government took into account multiple factors when making its decision.

“With all bus services, and particularly in these areas, it is always hard to find the right balance between frequency of service and demand for services,” she said.

Ms Saffoti said the improved shopper service would include a new stop for Coolup residents at Enzo Menara Reserve.

“This change will improve access to shopping and medical services for Coolup, Pinjarra, Carcoola and Waroona residents, allowing them to travel into Mandurah for appointments, or have a day to do their shopping,” she said.

The changes have been welcomed by the Waroona Business Support Group, with chair Bronwyn Chompff-Gliddon describing it as “a really good start”.

“There is a community car that operates from the Community Resource Centre but in terms of people having the ability to jump on to a bus, it is something that has been much-needed,” she said.

But Ms Chompff-Gliddon would like to see more done to bring Mandurah residents down to Waroona to increase visitors to the town’s businesses.

She encouraged residents to take advantage of the trial.

“I strongly encourage people to support this because we need to show this trial is needed and the additional services are worthwhile,” Ms Chompff-Gliddon said.

The town’s lack of public transport options has been put in the spotlight in recent months as communities in the region prepare for the temporary suspension of the Australind train service alongside the closure of the Waroona NAB branch next month.