Trackless tram one step closer to reality in Western Australia

The Federal Government has committed $2 million to the development of a business case for Western Australia’s first trackless tram.

Running between Scarborough Beach and Glendalough, the initial proposal will see the tram extend for seven kilometres from the beach to the city centre, with connections through to the Perth CBD and the existing heavy rail network at Glendalough Station.

Work on the business case is expected to start in the coming months.

Trackless trams operate on existing roadways, without tracks, making them easier and less expensive to incorporate into traditional transport systems.

Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the trackless tram technology had the potential to be expanded into public transport systems across the country.

“This is ground breaking technology that has the potential to be rolled out across our cities,” Tudge said.

“Being a fraction of the cost of traditional rail solutions it could enable a massive expansion of public transport, it is very exciting.”

City of Stirling Mayor, Mark Irwin, said work towards the trackless tram system is partly underway with the route already having been zoned for light rail years ahead of other localities in Western Australia.

“Long-term, comprehensive Local Government planning is already approved, and land holders along the route have already ceded the road reserve land required to widen Scarborough Beach Road and deliver the rapid-transit lanes required for the trackless tram system,” Irwin said

“This has meant we were the first local government in Western Australia ready to receive these Federal funds, and we look forward to proving up this concept in order to take the City forward into a new decade of prosperity.”

Trackless trams are hoped to reduce congestion taking cars off the road and relieving car parking issues at the Scarborough Foreshore Precinct, while also reducing carbon emissions.