The Federal and Western Australian governments have today announced passenger train services on the new Yanchep Rail Extension will formally commence on Monday 15 July.
The METRONET Yanchep Rail Extension project has extended the Joondalup Line 14.5 kilometres north from Butler, with three new stations built in Alkimos, Eglinton and Yanchep.
Western Australian Premier, Roger Cook said the extended line will connect tens of thousands of people in the city’s growing northern corridor to Perth’s metropolitan rail network for the first time and help to develop activity centres by unlocking residential and commercial land.
“METRONET is powering ahead this year, with transformative new rail lines, state-of-the-art new stations, and new locally-built trains all entering service,” said the Premier.
“Alkimos and Eglington were WA’s largest growth areas last year, and METRONET will be a game-changer for local residents – slashing travel time and connecting our northern suburbs to the rest of the city.
“It’s part of our commitment to always do what’s right for WA, and setting up our city and our State for the long term.”
Over recent months, the rail line extension has been undergoing extensive testing and commissioning, with driver training set to commence next week.
“Projects like the METRONET Yanchep Rail Extension highlight the importance of the Australian and state governments working together to provide safer, faster and more efficient transport links,” said Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister, Catherine King.
“The extension will create social and economic benefits for locals commuting south and visitors who want to explore Perth’s beautiful northern suburbs,” she said.
The Government has also announced the train line will be renamed the Yanchep Line. It is currently known as the Joondalup Line – a name it has held since it was first constructed in 1992.
The extension has involved 41,085 sleepers and 90,000 tonnes of ballast, while three new fauna bridges are the first to be built over rail in Western Australia.
When passenger services start, it will be a 49-minute journey from Yanchep to Perth, a 46-minute journey from Eglinton to Perth and a 41-minute journey from Alkimos to Perth.
“People in this part of Perth have previously faced long journey times on public transport, sometimes multiple buses and a train just to reach the city. This new train line will significantly improve the way many people in our northern communities get around our city,” said Western Australian Transport Minister, Rita Saffioti.
The Cook Government has also announced plans for a community celebration on Sunday 14 July, the day before passenger services commence.
The community will be able to make the most of the WA Government’s Fare Free Sundays, with public transport to be free for the day – as it is for every Sunday, with a valid SmartRider.
The Yanchep Rail Extension will be the ninth METRONET project to be completed, with further projects including the Morley-Ellenbrook Line, Byford Rail Extension, Thornlie-Cockburn Link and the Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal Project all planned for completion by the middle of 2025.
The METRONET Yanchep Rail Extension is jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian governments and forms part of the METRONET Corridor with a total Australian Government investment of $4.19 billion.
