In a major milestone for the METRONET program, the Byford Rail Extension and the remaining outer section of the Armadale Line, will soon open.
The Byford Rail Extension is expected to open on Monday, 13 October, as the project enters a critical phase, with testing and commissioning, as well as driver training now underway.
The Byford Rail Extension includes a brand-new train station in Byford, offering 400 parking bays and a 46-minute journey to Perth, as well as a new elevated station built in the centre of Armadale, providing about 200 parking bays.
Other major benefits delivered through the project include the removal of seven level crossings, two new road over rail bridges at Thomas Road and Eleventh Road, eight hectares of new public open space through the rail line elevation, and eight kilometres of new shared paths for pedestrians and cyclists.
Jointly funded by the Federal and WA Governments, the project has been a major construction feat, employing more than 4,200 people. Works included the delivery of eight kilometres of new dual-rail track, including 22,000 sleepers and 40,000 tonnes of crushed rock.
During the Armadale Line closure, the Public Transport Authority has also delivered the Rail Revitalisation Program, undertaking major maintenance between Kenwick and Sherwood stations.
The work has included the replacement of 15 kilometres of track and pedestrian and vehicle level crossings, as well as other major upgrades such as new drainage systems, and enhanced overhead lines, communications and signalling.
When the Armadale Line reopens, passengers will continue to benefit from the two-zone cap currently in place.
This will become even more affordable when the one-zone fare cap rolls out from 1 January 2026, with passengers paying no more than $2.80 when using an autoload SmartRider.
A community event to celebrate the opening of the full Armadale Line will be held on Sunday, October 12. Further details will be provided closer to the date.
The community event will also celebrate the recently opened inner section of the Armadale Line and the soon to be completed Long Park.
Stretching seven kilometres, Long Park includes 14 community spaces featuring playgrounds, skate parks, dog and fitness parks and youth plazas with sports courts.
New shared paths have also been built throughout the parkland area.
The Australind Train, which utilises the Armadale Line, will resume services in early 2026, with the WA Government to announce a date soon.
The new Australind Trains are currently undergoing diagnostic testing at the Bellevue railcar facility.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said that thanks to the Federal and State Governments, the Armadale Line has gone through its largest transformation in its 132-year history.
“Extensive work has been done to upgrade the line to remove level crossings and improve signalling to future-proof the line and allow trains to run faster and more reliably,” King said.
“This is a crucial transport link for Perth’s fast-growing south and will provide easy connections to buses and trains on the city’s broader public transport network.
“I can’t wait to see every Western Australian – and visitor – enjoy the benefits of this Federal and State METRONET investment.”
WA Minister for Transport, Rita Saffioti, thanked the community for their patience as the METRONET Byford Rail Extension was delivered.
“This transformative infrastructure project will benefit future generations, unlock new opportunities for development and make more of Perth accessible by public transport,” Saffioti said.
“We’re delivering a major boost to the capacity and resilience of our network by extending the Armadale Line to Byford – providing faster and more reliable public transport to Perth’s growing south-east.
“METRONET is transforming Perth’s public transport and making our city more connected than ever. The reopening of the Armadale Line marks one of the most significant milestones in this transformation.”
