The METRONET Airport Line in Perth of Western Australia, a $1.18bn (A$1.86bn) project jointly funded by the Federal and State Governments, has been launched with the first train starting from High Wycombe Station.
The Commonwealth provided $311 (A$490m) for the project, while the State Government offered the remaining $870m ($1.37bn) for the line.
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Adding 8.5km to Perth’s rail network, the new Airport Line travels beneath the Swan River and Perth Airport, as well as touches around 27m below ground at its deepest point.
Constructed and launched by the former State Labor Government, the Airport Line is claimed to be the first new train line to be inducted into the network since the opening of the Mandurah Line in 2007.
With trains stopping at all stations between High Wycombe and Claremont, the new line is anticipated to complete around 20,000 daily trips in its first year.
It is also said to be the only train service in the country, which will transport commuters to and from the airport at the regular passenger fare.
To connect suburbs to the three new stations, the new line will be supported by an improved bus network.
Till now, the new line has employed around 153 people within Transperth train operations
Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said: “As a former Infrastructure Minister, I know how important affordable and accessible public transport is, and the Airport Line will open up new transport opportunities for residents and tourists.
“The METRONET programme of works is creating thousands of local jobs, and when complete will be a game-changer for Perth commuters.
“We are partnering with the McGowan Government to deliver billions of dollars of upgrades to road and rail projects around Western Australia.”
