Sunday, June 8, 2025
Perth has entered a transformative new chapter in its public transport journey, with the launch of significant METRONET rail developments. This milestone includes the highly anticipated Thornlie-Cockburn Link—Western Australia’s first dedicated east-west passenger rail connection—and the completion of an elevated stretch of the Armadale Line. Together, these projects are revolutionising how residents in the southeast connect with the broader city, offering faster journeys, modern stations, and smarter urban development.
The METRONET expansion isn’t just about moving people from one place to another—it’s a blueprint for reshaping the way Perth grows, ensuring communities are better connected to jobs, services, and each other.
Thornlie-Cockburn Link: Perth’s New East-West Rail Corridor
Stretching 17 kilometres, the newly opened Thornlie-Cockburn Link fills a critical gap in Perth’s rail grid by linking the Mandurah and Armadale lines. Until now, passengers travelling between southeastern suburbs and areas west of the Kwinana Freeway often had to go through central Perth, adding unnecessary time and complexity to their commutes. With this direct connection, that’s changed.
Passengers now enjoy direct access between Thornlie and Cockburn Central, dramatically reducing travel time. From Nicholson Road, it’s now just 27 minutes to Perth’s city centre; from Ranford Road, only 31 minutes. These times are supported by METRONET’s capped two-zone fare system, keeping travel affordable for all riders.
This new link doesn’t just serve commuters—it’s been designed to anticipate population growth and unlock new potential for transit-oriented communities across the southeastern corridor.
New Stations and Major Upgrades for a Growing City
The Thornlie-Cockburn Link includes two brand-new train stations—Nicholson Road and Ranford Road—purpose-built to serve growing residential catchments. These stations feature accessibility-focused layouts, real-time digital displays, and safety enhancements designed to meet the needs of daily commuters and event-goers alike.
In parallel, three major stations—Cockburn Central, Thornlie, and Perth Stadium—have received significant upgrades to accommodate increased passenger volumes. These enhancements support smoother journeys during busy periods, especially during large-scale events at Optus Stadium.
To further improve accessibility and ease of use, 1,400 new parking bays have been introduced across the three station precincts. METRONET has also rolled out over 20 new bus routes to connect with the new rail services—11 of which serve the Ranford Road and Nicholson Road stations directly. These feeder routes are essential in making public transport a practical alternative to driving for more Perth residents.
Armadale Line Goes Elevated: Safety, Flow, and Space Reimagined
The METRONET program also celebrated the opening of an 8-kilometre elevated segment of the Armadale Line, stretching from Victoria Park to Beckenham. This new design removes several level crossings, improving traffic flow, increasing safety for pedestrians and cyclists, and reducing delays caused by train movements across intersections.
Five modern elevated stations—Carlisle, Oats Street, Queens Park, Cannington, and Beckenham—are now operational. These facilities offer improved accessibility, shelter, and safety while freeing up the space beneath the tracks for new community amenities.
One of the most exciting urban design outcomes of the elevation project is Long Park, a seven-kilometre stretch of public open space that will run beneath the elevated rail. Once completed, this linear park will include walking paths, cycle lanes, recreation zones, and green landscaping—turning what was once a physical barrier into a shared space that unites communities on both sides of the rail corridor.
Economic Boost: Thousands of Jobs Created
These METRONET projects have not only transformed infrastructure but also created a wave of employment opportunities across Western Australia. Construction on the Thornlie-Cockburn Link and the inner Armadale Line supported more than 5,900 jobs combined.
This includes more than 4,300 positions generated by the inner Armadale Line upgrades, and over 1,600 jobs through the construction of the new Thornlie-Cockburn Link. The work included relocating a 22-kilometre freight corridor and laying 84,000 concrete sleepers supported by 180,000 tonnes of gravel. Beyond construction, these projects are contributing to skills training, economic resilience, and local business growth.
What’s Next: Completing the Armadale Line and Expanding to Byford
Although many key sections of the network are now operational, several major components are still in progress. Final landscaping and public realm works around new and upgraded stations will be completed in the coming months, improving the station precincts further.
The final stretch of the Armadale Line—including the redeveloped Armadale and Byford stations—is scheduled to reopen later this year. Once complete, this will restore full rail connectivity across the southeastern corridor.
Additional stations along the line—Sherwood, Challis, Kelmscott, Seaforth, Gosnells, Maddington, and Kenwick—are also set to resume operations soon, closing the loop on one of the most ambitious infrastructure upgrades Perth has ever undertaken.
The Byford Rail Extension is also moving ahead. Once finished, this project will extend train services even further south, helping Byford residents connect directly to the Perth CBD and easing the strain on nearby highways. The extension is key to accommodating Perth’s population growth and providing equitable access to efficient public transport for residents in the city’s expanding southern suburbs.
Reimagining Growth Through Transit-Oriented Development
The METRONET expansion is about more than building rail lines—it’s about building a smarter city. The projects are designed to support a future where people can live, work, and access services without needing to rely on cars. Transit-oriented development around new and upgraded stations is encouraging walkable, mixed-use precincts that connect more people to jobs, schools, and public services.
This focus on integrated planning marks a turning point in how Perth approaches infrastructure. Rather than focusing solely on congestion relief, METRONET is helping shape new communities around high-quality public transport. These changes are bringing long-term value to residents, businesses, and the environment alike.
A Transit Vision for the Next Generation
With METRONET, Perth is positioning itself for a future where sustainable, accessible, and high-frequency public transport forms the backbone of city life. From reduced congestion to better connections across suburbs, the recent upgrades demonstrate what’s possible when infrastructure investment is paired with long-term urban planning.
As landscaping work is finalised and final station reopenings take place, the full benefits of these rail improvements will be felt across the southeast. Commuters will enjoy faster, safer journeys; families will see improved neighbourhood amenities; and the city as a whole will be better prepared to meet the mobility needs of tomorrow.
Conclusion: A Landmark Step Toward Perth’s Rail Future
The official opening of the Thornlie-Cockburn Link and the elevated Armadale Line represents a transformative moment in Perth’s public transport journey. These projects have delivered new lines, better stations, safer crossings, and more community-friendly spaces.
What started as a major infrastructure plan has now become a reality that is already reshaping daily life for thousands of people. As the remainder of the Armadale Line comes back online and the Byford Extension moves forward, METRONET continues to prove that when cities invest in public transport, the entire community benefits.
This is just the beginning. Perth’s rail future is being built today—and it’s fast, connected, and made for everyone.
