How WA’s Transport Gets a Major Upgrade

Management of Western Australia’s passenger rail network is about to reach new heights, with the state’s brand-new Public Transport Operations Control Centre (PTOCC) now ready for operations.

Located in East Perth, the purpose-built centre will serve as the nerve centre of Perth’s expanding METRONET network, supporting growing rail infrastructure across the state.

State-of-the-Art Facility for a Growing Network

The new network control centre covers approximately 1,000 square metres and will oversee around-the-clock monitoring of Perth’s rail system, which spans about 500 kilometres of track, 87 stations, and nearly 10,000 weekly services.

The standout feature of the PTOCC is a 100-square-metre mega screen that displays real-time information for every train on the network. Thousands of data points feed into a dedicated bank of servers housed within the building, allowing for live tracking and operational oversight.

The new central monitoring room also connects to thousands of CCTV cameras across the rail system, enhancing passenger safety and improving response times in emergencies.

Supporting Perth’s Expanding METRONET

This new control centre is a vital part of supporting Perth’s rapidly growing METRONET program, which has added approximately 72 kilometres of new rail lines and 23 new stations in recent years.

As Perth’s public transport system continues to expand, the PTOCC will ensure operations remain smooth, efficient, and reliable, even as passenger numbers rise.

High-Capacity Signalling on the Horizon

The launch of the PTOCC comes alongside the delivery of the State Government’s 10-year High Capacity Signalling Project.

This major upgrade will modernise how trains are controlled across the network, using cutting-edge in-cab signalling technology to improve efficiency and capacity.

High-capacity signalling is already used by leading transport systems around the world and is expected to boost Perth’s rail capacity by up to 40 per cent, enabling more frequent and reliable train services.

Key works under the High Capacity Signalling Project include:

Upgrading signalling systems along 500 kilometres of track.
Installing over 7,000 transponders to precisely locate trains.
Introducing new in-cab signalling equipment for 125 trains, including regional services like the Prospector and Australind.
Enhancing passenger information across more than 600 display boards at 89 stations.

Backed by State and Federal Investment

Both the PTOCC building and the High Capacity Signalling Project are jointly funded by the State and Federal Governments as part of ongoing investments into WA’s public transport future.

This investment ensures the state is prepared for growing demand, while delivering safer, faster, and more reliable public transport services for all Western Australians.

Minister’s Comments

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said:

"This is an incredible new facility that will serve as the nerve centre of our train network for many decades to come.

When you step foot in this control centre you appreciate how complex our train network really is, and the hard work that goes in behind the scenes to keep it running smoothly every day.

The staff operating this centre can see exactly where every train is at any given moment, helping them to quickly respond when issues arise.

This new control centre, along with high capacity signalling, represent the future of our rail operations in Western Australia, and will deliver more frequent, reliable and efficient services."