Public transport has played a major part in the history of Western Australia.
A concise listing of historical public transport milestones from 1830 to the present is provided in this section of the PTA website.
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Battye Library
The J.S. Battye Library of West Australian History identifies, collects, organises, preserves and provides access to Western Australia's published documentary heritage as well as collections of original Western Australian historical records. This includes items relating to Western Australia’s public transport history.
Included in the collection are a number of transport-related history books and photographs, WA Government Railways and Metropolitan (Perth) Transport Trust reports, notices and timetables, and Midland Railway Company of Western Australia archives.
The Battye Library is on the third floor of the Alexander Library Building. The building is part of the Perth Cultural Centre, located between Francis Street and the James Street Mall in Northbridge.
More information about the library is available on the State Library of Western Australia website.
State Records Office
The State Records Office (SRO) is responsible for managing, preserving and providing access to the State's archives.
The archives include a large collection of railway records including employment records of staff from the Western Australian Government Railways (WAGR). These records may be useful for family history researchers.
More information about the State Records Office can be found on their website.
Rail Heritage WA
Previously know as the WA Division of the Australian Railway Historical Society, Rail Heritage WA is dedicated to facilitating access to the history of railways in Western Australia. It manages and operates the Rail Transport Museum in Bassendean. The organisation has extensive railway archives and sells railway-related materials.
More information about the Rail Transport Museum and the activities of Rail Heritage WA are available on their website.