The first train to Ellenbrook has taken to the tracks,
with testing now underway on the METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line.
The METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line will be the largest
public transport project delivered in Perth since the Mandurah Line was opened
by the WA Labor Government more than 16 years ago.
The project has seen 21 kilometres of new rail line constructed,
including 150,000 sleepers and 96,000 tonnes of ballast, and five new stations
constructed in Morley, Noranda, Ballajura, Whiteman Park and Ellenbrook.
The new line spurs from the existing Midland and Airport
lines at Bayswater Station and will connect tens of thousands of people in the
city's north-eastern suburbs to the metropolitan rail network for the first
time.
Once the line opens, commuters in the north-east will be
able ride to the city for as little as $4.16 with a SmartRider.
The first train on the tracks marks the start of an
extensive testing and commissioning program, which will ensure all
infrastructure and systems are operating effectively and trains are running
safely, efficiently and smoothly.
Testing will take place for approximately four weeks,
with a gradual increase to operational speeds. Following the testing phase,
training of Transperth's drivers will commence.
The start of testing and commissioning comes as
the new Whiteman Park Station approaches formal completion. Whiteman Park will
be the third station to be completed, alongside Ellenbrook and Ballajura.
Works on Morley and Noranda stations continues,
with completion scheduled in the coming months.
Construction of the METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook
Line has supported an estimated 6,500 jobs to date.
When passenger services begin later this year,
the line will provide around a 30-minute journey from Ellenbrook to Perth,
halving the commuting time for passengers.
Quotes attributable to
Western Australian Premier Roger Cook:
"The tracks are laid, the
stations are almost complete, and now trains are on the METRONET line to
Ellenbrook - the finish line is well and truly in sight.
"Labor promised to build the
METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line, and we're delivering.
"This will be a game changer
for Perth's north-east - bringing affordable public transport to our suburbs,
slashing congestion, supporting jobs and transforming local communities."
Quotes
attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and
Local Government Minister Catherine King:
"Projects like the METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line highlight the
importance of Australian and State Governments working together to provide
safer, faster and more efficient transport links.
"This investment from the Australian Government, alongside the WA
Government, will provide more options for commuters in this fast-growing area.
"This line will create social and economic benefits for locals and
visitors who want to explore Perth's incredible Whiteman Park and beyond."
Quotes
attributable to WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"I am absolutely thrilled to see trains running on
the Morley-Ellenbrook Line and I know it will be an incredibly exciting moment
for communities in Perth's north-east, who have waited a long time for this
train line.
"The communities in our growing north-east corridor
have been crying out for better public transport options, and I am incredibly
proud that our Government is making that a reality after the broken promises of
the Liberals and Nationals.
"Commencing testing and commissioning is a critical
milestone in the delivery of the Morley-Ellenbrook Line, which will slash
travel times for people across our north-eastern suburbs.
"Our Government
made a commitment to deliver this rail line, and, by the end of this year,
passengers will be able to jump on board the first trains."
