Transport minister won’t speculate on start for Yanchep rail

Anita McInnes

THE first test train ran on the Yanchep rail extension this morning but Transport Minister Rita Saffioti is still reluctant to name the date passengers services are expected to start.

At a press conference at the Butler station about 11am today Ms Saffioti, who had been on the test train with Pearce MHR Tracey Roberts and Butler MLA John Quigley, would not be drawn on speculation the first passengers might be able to travel on the Yanchep rail extension at Easter next year.

Earlier she had said driver training would be undertaken in January with the aim of finishing the whole line in the first half of 2024.

“And that’s when we expect the passengers to be able to board at the three new stations,’’ she said.

Ms Saffioti said while the rail line had been laid, the electricity turned on and the test trains were running the stations were still getting their finishing touches.

Whenever the state commissions a new rail line all the drivers are trained on the new rail line.

“For example there might be some slight curves on the track and how they handle that and also when they apply the brakes when they stop appropriately at the stations – every station is unique so they need to learn exactly when to apply the brakes to be able to stop exactly where the passengers get on and off.”

Eventually some extra train drivers will be required but at present with the Armadale rail shut down there is an excess of drivers.

In a statement Mrs Roberts said soon communities in Alkimos, Eglington and Yanchep would be connected to the metropolitan rail network, designed to significantly improve how people could travel around, in and from the outer metropolitan suburbs.

“Community consultation will start in the New Year to plan for new and amended bus routes, to ensure the needs of the community are met,’’ she said.

Mr Quigley said the first test train marked the start of an extensive testing and commissioning program, which would ensure all infrastructure and systems were operating effectively and trains were running safely, efficiently and smoothly.

Ms Saffioti said the most anyone boarding at Yanchep, Eglinton or Alkimos would pay was $5.10, which was the cash fare so it would cost less for those with smart riders.

“This project together with the extension of the freeway to Romeo Rd, which has been opened has seen $1.2 billion being poured into this area to support the significant growth of suburbs in this entire corridor.’’

Opposition leader Shane Love, who spoke to Yanchep News Online on his way to Lancelin, said the Yanchep rail was a long-delayed project, which had blown out by years, and it was disappointing the minister could not give a firm time for the opening of the line which had been long awaited.

Mr Love said according to the mid year Budget review, public transport spending would blow-out by a further $900 million, with “updated project costs” for Metronet accounting for more than $700m in increases alongside a $181m overrun for the Bayswater train station.