More than 25 years since the 1999 South West Metropolitan Railway Master Plan first outlined an east-west rail connection in Perth’s southern suburbs, the first test trains have begun operating between METRONET’s Thornlie-Cockburn Link, marking a significant milestone in the city’s public transport infrastructure.
The first test train left the new Nicholson Rd station on Monday and travelled to Carlisle station, along the new elevated rail, also officially marking the start of test trains for the Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal project.
The Armadale and Thornlie train lines have been closed since November 2023 as part of the ongoing upgrades.
An extensive testing and commissioning program is now underway to ensure that all infrastructure and systems are functioning effectively, with trains operating safely, efficiently, and seamlessly.
The $1.352 billion METRONET Thornlie-Cockburn Link project, connecting the Armadale and Mandurah lines, includes two new stations at Nicholson Road and Ranford Rd, along with upgrades to the Thornlie and Cockburn Central stations.
As Perth’s first east-west rail connection, 17.5 kilometres of new duplicate tracks run parallel to the pre-existing freight line and utilise tunnels, built in 2000, that go beneath the Kwinana Freeway and Roe and Albany Highways.
After Labor lost government in 2008, any hope of the Thornlie to Mandurah line rail link was abandoned by the Barnett government. However, after Labor regained power in 2017, the project was revived, with early construction beginning in 2019.
When passenger services begin later this year, commuters will be able to reach Perth in 26 minutes from Nicholson Rd Station and in 29 minutes from Ranford Rd Station.
Premier Roger Cook said on Monday that once opened, the new rail service would offer some of the most affordable public transport in the country.
“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,” he said.
“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 State Government believes the train link will boost growth and accessibility in the south-eastern suburbs, offering better access to employment, housing opportunities in Canning Vale, and a direct route to Perth Stadium Station for Mandurah Line passengers.
WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti stated that the new transport infrastructure is essential for keeping Perth moving and supporting its growth.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
The Thornlie-Cockburn Link and Armadale Line are still scheduled to open in mid-2025.
