Commuters in Perth’s south-east have been encouraged to prepare for the biggest transformation to the city’s public transport network, as more than 20 new and improved bus routes roll out alongside the long-awaited opening of the METRONET Thornlie-Cockburn Line.
From June 9, the new east-west rail link will not only offer direct train connections but also reveal enhanced bus services designed to improve access across the region.
The revamped network will include over 1.5 million additional bus service kilometres each year, supported by 20 extra buses.
Announced today, Transport Minister Rita Saffioti described the overhaul as a once-in-a-generation upgrade that will change how people travel across Perth’s southern suburbs.
She said extensive community consultation helped shape the new routes, with particular attention paid to feedback from areas like Canning Vale.
“There was a case to make sure we could support the Canning Vale industrial area,” she said.
“We’ve made sure the new bus routes included that, and more importantly, this is all part of our bigger vision to connect people east and west. This is the biggest, most comprehensive change to the network ever.”
Among the highlights is a new frequent connection between Curtin University and Ranford Road Station, a high-frequency Route 925 between Bull Creek and Cannington, and improved weekend services.
Route 930X will offer a limited-stop service between Thornlie and Perth, while other changes target better access to schools, Victoria Park, and the Canning Vale industrial area.
Train replacement services on the Armadale Line will also be adjusted. Routes 221 and 907 will operate between Armadale and Cannington stations, while Routes 230 and 908 will be withdrawn. The new Route 930X is expected to cover some of the gaps.
Minister Saffioti emphasised the importance of resilience in the network.
“We’ve faced challenges in the past because most of our lines run north-south with no alternatives. This new east-west link gives us flexibility. If there’s an issue, we now have more places to start, stop or divert trains, especially with new facilities at Cannington and the ability to park trains where needed.”
She added that the system is being rigorously prepared. “We have over 400 train drivers trained and tested on the new lines. After completion, there are weeks of driver training. We also have a new monitoring system based in East Perth that tracks every train in real time.”
The east-west rail connection is expected to reduce travel time, particularly for game-day visitors heading to Optus Stadium. “For Canning Vale and Cockburn residents, this could mean saving 20 to 25 minutes on your journey,” Saffioti said.
Terry Healy, Member for Southern River, reiterated, saying the upgrades will change how residents move around. “Everyone’s path is about to change,” he said. “Everything’s about to change, but yes, it’s going to be a lot more efficient.”
Saffioti said while the changes are exciting, they will take some getting used to.
“There will be a lot of change, so we’re asking the community to go to the website, review the new bus services, and start planning their journeys. In all the activities that come with this scale of change, there may be teething issues, but I’m very proud of the system we run. Compared to other states and even globally, ours is one of the most affordable, accessible and efficiently managed networks.”
The public can access updated timetables and journey planners now via the Transperth website, with all new services set to take effect when the Thornlie-Cockburn Line opens on June 9.
