Trackless Trams project scope defined

The City of Stirling’s big, bold vision for Trackless Trams is progressing, with the City appointing global advisory and engineering company Arup to conduct a feasibility study as part of the first stage of this exciting project.

With Australian Government funding of $2 million through the Urban Congestion Fund for a business case, the City will work with experts to assess a range of technology to support the implementation of a Trackless Tram system from Glendalough Train Station to Scarborough Beach.

This major urban regeneration project is part of the City’s broader vision to revitalise the Stirling City Centre to become Perth’s second CBD and transform it into a vibrant, urban area with increased jobs and housing.

Under the City’s vision, Trackless Trams would extend 7km from Glendalough Station to Scarborough Beach to offer contemporary, sustainable transport that’s less disruptive and more cost effective to build while retaining the benefits of light rail.

The work will be undertaken in two packages, with package one to determine and assess the range of technology available to support Trackless Trams, along with associated infrastructure requirements and any approvals required.

The scope includes assessment criteria such as:

• modal integration
• impact and disruption on infrastructure, community and business
• ease of implementation
• compliance
• impact on local traffic and more.

Package two will include a more comprehensive body of work, with the development of a business case to de-risk the project and address:

• project definition and purpose
• land use and planning
• the preferred system
• engineering and sustainability
• delivery methodology, risk and more.

Mayor Mark Irwin said while there were many considerations that must be addressed to determine the viability of Trackless Trams, the development of the business case was a critical step in the process.

“Ultimately what this business case will allow us to do is de-risk a project that has the potential to deliver fantastic economic, business, transport, innovation and sustainability outcomes,” he said.

“There has been significant investment of $100 million to redevelop the Scarborough foreshore and while it is a fantastic destination, there are existing traffic and parking issues in the precinct. If viable, Trackless Trams could help alleviate some of these issues.

Package one of the works is expected to be completed in July 2021, while package two will be delivered by mid-2022.