All aboard! The Yanchep Rail Extension project is officially open

Perth’s new railway extension has officially opened, and it is set to enable “fast, affordable and reliable travel to the city” for tens of thousands of locals.

The METRONET Yanchep Rail Extension opened to the public yesterday, Sunday 14 July, and it connects Perth’s northern suburbs to the rail network for the first time ever.

This new extension extends the Joondalup Line by 14.5 kilometres north from Butler, and has three new stations – Alkimos, Eglinton and Yanchep.

Western Australian Premier Roger Cook said the new train services can change the community.

“For the tens of thousands of people in our northern suburbs, this means fast, affordable and reliable travel to the city and beyond for the first time,” he said.

“This is what METRONET is all about – transforming suburbs, slashing travel time, reducing travel costs and creating jobs.”

The three new stations all feature modern facilities and plenty of parking, with over 900 parking bays at Yanchep Station, 700 at Alkimos and 400 at Eglington.

Work on the extension started back in late 2019, and it was jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian governments.

“The Australian Government is investing almost $5 billion in METRONET to provide the infrastructure Perth and the surrounding areas need,” said Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King.

“The extension will create social and economic benefits for locals commuting south and visitors who want to explore Perth’s beautiful northern suburbs.”

For those interested in how long a journey will take from Yanchep to the city centre, the answer is 49 minutes, and that will cost $4.68.

Don’t forget there is free travel every Sunday and school students travelling free during the week.

The stations were filled yesterday and this morning as locals got straight to utilising the extended route into the city.

Federal Member for Pearce Tracey Roberts was enthusiastic about the opening as a significant milestone for the local community.

“The extension of the train line to Yanchep, with stations in Alkimos and Eglington will see an important connection to the metropolitan rail network,” she said.

“This highly anticipated METRONET rail extension will enable people who live in one of the fastest growing areas in Australia the opportunity to take a short journey from home to their local train station.”

Image credit: Supplied/WA Government