Summer is here

While our summer so far has been pretty mild, Perth summers can often produce some absolute scorchers and train services can be affected by the sweltering heat.

Heat speed restrictions

Like every rail authority around the country, and, in fact the world, Transperth reduces the speed of its trains in very hot weather in case the tracks become distorted.

When the temperature reaches 39 degrees, a speed restriction is imposed and train speed is reduced across all lines. At 41 degrees, speeds are reduced again.

Heat speed restrictions have been imposed every summer in Perth for more than 30 years. However, the impact has been greatly reduced as the Public Transport Authority has progressively replaced wooden sleepers with concrete. Track with concrete sleepers is much less affected by the heat.

How do heat speed restrictions affect you?

The impact on your travel time depends on the length of your journey. Speed restrictions have a cumulative effect so delays can range up to 15 minutes. This may have an impact on connections to your other services.

What can you do?

Transperth recommends passengers keep an eye on the weather forecasts during summer. Where temperatures are tipped to rise above 39 degrees, allow extra time to reach your destination. Click here to view Perth's weather forecast.

Register for TravelEasy to get email updates on services affected by cancellations or delays.

You can also call us on 13 62 13 (TTY: 9428 1999, TIS: 13 14 50) on the day for the most up-to-date speed restriction and travel information.