William Scott
The 17.5km METRONET Thornlie-Cockburn Link has welcomed its first test train, marking the start of an extensive testing and commissioning program.
Perth’s first east-west line connection 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 in 2025, 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:
- Two nature trail/play spaces
- Two youth plazas including basketball, futsal, and netball courts
- Two fitness parks with exercise equipment
- An extensive path network for bike riding and walking
- 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.
Western Australian Premier, Roger Cook, said, “METRONET is powering ahead across Perth – transforming our suburbs, opening up housing opportunities, creating jobs, slashing congestion, and providing affordable transport for Western Australian 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.”
Western Australian Transport Minister, Rita Saffioti, said METRONET is delivering a better-connected city where more people can access affordable public transport.
“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.
“METRONET is reshaping Perth, providing great new amenities for the community and delivering the transport infrastructure needed to keep our city moving and growing.”
