METRONET Ellenbrook Line Opens in Perth with Major Public Transport Expansion, Boosting Cheap Travel

Monday, December 9, 2024

Perth’s much-anticipated METRONET Ellenbrook Line officially opened on Sunday, December 8, 2024, marking the largest expansion of the city’s rail network in over 16 years. A monumental development in public transport, the line connects Perth’s rapidly growing north-eastern suburbs to the city for the first time, offering new possibilities for residents, workers, and tourists alike.

This $1.1 billion project, funded by both the Western Australian Government and the Federal Government, will provide residents of the area with faster, more affordable access to central Perth, significantly enhancing connectivity across the city. At the heart of the project is a 21-kilometre rail line featuring five brand-new stations: Morley, Noranda, Ballajura, Whiteman Park, and Ellenbrook. This new infrastructure also connects with the recently completed Bayswater Station, further improving the integration of the transport system.

Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, emphasized the significance of the project, noting its potential to greatly improve daily commuting and enhance the quality of life for thousands of Perth residents. “A well-planned and accessible public transport system is a game-changer for local communities,” Albanese said. “The Ellenbrook Line will make it easier for thousands of residents to travel to and from the CBD. I’m proud my Government could partner with the Cook Government to deliver this transformational project.”

WA Premier Roger Cook echoed this sentiment, calling the new line “a game-changer” that would help thousands of people living in the north-eastern suburbs of Perth. The line provides commuters with a fast and affordable rail service, reducing travel time significantly. “This is not just a train line,” Cook said. “It’s a piece of infrastructure that will change lives and the way we travel in this city for generations to come.”

The new METRONET line represents a significant leap forward for public transport in Perth, which has seen a rise in demand due to rapid population growth, particularly in the city’s north-eastern suburbs. The area around Ellenbrook, for example, has seen annual population growth of over six percent, making it one of Perth’s fastest-growing regions. The opening of the METRONET Ellenbrook Line is expected to reduce travel times from Ellenbrook to Perth’s CBD to just 30 minutes—less than half the time it currently takes by bus or car.

The line will operate with frequent train services, running every 12 minutes during peak times and every 15 minutes during off-peak periods, ensuring that the system is reliable and efficient. In total, 3,300 parking bays and 335 bicycle storage racks have been provided at the five stations, promoting greater convenience for commuters. The fare for travel on the METRONET system is also very affordable, with a typical journey costing as little as $4.68 on the Cook Labor Government’s two-zone fare cap.

To further boost accessibility and encourage greater use of public transport, the state government has introduced free travel to and from Ellenbrook on Sundays for all passengers, along with free rides for students travelling to school. These initiatives are expected to stimulate local tourism, employment, and educational opportunities, helping to integrate the region more effectively into the broader Perth area.

WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti expressed her pride in the project’s completion, highlighting the years of work that went into bringing it to fruition. “It’s been a long journey, but today we can finally say that Ellenbrook has its train line,” Saffioti said. “The community has been instrumental in getting us to this point, and I’m so pleased to see this vital infrastructure come to life.”

The construction of the METRONET Ellenbrook Line has been a major undertaking, supporting approximately 6,500 jobs, including 332 apprentices, 140 graduates, and 290 Aboriginal employees. This has contributed to local employment opportunities and provided a significant boost to the local economy. Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, and Local Government Minister Catherine King praised the project for setting a new standard in public transport design and delivery. “Perth’s transport system now ranks among the world’s best,” she stated, emphasizing the blend of efficiency, sustainability, and community-focused design.

One of the most exciting features of the METRONET project is the design of the stations themselves. The new stations are not only modern and functional but also incorporate elements of local culture and environmental sustainability. Public art pieces, including 20 installations, add vibrancy to the stations and give them a unique identity. The stations are designed to be welcoming and stylish, offering a high-quality experience for commuters.

The opening of the METRONET Ellenbrook Line has already made a notable impact, with around five million additional bus service kilometres being added each year to support the new rail network. The expansion of bus services will be essential in ensuring that the region is well-connected and easily accessible. The introduction of around 100 new buses will further integrate the north-eastern suburbs with the broader Perth transport network, helping to relieve pressure on existing services.

The new train line and its accompanying infrastructure are set to have a lasting impact on Perth, not only by improving transport options but also by encouraging economic development. The stations are expected to unlock new commercial and housing opportunities, particularly in areas around the new stations. These developments will help to meet the demands of Perth’s growing population and provide new opportunities for investment and development.

Key milestones in the construction of the METRONET Ellenbrook Line include the demolition and reconstruction of Broun Avenue Bridge, the removal of the iconic Bayswater Bridge, and tunnelling under Tonkin Highway. A 900-metre-long viaduct through Bayswater and several new intersections and pedestrian underpasses were also constructed as part of the project.

In conclusion, the METRONET Ellenbrook Line is not just a new train line; it is a vital piece of infrastructure that will transform the way people travel in Perth, opening up new opportunities for the community and contributing to the economic and social vitality of the region. With world-class facilities, affordable pricing, and a focus on sustainability and local culture, the new rail line is poised to make a significant impact on Perth’s future growth.

As Perth continues to evolve and grow, the METRONET Ellenbrook Line is a crucial step towards building a more connected, sustainable, and thriving city.

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Tags: Australia, METRONET Ellenbrook Line, perth