Media Statements | 16 August 2022

It's all systems go for the $1.86 billion METRONET Forrestfield-Airport Link, which is set to begin operations on 9 October.

This opening date announcement comes as testing and commissioning enters its final stages, with driver training now underway.

The METRONET Forrestfield-Airport Link, to be known as the Airport Line when it opens, is jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian Governments, and will be the first passenger rail line to Perth Airport.

The project will deliver three new train stations at Redcliffe, Airport Central and High Wycombe, increasing public transport options for Perth's eastern suburbs and foothills area.

This will support domestic and international tourism by improving access between the city and Perth Airport, and create new residential and commercial opportunities around Redcliffe and High Wycombe Stations.

It's anticipated an average of 20,000 passenger trips will be made each day on the new rail line in its first year of service, increasing to 29,000 by 2032.

The Airport Line will be supported by an enhanced bus network connecting surrounding suburbs to the new train stations, adding an additional 26 new buses to the network, as well as 1.7 million annual bus service kilometres to the Transperth network.

 

Comments attributable to Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese:

"Our Government is partnering with the McGowan Government to deliver billions of dollars of upgrades and improvements to road and rail projects around Western Australia, creating and supporting thousands of local jobs.

"As a former Infrastructure Minister, I know how important access to affordable and accessible public transport is and I'm really pleased this important METRONET project will start operating later this year. 

"I look forward to visiting Perth and riding on the new Forrestfield-Airport Link later this year."

 

Comments attributable to WA Premier Mark McGowan:

"October 9 will mark an important milestone in our massive METRONET expansion of Perth's public transport network.

"The METRONET Forrestfield-Airport Link will be a game-changer for people in Perth's eastern suburbs.

"METRONET is providing the infrastructure our suburbs need, reducing congestion on our roads and delivering thousands of jobs right across Perth."

 

Comments attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

"The Australian Government is proud to be supporting this crucial transport link for Perth, which has not only supported jobs through its construction but will provide a long-lasting boost to domestic and international tourism.

"Investment in key infrastructure such as the METRONET link to Perth Airport is critical for the State's economy and tourism sector, while also ensuring Western Australians are better connected to the rest of the nation and the world.

"This investment from the Australian Government will greatly enhance and streamline access to Perth Airport and better integrate it into the city's public transport network."

 

Comments attributable to WA Transport, Planning and Ports Minister Rita Saffioti:

"Today's announcement has been many years in the making and I want to thank everyone who has played a part in delivering this project, which will fundamentally change how people travel to and from our airport.

"The METRONET Forrestfield-Airport Link has been one of the biggest and most complex public transport infrastructure projects our State has ever undertaken, including the delivery of an 8.5-kilometre rail tunnel that travels underneath the Swan River.

"We expect in the first year of service, we will see around 20,000 passenger movements everyday on the rail line, which will increase public transport options for Perth's eastern suburbs and foothills area, as well as for visitors and residents going to and from the airport.

"I look forward to jumping on a train when operations begin in October.

Print
Categories: Media Statements
Tags:
Rate this article:
No rating