The METRONET Yanchep Rail Extension has officially opened today, connecting tens of thousands of people in Perth's northern suburbs to the rail network for the first time.
The Yanchep Rail Extension extends the Joondalup Line 14.5 kilometres north from Butler, and includes three new stations in Alkimos, Eglinton and Yanchep.
Each station has modern facilities and ample parking, with more than 900 parking bays at Yanchep Station, 700 bays at Alkimos Station and 400 at Eglinton.
The METRONET Yanchep Rail Extension was jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian governments.
The state-of-the-art stations will unlock residential and commercial land in surrounding areas, opening up new housing opportunities linked to major infrastructure and services.
The extension includes three green fauna bridges the first of their kind over rail in Western Australia providing native wildlife a safe crossing over the rail corridor and maintaining habitat connectivity in the Ningana Bushland.
Nine public art pieces feature across these stations, celebrating the unique cultural, historical and environmental aspects of each station and the surrounding areas.
Construction works on the project began in late 2019, supporting around 1,370 local jobs.
Perth's northern coastal corridor is among Australia's fastest growing areas, and the new train line will connect rapidly developing suburbs to the Perth CBD and airport.
Travel to the city from Yanchep will only be a 49-minute journey, and through the Cook Labor Government's two-zone fare cap, commuters will pay $4.68 for the ride with free travel every Sunday and school students travelling free during the week.
Free community events were held today at the new train stations to mark the milestone, giving community members the opportunity to ride the new train lines, with regular passenger services to start tomorrow.
As stated by Western Australian Premier Roger Cook:
"As a Dad in Kwinana, I know how much a train service can change a community.
"For the tens of thousands of people in our northern suburbs, this means fast, affordable and reliable travel to the city and beyond for the first time.
"This is what METRONET is all about transforming suburbs, slashing travel time, reducing travel costs and creating jobs.
"On behalf of the WA Government, I want to thank everyone who has been part of the project particularly the workers, who have done a brilliant job.
"METRONET is powering ahead across our suburbs, with the Yanchep extension now open and the finish line in sight for the Morley-Ellenbrook Line.
"Only Labor governments deliver the public transport infrastructure our city needs for its future, because we'll always do what's right for WA."
Quotes As put by Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
"Projects like the METRONET Yanchep Rail Extension highlight the importance of Australian and state governments working together to provide safer, faster and more efficient transport links.
"The Australian Government is investing almost $5 billion in METRONET to provide the infrastructure Perth and the surrounding areas need.
"The extension will create social and economic benefits for locals commuting south and visitors who want to explore Perth's beautiful northern suburbs."
Quotes As put by WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"Right across Perth, we are seeing communities being transformed and better connected thanks to our METRONET program and I am thrilled to see the Yanchep Rail Extension project reach completion.
"This extension will give over 169,000 future Yanchep-Two Rocks residents another transport option to travel around Perth for work, study, and recreation.
"It's great to see how the public art in these state-of-the-art stations has come alive and created a great sense of place and identity for the area."
As stated by Federal Member for Pearce Tracey Roberts:
"Today is a significant milestone for our local community. The extension of the train line to Yanchep, with stations in Alkimos and Eglington will see an important connection to the metropolitan rail network, thanks to Federal and State Government funding.
"This highly anticipated METRONET rail extension will enable people who live in one of the fastest growing areas in Australia the opportunity to take a short journey from home to their local train station. Visitors will also be able to travel by train to see the beautiful local attractions."
As stated by State Member for Butler John Quigley:
"To be opening one of the biggest public transport projects our community has ever seen in my final full year of service to our northern suburbs is the utmost privilege.
"This is one of the biggest transport infrastructure projects our community has ever seen and to be at the opening to celebrate the achievement is an exciting moment.
"The opening follows an extensive testing and commissioning program, which has ensured that all infrastructure and systems are operating effectively.
"This project has seen approximately 41,085 sleepers and 90,000 tonnes of ballast used, while three new fauna bridges are the first to be built over rail in Western Australia."
