“TAKE a break” and “work from home” are among the Public Transport Authority’s helpful suggestions for commuters as it temporarily shuts down train lines so it can sink them below ground.
The entire Fremantle line will shut from July 12–17 and again July 31 to August 4. Bits of Midland, Joondalup, Armadale and Thornlie will also be down for days. The shutdown includes the July 14 derby weekend where 43,500 people will pack Subi Oval for the Eagles v Dockers game.
“Too often we see the train service to Fremantle interrupted without much warning or thought given to the social and economic impact,” says Fremantle deputy mayor and Dockers fan Josh Wilson.
“Surely it’s not that hard to consult better on the timing of these interruptions. Or is it a cunning Eagles conspiracy?”
Along with holidays and working from home the PTA says workers should try to stagger starting times, cycle, walk or car-pool.
Replacement buses will run alongside the railway lines, but commuters are warned to add 45 minutes to planned journey times.
Traffic pain is expected for motorists as thousands of train passengers take to the road.
WA main roads’ Stephanie Dahl says government agencies are doing all they can to minimise traffic snarls.
Some 300 CCTV cameras will monitor traffic and lights will be manually controlled to keep the flow running. Roadworks will continue on Mitchell Freeway but a host of other minor works has been delayed till after the railworks.
by DAVID BELL
Perth Voice Interactive 
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