In a
major milestone for the METRONET program, the Australian and Western Australian
governments have today announced passenger train services on the new Yanchep
Rail Extension will formally commence on Monday 15 July.
The METRONET
Yanchep Rail Extension project has extended the Joondalup Line 14.5 kilometres
north from Butler, with three new stations built in Alkimos, Eglinton and
Yanchep.
The
extended line will connect tens of thousands of people in the city's growing
northern corridor to Perth's metropolitan rail network for the first time and
help to develop activity centres by unlocking residential and commercial land.
Over
recent months the rail line extension has been undergoing extensive testing and
commissioning, with driver training set to commence next week.
The
Government has also announced the train line will be renamed the Yanchep Line.
The line is currently known as the Joondalup Line – a name it has held since it
was first constructed in 1992.
The
extension has involved 41,085 sleepers and 90,000 tonnes of ballast, while
three new fauna bridges are the first to be built over rail in Western
Australia.
When passenger services start, it will be a
49-minute journey from Yanchep to Perth, a 46-minute journey from Eglinton to
Perth and a 41-minute journey from Alkimos to Perth.
The Cook Government has also announced plans
for a community celebration on Sunday 14 July, the day before passenger
services commence.
The
community celebration will include free sausage sizzles, food, entertainment
and music, with further details on the event to be provided in the coming
months.
The
community will be able to make the most of the Cook Labor Government's Fare
Free Sundays, with public transport to be free for the day – as it is for every
Sunday, with a valid SmartRider.
The
Yanchep Rail Extension will be the ninth METRONET project to be completed, with
further projects including the Morley-Ellenbrook Line, Byford Rail Extension,
Thornlie-Cockburn Link and the Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal
Project all planned for completion by the middle of 2025.
The METRONET Yanchep Rail Extension is
jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian governments and forms
part of the METRONET Corridor with a total Australian Government investment of
$4.19 billion.
Quotes attributed to Western Australian Premier Roger Cook:
"METRONET
is powering ahead this year, with transformative new rail lines,
state-of-the-art new stations, and new locally-built trains all entering
service.
"Alkimos
and Eglington were WA's largest growth areas last year, and METRONET will be a
game-changer for local residents – slashing travel time and connecting our
northern suburbs to the rest of the city.
"It's
part of our commitment to always do what's right for WA, and setting up our
city and our State for the long term."
Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional
Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
"Projects like the METRONET
Yanchep Rail Extension highlight the importance of the Australian and state
governments working together to provide safer, faster and more efficient
transport links.
"The extension will create social and economic benefits for locals
commuting south and visitors who want to explore Perth's beautiful northern
suburbs.
"This project is part of
the Australian Government's $4.19 billion investment into METRONET, which
includes an additional $1 billion commitment announced recently."
Quotes attributable to Western Australian Transport
Minister Rita Saffioti:
"It's
fantastic to lock in the completion of another critical METRONET project – this
time the Yanchep Rail Extension.
"Perth's
northern corridor is growing rapidly, and the new stations at Alkimos, Eglinton
and Yanchep will connect thousands of people to our train network for the first
time.
"People in
this part of Perth have previously faced long journey times on public
transport, sometimes multiple buses and a train just to reach the city. This
new train line will significantly improve the way many people in our northern
communities get around our city.
"METRONET
is all about better connecting our city and our communities, and it's fantastic
to see so many projects reaching completion.
"Thanks to
METRONET, someone living in Yanchep can now catch a train all the way to the
airport – and pay nothing more than around $5 thanks to our two-zone fare cap.
That wasn't possible only a couple of years ago – and it highlights the immense
community benefit of METRONET.
"To
celebrate this major milestone, we will be holding a community event on Sunday
July 14, which will include food, entertainment and live music, with the entire
Perth community invited to come and see the new stations."
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Pearce Tracey
Roberts:
"I am delighted that people in Alkimos,
Eglington and Yanchep now have an opening date for this incredible project –
that will better connect our communities to the metropolitan rail network for
the first time.
"This rail extension will slash the travel
times for so many people that use public transport in our community, which is a
massive win.
"I look forward to seeing everyone for the
community celebration later this year."
Quotes attributable to State Member for Butler John
Quigley:
"This is one of the biggest transport infrastructure projects
our community has ever seen – and to now lock in the opening date is an
exciting moment.
"In just a few months, community members will be able to jump
on a train from Yanchep, Eglinton and Alkimos – significantly reducing the
travel time to the city and beyond.
"With Perth's northern coastal areas growing rapidly, we have
placed a high priority on better transport connections and that's what we've
delivered for the community with the Yanchep Rail Extension and Freeway
Extension to Romeo Road."
23 APRIL 2024
