Thousands of Perth commuters now have better access to the city’s rail network, with the Thornlie-Cockburn Line and five new elevated Armadale Line stations officially open.
The 17-kilometre Thornlie-Cockburn Line is Perth’s first east-west cross line.
It links the Mandurah and Armadale lines and includes new stations at Nicholson Road and Ranford Road, along with upgrades to Thornlie, Cockburn Central and Perth Stadium stations.
The milestone was marked with a major community celebration on Sunday across Nicholson Road, Thornlie and Ranford Road stations.
Thousands of locals turned out for the event, which featured free food, live entertainment, and local stalls.
Early arrivals received METRONET gift bags filled with goodies.
The new rail connection will also make it easier to get to Optus Stadium from the Mandurah Line. Commuters will now enjoy a 27-minute journey to Perth from Nicholson Road and 31 minutes from Ranford Road.
The project includes more than 1400 parking bays and over 20 new bus routes, with 11 servicing Nicholson and Ranford Road stations to improve local connections.
Premier Roger Cook said the new infrastructure would support Perth’s growth.
“This historic day marks a transformative moment for Perth’s public transport,” he said.
“These projects aren’t just about infrastructure; they’re about connecting people and creating opportunities and vibrant communities.”
He added, “Through the new METRONET Thornlie-Cockburn Line and stations on the inner Armadale Line, we are giving people in Perth’s south-eastern suburbs more travel choices, addressing road congestion, and stimulating land development to help deliver well-planned and more liveable communities.”
Photograph by Richard polden
The Thornlie-Cockburn Line has been a major construction effort.
More than 84,000 sleepers and 180,000 tonnes of gravel were used, while the existing freight line had to be relocated. The project has created more than 1600 construction jobs.
Connecting to the new line is the inner 8km section of the Armadale Line, which now runs as an elevated rail.
Five modern stations have opened at Carlisle, Oats Street, Queens Park, Cannington, and Beckenham.
Finishing works around these stations, including the new seven-kilometre ‘Long Park’ beneath the elevated rail, will continue over the coming months.
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the project delivered on key promises.
“Today, we also mark the opening of eight kilometres of elevated rail on the inner-section of the Armadale Line and five new incredible stations – all of it delivered in just 18 months,” she said.
She thanked the public for their support “and patience while we deliver this critical project.”
Photograph by Ricahrd Polden
The wider Armadale Line, including stations at Sherwood, Challis, Kelmscott, Seaforth, Gosnells, Maddington and Kenwick, will reopen in the coming months, along with new stations at Armadale and Byford.
Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said the projects show the strength of state and federal cooperation.
“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,” she said.
Matt Keogh, the Member for Burt, said he welcomed the benefits for local communities.
“I’m so proud to be part of an Albanese Labor Government that’s partnering with the Cook Labor Government to deliver the critical transport improvements Perth’s south-eastern suburbs needs, with better rail and connecting buses,” he said.
“I look forward to the remainder of the Armadale Train Line reopening soon.”
Photograph by Ricahrd Polden
