The Department of Transport (DoT) of Western Australia has selected a joint venture of Parsons Brinckerhoff and AECOM to form an integrated services team for the next phase of the 13.7-mile Metro Area Express (MAX) light rail network.

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The joint venture is working with the DoT to develop a robust business case for the $1.9 billion AUD project that will change the face of Perth’s transport network. David Thomas, MAX project director for DoT, said the project will introduce a new era of public transport to Perth. “MAX will support the city’s transformation by providing a frequent, high-capacity service in the inner-north and central west and eastern suburbs of Perth,” said Thomas.

Essentially a modern electric light rail system, the new MAX network will be quiet and efficient. It will be built along existing street corridors and largely separated from general traffic. The project is seen by the city as a catalyst for change, being coordinated with land-use planning with the intention of stimulating revitalization and new developments along the proposed alignment.

The joint venture team knows the project well; Parsons Brinckerhoff was the lead consultant on the previous project stage, successfully delivering all aspects of the concept design for the east-west alignment as well as managing a team of subconsultants, and AECOM previously provided stakeholder and community engagement services for the MAX project, as well as bus rapid transit options for the DoT.

MAX is a priority project for the state government with construction scheduled to commence in 2016. The first stages of the network are due to be operational by the end of 2019.