Over the next four years a total of $11.8 billion has been allocated for new rail and transport infrastructure projects across Western Australia, part of the WA Government’s overall $42.4 billion investment in new infrastructure across the State.
The 2024-25 State Budget provides $4.8 billion over the next four years to deliver the transformative METRONET program, supported by $2.9 billion in funding from the Commonwealth Government.
This includes an additional $254 million in State Government investment for the METRONET infrastructure program in this State Budget, with the Yanchep Rail Extension to commence operations in July, the historic Morley-Ellenbrook Line on track to be completed by the end of 2024, and a further three major rail projects expected to be delivered in 2025 (the Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal, Byford Rail Extension and Thornlie-Cockburn Link).
Premier Roger Cook said his government is investing in transport infrastructure to set up the state for decades to come.
“Through METRONET, we’re transforming Perth’s suburbs, slashing congestion and creating jobs in the community,” he said.
“Right across WA we’re investing in our road network, including billions of dollars for major regional road projects and upgrades, improving road safety and cutting travel times for regional Western Australians.”
Completion of these five major METRONET rail projects will see the delivery of:
- 17 new train stations;
- 61.5 kilometres of new tracks;
- 5.5 kilometres of new elevated rail;
- six hectares of new public open space; and
- the first east-west connecting rail between the Mandurah and Armadale Lines.
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the Government is absolutely focused on ensuring it delivers a better transport system for the WA community, with significant investment across regional Western Australia and in Perth over the next four years.
“The strong investment in this State Budget will see a significant number of major projects delivered over the next 12 to 18 months – including the Morley-Ellenbrook Line, Yanchep Rail Extension, Thornlie-Cockburn Link and upgrades to the Armadale Line,” she said.
“All up, we will see 17 new train stations delivered, more than 61 kilometres of new track and more than six hectares of new public open space – fundamentally transforming our rail network and many parts of Perth.
“Not only will these projects connect thousands of people to our rail network for the first time, but they will also help families with cost of living pressures by providing better access to our two-zone fare cap scheme, which allows a person to travel anywhere on our public transport network for no more than about five dollars.”
The METRONET program has also seen the removal of 15 level crossings around Perth.
Transport is also a key feature of the Cook Government’s cost of living package, with $125 million being allocated in the State Budget for a range of initiatives including:
- $64.5 million for the Regional Airfare Zone Cap scheme;
- $21 million for school students to access free public transport;
- $20 million for free public transport for all SmartRider holders during the January 2024 Summer period and on Sundays; and
- $20.3 million to increase the Regional Pensioner Travel Card by $100 (from $575 to $675), to further assist eligible pensioners in the regions with the cost of fuel and/or taxi travel.
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