New Airport Line a win for commuters with services to almost double

• Thousands of commuters to benefit when Airport Line opens
• Increased service frequency provides greater access to city and airport
• Airport Line to open for regular services on Monday October 10

Commuters in the city's inner-west and inner-east will be spoilt for choice when the new Airport Line officially opens for regular services on Monday 10 October, with services between Claremont and Bayswater and the city set to almost double.

From 10 October, trains will leave Claremont and Bayswater Stations for Perth every six minutes during peak, compared to every 10 minutes currently, and every 7.5 minutes off-peak on weekdays, compared to every 15 minutes currently.

The improved frequency will also mean trains are departing Claremont and Bayswater Stations every 15 minutes between roughly 9pm and midnight on weekdays, compared to the current frequency of every 30 minutes.

On weekends and public holidays, trains will leave Claremont and Bayswater for Perth on average every 7.5 minutes throughout most of the day.

The higher frequency services will benefit more than 10,000 commuters that board trains between Claremont and Bayswater Stations and the city on average each day.

Every second train departing from Claremont will take commuters to the new Airport Central Station, with the journey time about 35 minutes.

The Claremont Station redevelopment, which was completed in April, will play a critical role in supporting the expanded services. The project included a new bus interchange and two train turnbacks, allowing direct access from the Fremantle Line to the Airport Line and improved local passenger services.

The redevelopment also included a new principal shared path for cyclists and pedestrians, and a new pedestrian underpass connecting Claremont Crescent and Gugeri Street.

Two interpretive signage pieces created by Noongar artist Seantelle Walsh will be installed around the station and a public art mural within the new underpass was created by Jennie Nayton.

To view the new timetable, visit the Transperth website: Airport Line (transperth.wa.gov.au)

Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:

"The introduction of the new Airport Line service is going to significantly improve the frequency of trains for people living in our inner-west and inner-east suburbs, with a train being available every six minutes during peak periods.

"The expanded services will also mean trains are less crowded, and we have increased capacity to get more people to and from the city.

"The recently completed upgrades to Claremont Station will play an important role in the operation of the new Airport Line, as well as the Fremantle Line.

"With the installation of new turnbacks, trains can now be turned around at Claremont Station, supporting daily operations on both lines and resulting in an increased frequency of train services.

"With the Airport Line's opening only a few weeks away, an extra 20,000 commuters are expected to use the Transperth system each day.

"The Claremont Station has been designed to future-proof Perth's oldest railway station, allowing it to safely and successfully handle trains running more frequently.

"This will greatly benefit people living in the western suburbs of Perth, providing greater access to the city and airport."

Minister's office - 6552 5500