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 37 degrees on the Midland, Fremantle, Airport, and Armadale lines, and 39 degrees on the Mandurah and Joondalup lines, 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 and delays 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 37 degrees, allow extra time to reach your destination. See Perth's weather forecast.
Sign-up to My Account and activate My Alerts to receive email notifications of changes or disruptions to your services. If you already have an account, Go to My Account. You can also call us on 13 62 13 (TIS: 13 14 50) on the day for the most up-to-date speed restriction and travel information. Hearing or speech impaired? Call via NRS 133 677 and ask for 13 62 13.