Perth’s METRONET rail network has reached a historic milestone with the official opening of the new Thornlie-Cockburn Line and the elevated inner-section of the Armadale Line, delivering world-class public transport and improved connectivity to communities in the city’s south-east.
The 17-kilometre Thornlie-Cockburn Line is Perth’s first east-west cross-line connection, linking the Mandurah and Armadale lines.
The new line features stations at Nicholson Road and Ranford Road, alongside major upgrades to Thornlie, Cockburn Central, and Perth Stadium stations.
This addition brings significant resilience to the broader rail network and, for the first time, provides a direct route from the Mandurah Line to Optus Stadium, allowing more trains to serve major events and games.
Commuters will benefit from fast travel times, with a 27-minute journey from Nicholson Road Station to Perth and a 31-minute trip from Ranford Road Station.
The two-zone fare cap remains in place, meaning passengers pay no more than $4.68 with an autoload SmartRider.
The three new stations offer 1,400 parking bays, and more than 20 new bus routes have been introduced to enhance connectivity, including 11 routes directly serving Nicholson Road and Ranford Road stations.
The project’s scale is underscored by its construction achievements: more than 84,000 sleepers and 180,000 tonnes of gravel were used, while the existing 22 kilometres freight line was relocated.
The initiative has supported over 1,600 jobs throughout construction.
Connecting to the Thornlie-Cockburn Line is the newly completed eight kilometres elevated inner-section of the Armadale Line.
Five modern stations — Carlisle, Oats Street, Queens Park, Cannington, and Beckenham — are now operational.
The area beneath the elevated rail, to be known as ‘Long Park,’ will stretch seven kilometres and feature new community facilities and amenities.
Construction on the inner Armadale Line has created more than 4,300 jobs.
The remainder of the Armadale Line, including new Armadale and Byford stations, will reopen in the coming months, with a formal date to be announced soon.
Stations at Sherwood, Challis, Kelmscott, Seaforth, Gosnells, Maddington, and Kenwick will also return to service.
Western Australian Premier Roger Cook highlighted the transformative nature of METRONET, stating: “METRONET has transformed the face of Perth by making travel more affordable, taking cars off our roads and creating thousands of jobs over the past eight years.
“We know how important our expanded public transport network will be in the coming years with Western Australia’s booming economy and growing population.”
Premier Cook said the new METRONET Thornlie-Cockburn Line and upgrades to the inner Armadale Line are providing Perth’s south-eastern suburbs with more travel options, easing road congestion, and encouraging well-planned community development.
He described this as a transformative milestone for public transport in Western Australia, connecting people, creating opportunities, and delivering the future of transport today.
Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King emphasised the importance of collaboration: “Projects like the METRONET Thornlie-Cockburn Line and the wider METRONET program highlight the importance of the partnership between the Albanese and Cook Labor Governments to provide more transportation options in fast-growing areas of Western Australia.
“WA’s first major elevated line through Victoria Park and Canning will boost growth and accessibility in the south-eastern suburbs and provide easier access to employment opportunities.”
WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti noted the rapid progress and community benefits, stating: “Over the past three years, we have seen METRONET transform our city, and today we mark another major milestone with the Thornlie-Cockburn Line delivering our first east-west rail connection between the Mandurah and Armadale lines.
“This new line will deliver a significant boost to the resilience of our rail network, connect tens of thousands of people to a train line for the first time and provide a direct connection to Optus Stadium for people on the Mandurah Line.
Saffioti highlighted the recent opening of eight kilometres of elevated rail on the Armadale Line’s inner section, along with five new stations, all completed within 18 months, emphasising their role as key job creators and economic boosters.
She also noted that the Byford Rail Extension and parkland beneath the elevated rail will be finished later this year, marking a significant transformation of the Armadale Line and thanked the community for their patience during the project.
The opening of these new rail links represents a major leap forward for public transport in Perth, promising improved accessibility, economic growth, and vibrant, connected communities for years to come.
