Kelmscott resident Keith Durrans is raising concerns about the new Australind train sometimes parked south of Byford appearing vulnerable to vandalism.
Keith Durrans said he had observed the train multiple times across several weeks on a spare stretch of rail near Abernethy Road, between Byford and Mundijong.
“Our new Australind train hasn’t got a permanent home to be kept in storage,” he said.
Mr Durrans said he most recently saw the train while travelling to the Mundijong market, where he noticed it had been vandalised.
“Sometimes it’s kept there for, say, three days, because it’s not doing any testing,” he said.
“When I saw it this Saturday morning – because I go up to Mundijong Market – I had a look and I thought, ‘There’s the train again’.
“This time, it was covered in graffiti down the side.
“I’m just stunned that our new train hasn’t got a permanent place to be positioned.”
He said a security guard told him four guards were stationed around the train day and night when it was parked at the location, which he believed was both costly and ineffective.
A Public Transport Authority (PTA) spokesperson said the train was undergoing a series of rigorous tests before it could be introduced to the network.
“As with any new railcar, the Australind must be put through a range of vigorous tests before it can enter service,” the spokesperson said.
“Currently, that involves dynamic testing – including high-speed testing – and driver training.
“Given the length of the Australind route, it is not always feasible for it to be returned to the depot at the end of each day of testing.
“As such, its location is determined by what testing it will be undergoing the following day.
“Once operational, the Australind will be stowed at the Bellevue or Picton Depot each night.”
The PTA said graffiti was an issue faced across the broader public transport network.
“Graffiti is not a problem unique to public transport and the PTA,” the spokesperson said.
“Security and protection measures are in place across the whole network to combat it, including CCTV, mobile security staff and improved lighting.
“The PTA works closely in partnership with WA Police to address graffiti on our public transport system.
We urge anyone who witnesses vandalism or suspicious behaviour to report it by contacting the Transperth InfoLine.”
The Australind train is expected to resume passenger services in early 2026, according to TransWA.
The Transport Minister was contacted for comment but did not provide a response.
