Planning has begun on a new concept of public transport that experts believe will be a game changer for Perth — trackless trams.

Several local governments are teaming up with Curtin University’s Sustainability Policy Institute to develop the concept, which has been successfully tested in parts of the world.

They believe the trackless tram is the perfect transport solution to Perth’s inner-city population growth because it is affordable, attractive for development and can be built with minimal disruption.

Camera Icon A trackless tram is tested in China. The tram follows white magnetic strips painted on to the road. Credit: Supplied

Ultimately, they hope to convince State and Federal governments to support it and provide a framework for its implementation across the metropolitan area.

It is understood there is some interest from within government circles.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said yesterday she was keen to work with local governments on their public transport plans and would seek a full briefing on trackless trams in the new year.

“The trackless tram has a number of unique features that makes it particularly attractive, especially the price,” Curtin’s Professor Peter Newman said.

“It is estimated to cost between $10-$17 million per kilometre — about four times less the cost of a standard light rail like the MAX system proposed by the previous Barnett government. It could also be made locally.”

The trackless tram would be electric and powered by lithium-ion batteries that are recharged at each station in 30 seconds.

Play Video Planning has begun on a new concept of public transport that experts believe will be a game changer for Perth – trackless trams. The West Australian Video Planning has begun on a new concept of public transport that experts believe will be a game changer for Perth – trackless trams.

They can carry between 300 and 500 passengers, depending on the number of carriages, and travel at up to 70km/h.

It is “trackless” because it is autonomous and guided by on-board optical systems that follow magnetic strips painted on the road.

As a result, it does not require the digging up of streets and disruption to businesses, houses or traffic while it is being built.

“We have been working on light rail for Perth for several decades — we now believe technology like the trackless tram will be a game-changer for Perth and cities like it,” Professor Newman said.

“It is cheap, involves little disruption, can be rapidly brought to market and has all the passenger comfort and ride-quality attributes of light rail — yet it is a new kind of bus on the road.”

Professor Newman said the team, which includes representatives from the cities of Stirling, Vincent, Perth, Victoria Park and Canning, were also investigating how the system could pay for itself.

Because the trams have a fixed routes with stations where they are recharged, there is an opportunity to attract urban development around the stations.

He said these places would attract investment because they would have thousands of people passing through.

“These developments would be built in partnership with the private sector to enable financing,” he said.

“Many cities are now finding a more entrepreneurial approach ... which brings better solutions than government which only considers transport from A to B.

“While this is a consideration, there are potential revenue streams from State and local government sources that need to be explored.

“For example, the Perth Parking Levy fund might be able to support part of the initiative.

“Our approach is to see what is the redevelopment potential along the corridor that can be unlocked by seeking private bids around stations.

“This needs a new kind of partnership to be established around a Perth trackless tram company.

“Such an approach is how we first built trams in Perth 100 years ago.”