- First test train runs between METRONET's Thornlie-Cockburn Link and Armadale train line
- Thornlie-Cockburn Link is Perth's first east-west rail connection
- New line will connect tens of thousands of people to Perth's world-class rail network
- Residents will have access to some of the most affordable public transport anywhere in Australia
Perth's first east-west line connection, the METRONET Thornlie-Cockburn Link, and the Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal project have reached a major milestone, with the first test train running today.
The milestone 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.
The 17.5-kilometre METRONET Thornlie-Cockburn Link project includes two new stations, at Nicholson Road and Ranford Rd, and upgrades to the Thornlie and Cockburn Central stations.
Connecting the Mandurah and Armadale lines through the Thornlie-Cockburn Link will support growth and accessibility across the south-eastern suburbs by providing access to employment, unlock long-term housing development opportunities in Canning Vale, and provide a direct line for Mandurah Line passengers to Perth Stadium Station for the first time.
When passenger services commence later this year, commuters will have a 26-minute journey to Perth from Nicholson Rd Station and a 29-minute journey from Ranford Rd Station, as well as some of the most affordable public transport anywhere in the country.
Meanwhile, construction on the new elevated Armadale Line continues to surge ahead, with works well-progressed on all seven new stations and delivery of the new seven-kilometre-long linear park underneath the elevated rail underway.
'Long Park' will provide six hectares of new public open space for the community and help facilitate new urban housing opportunities along the corridor.
The parkland will have 14 new community spaces with a range of amenities including:
- four new playgrounds;
- two nature trail/play spaces;
- two youth plazas including basketball, futsal, and netball courts;
- three skate parks;
- two fitness parks with exercise equipment;
- two dog parks;
- an extensive path network for bike riding and walking; and
- new spaces for pop-up cafes and community events.
The METRONET Thornlie-Cockburn Link and elevated Armadale Line are scheduled to open in mid-2025.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"METRONET is powering ahead across Perth - transforming our suburbs, opening up housing opportunities, creating jobs, slashing congestion, and providing affordable transport for WA families.
"The METRONET Thornlie-Cockburn Link delivers a whole new way of moving around our suburbs, and, as a Kwinana local, I can't wait for train rides straight to Optus Stadium.
"Once opened, the new METRONET lines will provide some of the most affordable public transport in the country, delivering real cost-of-living support to commuters and families across the south-eastern suburbs."
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"Perth's first east-west line connection will be a game-changer for thousands of people living in our south-eastern suburbs who have never had access to our world-class train network.
"That's what METRONET is delivering - a better-connected city where more people can access the affordable public transport being provided by our WA Labor Government.
"METRONET is reshaping Perth, providing great new amenities for the community and delivering the transport infrastructure needed to keep our city moving and growing."
