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.
As stated by 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 As put by 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 As put by 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."
