
- New Perth Rail: Fast, Bright, Connected Future: Perth has officially opened its $1.2 billion Thornlie–Cockburn Rail Line, marking a significant advancement in public transport for Western Australia.
- First East-West Rail Connection: This new 17-km line creates Perth’s first direct east-west rail link, seamlessly connecting the Mandurah and Armadale Lines and providing direct access to Optus Stadium.
- Enhanced Commuter Benefits: The line offers significantly faster commute times (e.g., Ranford Road to central Perth in 31 minutes), improved network resilience, new state-of-the-art stations, and integrated bus routes.
- Catalyst for Urban Growth: The project is driving real estate development, local business growth, and the creation of new transit-oriented communities with integrated green spaces, transforming the city’s southeastern suburbs.

Australia is boldly stepping into a new era of rail innovation, proudly joining global leaders like the US, China, and India. Perth is at the forefront of this exciting transformation with the magnificent launch of its new Thornlie–Cockburn Rail Line. This isn’t just about new tracks; it’s a vibrant commitment to faster, smoother travel and a wonderful catalyst for community growth and connectivity!

The grand opening of the Thornlie–Cockburn line marks a powerful shift in Perth’s transport future, offering commuters unprecedented access across the city’s blossoming southeastern corridor. This $1.2 billion METRONET project is a true game-changer, creating Perth’s first-ever east–west rail link, seamlessly connecting the Mandurah and Armadale Lines. Imagine reaching central Perth from Ranford Road in just 31 minutes, or Nicholson Road in 27 minutes – a massive time-saver that transforms daily commutes for thousands. The line also offers fantastic direct access to Optus Stadium, making event attendance a breeze without the usual traffic hassle.

Beyond speed and convenience, this new line brings incredible network resilience, ensuring smoother daily operations and enhanced recovery during any service disruptions. With state-of-the-art stations at Nicholson Road and Ranford Road, along with upgrades at Thornlie, Cockburn Central, and Perth Stadium, the experience is truly next-generation. The project also boasts impressive numbers, including 84,000 new sleepers, 180,000 tonnes of gravel, over 1,400 new parking spaces, and more than 20 integrated bus routes, ensuring a seamless, multimodal journey for everyone.

This project is far more than just infrastructure; it’s a catalyst for urban transformation and a significant lifestyle shift. It’s fueling real estate development, expanding retail hubs, and blending parklands and residential areas into modern, transit-oriented communities. The elevated rail sections are even freeing up ground space for new parks and public green spaces, enhancing livability and environmental balance. The Thornlie–Cockburn line is a shining example of METRONET’s vision, showcasing how accessible, efficient, and scalable public transit can truly uplift entire regions, making Perth an even more connected and livable city for all.
