The Western Australian government has announced an additional $1.4 million to be invested to continue free public transport for regular passengers still affected by the ongoing Armadale line closure.
The announcement ensures commuters who were previously receiving free travel, including those using stations between Kenwick and Armadale, will continue to do so until their local stations reopen.
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The funding will be included in the upcoming State Budget.
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti says the decision reflects the government’s commitment to supporting the community while delivering one of the most significant rail upgrades in Perth’s history.
“We committed to providing free public transport to regular passengers during this closure, and this investment will ensure that continues for everyone still impacted by the closure,” she says.
The update comes as the inner section of the Armadale Line, from Perth to Beckenham, reopens to passengers tomorrow.
This section also connects with the new METRONET Thornlie-Cockburn Link and features five new stations. While trains will begin running, finishing works, including landscaping around the new “Long Park”, will continue over the coming months.
Saffioti acknowledged the public’s patience during the extensive construction period.
“We appreciate the community’s patience while we deliver this transformative program of works on the Armadale Line,” she says.
“We’re building incredible new stations, removing dangerous level crossings, turning the rail corridor into a parkland, and upgrading huge sections of track between Beckenham and Armadale.”
The full reopening of the Armadale Line, including new stations at Armadale and Byford, remains on track to be completed in the coming months. A reopening date will be announced soon.
In another major commitment, the government has confirmed a $21.4 million investment to permanently retain several popular replacement bus services that were introduced during the line closure, which have seen strong community support and high patronage.
The retained routes include: Route 529 linking Armadale Station to Cockburn Central Station, Route 51 from Cannington Station to Perth Busport via Orrong Road and Route 36 which links Cannington Station to Airport Central Station
“These routes have been highly valued by the local community, with strong feedback supporting their retention,” Saffioti says.
“Works on the Byford Rail Extension have been progressing really well in recent weeks and months, and I look forward to announcing a reopening date for the entire line very soon.”
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