THE wheels are turning on Perth’s first east-west rail connection, with the the Metronet Thornlie-Cockburn Link due to officially open early next month.
The 17.5-kilometre project is set to connect the Mandurah and Armadale lines, opening up new travel options for the south-eastern suburbs.
The opening follows a test run back in January.
Commuters will now have faster and more direct routes into Perth, with travel times of 26 minutes from Nicholson Road Station and 29 minutes from Ranford Road Station.
The Thornlie-Cockburn Link includes two new stations and upgrades to existing ones at Cockburn Central and Thornlie.
Beyond improving access to the rail network, the project aims to support growth in areas like Canning Vale, with improved connections to jobs and potential for new housing developments.
For Mandurah Line passengers, the link will also provide direct access to Perth Stadium Station, eliminating the need for transfers and making trips to events quicker and easier.
Premier Roger Cook and Transport Minister Rita Saffioti have hailed the Metronet projects as transformative for Perth.
“As a Kwinana local, I’m thrilled to see how the Metronet Thornlie-Cockburn Link is bringing our suburbs closer together,” Mr Cook said.
“This is about creating jobs, reducing congestion, and delivering affordable public transport for WA families.”
Minister Saffioti added: “This is more than a rail line – it’s a lifeline for communities who’ve never had access to Perth’s world-class train network.
“Metronet is reshaping how we move, grow, and thrive as a city.”
Cockburn mayor Logan Howlett welcomed the progress, saying a connected city makes it easy for people of all ages and abilities to move around and provides accessible places to live, work and recreate.
Explore
“The new link will only enhance Cockburn Central’s position as a regional centre in Perth’s south, bringing visitors in from the south, north and east to explore all that Cockburn has to offer including Cockburn Gateway, the forthcoming Aventuur surf park in Jandakot, and a wonderful array of free community events,” Mr Howlett said.
“The award-winning Cockburn ARC is an attraction in its own right and also home to the Dockers AFL club.
“The link will also enable Cockburn residents to venture east including to Perth Stadium for a variety of high-profile events, including AFL matches.”
Mr Howlett said the City anticipated visitors venturing further into Cockburn to experience the City-run wetlands precinct, ice arena, golf and the local beaches and driving trail, all contributing to the area’s economic health.
“These fun-seekers will also observe the abundant local opportunities for employment and housing, perhaps attracting new residents to what is already a popular growth area.”
Mr Howlett said modelling showed that by 2031 some of Cockburn’s arterial roads will max out during peak hours, making a new rail connection a welcome alternative to more car trips.
He also noted the City was still pushing for a “high priority transit corridor” from Cockburn Central to Fremantle, which was built into the Cockburn Coast development planning.
“This was integral to the density and vision proposed by the State Government when the land was earmarked for urbanisation more than 15 years ago.
“It is important to remember the provision of public transport is only one aspect to support higher density housing. There are other important location and infrastructure needs to be considered.”
Mr Howlett said being home to Perth’s first east-west Metronet line was a boon for residents, businesses and visitors “opening up a whole new world of discovery and opportunity”.
“As this vital phase of testing begins we can expect the excitement and anticipation to grow both here in Cockburn and all along the Mandurah and Armadale lines.
“We welcome newcomers to Cockburn and encourage them to stay awhile, and experience Perth’s best playground. Cockburn – get amongst it!”
by STEVE GRANT