MerredinLink
{{Short description|Passenger train between East Perth and Merredin in Western Australia}}
{{italic title}}
{{Use Australian English|date=July 2023}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2019}}
{{Infobox rail service
|box_width =
|name = MerredinLink
|logo =
|logo_width =
|image = MerredinLink, East Perth, 2015(4).JPG
|image_size =
|caption = A MerredinLink train at East Perth in January 2015
|type = Passenger train
|status = Operational
|locale = Western Australia
|predecessor =
|first = June 2004
|last =
|successor =
|operator = Transwa
|formeroperator =
|ridership = 6,039 (year to June 2022)
|start = East Perth
|stops =
|end = Merredin
|distance = 261 kilometres
|journeytime = 3 hours 15 minutes
|frequency = 3 per week
|trainnumber =
|line_used = Eastern
Eastern Goldfields
|class =
|access =
|seating =
|catering =
|entertainment =
|baggage =
|otherfacilities =
|stock = WEA/WEB railcar
|gauge = {{Track gauge|1435 mm|allk=on}}
|speed =
|owners =
|routenumber =
|map = {{maplink
|frame=yes
|plain=yes
|frame-align=center
|frame-width=222
|frame-height=137
|zoom=6
|type=line
|stroke-colour=#DA291C
|stroke-width=4
|title=MerredinLink
}}
}}
The MerredinLink is a rural passenger train service in Western Australia operated by Transwa between East Perth and Merredin.
History
The MerredinLink was introduced in June 2004 when the AvonLink from East Perth was extended from Northam to Merredin on three days a week.[https://web.archive.org/web/20121015124819/http://www.transwa.wa.gov.au/Default.aspx?tabid=92 AvonLink and MerredinLink] Transwa[https://web.archive.org/web/20171002104605/https://www.avonadvocate.com.au/story/4037666/easy-to-train-for-avon-descent/ Easy to train for Avon Descent] Avon Advocate 18 July 2016
In August 2013, Transwa announced that the MerredinLink would cease with The Prospector to make additional stops.[https://web.archive.org/web/20131031003928/http://www.transwa.wa.gov.au/Default.aspx?tabid=118&ArticleID=369 AvonLink and MerredinLink Service Changes] Transwa[http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/transwa-cancels-avonlink-train-service-20130820-2s8h6.html Transwa cancels AvonLink train service] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171207014030/http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/transwa-cancels-avonlink-train-service-20130820-2s8h6.html |date=7 December 2017 }} WA Today 20 August 2013 However in December 2013 the service was given a reprieve.[http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-12-03/gov-backflips-on-avonlink-scrapping/5132638 The State Government has backflipped on its decision to scrap the AvonLink train service] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517164102/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-12-03/gov-backflips-on-avonlink-scrapping/5132638 |date=17 May 2017 }} ABC News 3 December 2013[http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/avonlink-train-service-will-stay-open-until-mid2014-after-community-outrage/story-fnhocxo3-1226774524104 AvonLink train service will stay open until mid-2014 after community outrage] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131205001133/http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/avonlink-train-service-will-stay-open-until-mid2014-after-community-outrage/story-fnhocxo3-1226774524104 |date=5 December 2013 }} Perth Now 3 December 2013
In May 2014, it was announced that the service would continue until at least June 2017.[https://web.archive.org/web/20140520221318/http://www.toodyay.wa.gov.au/news/Details.aspx?NewsID=30 AvonLink Trial Receives Go Ahead] Shire of Toodyay 8 May 2014 To release rolling stock for an enhanced AvonLink service, in December 2014 the MerredinLink was reduced to a Wednesdays only service.[https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/Barnett/2014/12/New-AvonLink-services-start-today.aspx New AvonLink services start today] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181129054436/https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/Barnett/2014/12/New-AvonLink-services-start-today.aspx |date=29 November 2018 }} Minister for Transport 1 December 2014 From July 2017 it resumed operating three times a week.[https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/McGowan/2017/06/AvonLink-train-service-to-be-saved.aspx AvonLink train service to be saved] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181129054413/https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/McGowan/2017/06/AvonLink-train-service-to-be-saved.aspx |date=29 November 2018 }} Minister for Transport 1 June 2017 As at June 2022, it operates on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.{{cite web |url=https://www.transwa.wa.gov.au/tickets-times/train-timetables |title=AvonLink and MerredinLink Timetable |website=Transwa |publisher=Public Transport Authority |access-date=2022-06-17 |url-status=live |archive-date=15 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615081400/https://www.transwa.wa.gov.au/tickets-times/train-timetables }}
Rolling stock
Ridership
The MerredinLink had 6,039 passengers in the year leading up to June 2022.{{cite web |title=Public Transport Authority Annual Report 2021-22 |url=https://www.pta.wa.gov.au/Portals/15/annualreports/2022/PTA%20Annual%20Report%202021-22%20Digital%20Version.pdf |website=Public Transport Authority |access-date=8 January 2023 |page=21 |date=2022 |archive-date=18 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221218182424/https://www.pta.wa.gov.au/Portals/15/annualreports/2022/PTA%20Annual%20Report%202021-22%20Digital%20Version.pdf |url-status=live }}
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See also
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{commons category-inline|Transwa Avonlink}}
{{Public Transport Authority of Western Australia railway stations|MerredinLink=y}}
Category:Named passenger trains of Western Australia
Category:Railway services introduced in 2004
Category:Wheatbelt (Western Australia)