WA - Metronet

[Jonno]

Irony

https://twitter.com/alanthefisher/status/1697980447467110443

[#Metro]

Amsterdam does it, and it has not prevented adjacent development or TOD:

@clusterferno7833
11 hours ago
I wonder what you think about Amsterdam Zuid, one of the important InterCity rail stations in Amsterdam. It is in the middle of a highway, but because of the way it is built it feels quite well-connected to the surrounding neighbourhood and the noise is not that bad.

The station will become second busiest in Amsterdam, it needs new platforms and additional tracks, so ultimately the road will be placed under the station in this section. But in its current form, it has done really well.

If anything, it would also be possible to deviate the train from the highway at certain locations (e.g. Joondalup and Rockingham do this), or sink the road under the rail line so the station sits on top if you really wanted to.

Sources:
1. youtube.com/watch?v=uM5cGZRWUUw
2. https://zuidas.nl/en/blog/2021/09/23/the-next-steps-at-amsterdam-zuid-station/

[RowBro]

That example in Amsterdam is the only station (main) within the highway median. Either side it exits the median. It is an exception, not the norm.  This is different to the Perth lines where a significant portion of them fall within the median.

It's also at a business district as opposed to a residential district. The workers use the station because they have to. There doesn't appear to be any residential in any of the larger buildings nearby.

[JimmyP]

There is quite a lot of residential (along with a large amount of commercial/offices) around Amsterdam Zuid, the area being quite high density and a central district in its own right (it's basically the economic centre of Amsterdam). It does well in its current form as, like most Dutch stations, it has excellent active and (other) public transit links, its not purely relying on car parking or feeder buses alone.
The station is also a major interchange between Express (Intercity) and all stations (Sprinter) heavy rail, Metro lines (including the North/South line, giving fast and easy alternative access to Amsterdam Centraal, among other places), light rail and bus services, without even mentioning the active transit possibilities (and massive bicycle parking facilities).
I also wouldn't be at all surprised to see the motorway disappear in the coming decades (likely underground or completely re-routed). 

I'm not completely against rail in highway median, I think it has its place (I think a line down to M1 to Beenleigh would be a great idea for the GC line, with maybe 2 stations), it definitely should be the exception rather than the norm.

[#Metro]

Second Example (Amsterdam)

For interest, I also found a second example in Amsterdam of a train station within a highway median. Amsterdam Noord Metro is a smaller scale, but also contains a mix of education, hotel, residential, and a Park & Ride (yes, you read that correctly, a P&R). Doing TOD will probably take more effort and involve visually screening the highway/motorway plus spending more on making it connected... but it does seem achievable.

You cannot view this attachment.

You cannot view this attachment.

Wonam starts construction of Pulse with 219 homes in Amsterdam North
17.05.2018

Wonam has started the construction of the Pulse complex with 219 mid-rental homes on Buikslotermeerplein in Amsterdam-Noord. In addition to rental properties with two or three rooms, there will also be catering and retail facilities, an exhibition space and 4,000 m2 of office space.

Source: https://www.nul20.nl/wonam-start-bouw-pulse-met-219-woningen-amsterdam-noord

[Jonno]

None of which makes it a policy to implement. All the examples would be much better without the major road/freeway.

Converting a freeway to an elevated railway and at-grade roadway is ok but leaving the freeway as-is is a Big No.

[ozbob]

https://x.com/RailExpressNews/status/1703557087228571958?

[#Metro]

Perth's New Bayswater Station is open.

Once the Moreley-Ellenbrook line opens, each at 4 trains/hour, from Bayswater station to the Perth CBD direction will be a combined trains every 5 minutes in the off-peak.

(Sections of the Fremantle line are already doing 10 min frequency all day)

[ozbob]

We're nearly two weeks into the Armadale Train Line shutdown as we completely transform this rail corridor with the...

Posted by Rita Saffioti MLA on Wednesday, 29 November 2023

We are still struggling here in SEQ to remove one level crossing .... 

[ozbob]

https://x.com/metronetperth/status/1738094669626794431?s=20

[ozbob]

https://x.com/Rita_Saffioti/status/1738020659115291060?s=20

[ozbob]

https://x.com/metronetperth/status/1742460054417363127?s=20

[ozbob]

https://x.com/metronetperth/status/1745612804382724544?s=20

[ozbob]

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1756665922579034169?s=20

[#Metro]

Ellenbrook Station construction is complete. Note the density - it's LOW.

Well done WA PTA.

[ozbob]

https://x.com/metronetperth/status/1772880726549045336?s=20

[verbatim9]

[verbatim9]

Last trains before the Bayswater shutdown.

Great footage in and out of trains with on train audio announcements.

I like how Bayswater station has the tracks bolted directly to the concrete. Less maintenance and better air quality around the station too.

Dwell times with Perth trains are far less than here in Qld as well. Trains also pull away a lot faster, similar to automated metros.

I remember this as well when I visited Perth a few years back.

I find the announcements on trains over there short and clear, with no unclear messages from guards, as there aren't any. 👍😃

[ozbob]

https://x.com/metronetperth/status/1776144856873631891

[#Metro]

WA PTA sets date for Joondalup line extension to Yanchep opening: Monday 15 July 2024.

- Joondalup Line extended 14.5 km beyond Butler (current terminus)
- Three new stations
- Line to be renamed from Joondalup line to Yanchep
- Three other separate MetroNet rail extensions in Perth due for completion next year (2025)

Joint Media Statement - Date for first trains on Yanchep rail extension
https://www.pta.wa.gov.au/news/media-statements/joint-media-statement-date-for-first-trains-on-yanchep-rail-extension

Passenger train services on the new Yanchep Rail Extension (YRE) will start on Monday 15 July.

The YRE project has extended the Joondalup Line 14.5 km north from Butler, with new stations built in Alkimos, Eglinton and Yanchep. The extended line will connect tens of thousands of people in the city's growing northern corridor to Perth's metropolitan rail network and help develop activity centres by unlocking residential and commercial land.

Over recent months the rail line extension has been undergoing extensive testing and commissioning, with driver training set to start next week.

The line will be renamed the Yanchep Line. It's currently known as the Joondalup Line – a name it has held since it was built in 1992.

The extension has involved 41,085 sleepers and 90,000 tonnes of ballast, while three new fauna bridges are the first to be built over rail in Western Australia.

When passenger services start, it will be a 49-minute journey from Yanchep to Perth, a 46-minute journey from Eglinton and a 41-minute journey from Alkimos.

There will be a community celebration on Sunday 14 July, the day before passenger services start. The community celebration will include free sausage sizzles, food, entertainment and music. Further details will be announced in the coming months.

The community will be able to make the most of the Fare Free Sundays initiative, with public transport to be free for the day – as it is for every Sunday, with a valid SmartRider.

After YRE, further projects including the Morley-Ellenbrook Line, Byford Rail Extension, Thornlie-Cockburn Link and the Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal Project are all planned for completion by the middle of 2025.

The Yanchep Rail Extension is jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian governments.

[ozbob]

WA Today --> Metronet costs balloon by $700 million as state pays to get people moving $

The cost of building Western Australia's new rail system has ballooned again, with an eye-watering $700 million in additional funding allocated to the project in this year's state budget.

Stage one of the Labor government's flagship Metronet project climbed $2 billion in 2023 alone, taking the total cost of the network to around $11.5 billion.

WA Treasurer Rita Saffioti, delivering her first state budget on Thursday, revealed that cost would climb again to more than $12 billion.

The state government will cover the blowout to the tune of $254 million, while the Commonwealth will contribute $453 million – a total of $707 million. ...

[ozbob]

https://x.com/metronetperth/status/1790280343142244624

[ozbob]

https://x.com/metronetperth/status/1797901886789747136

[ozbob]

WA Today --> Metronet in Midland: New Cale Street crossing causes concerns $

Midland residents are warning of traffic chaos and potential crashes with the opening of a new railway level crossing.

It is part of the state government's Metronet project but concerned locals say there should be a re-think as the new Cale Street level crossing is set to open.

Business owner Kevin Bartholomew said local residents were very concerned that there would be major incidents on the busy intersection. ...

[#Metro]

WA government hails Yanchep train extension 'spectacular project' despite cost, time blow-outs
By Grace Burmas and Kenith Png
ABC News https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-07-14/metronet-yanchep-rail-line-opens-perth-northern-suburbs/104091162

WA's Premier and Treasurer were among the first passengers to ride the 15-kilometre railway extension covering three new train stations in Perth's north — Alkimos, Eglinton and Yanchep — on Sunday.

The train was packed to the brim, with more than 500 passengers on board to Perth's most northern suburbs for the first time.

So $1 billion / 14.5 km length = 68.9 million/km.

Still a bargain on a per-km basis compared with East Coast projects. 

[ozbob]

Last time I was in Perth (2017), I stood on Butler station and looked north. 

Said to myself only a matter of time for the extension.  Pleasing to see now completed.

WA PTA and its agencies runs rings around the ramshackle outfits here in banana-land 

[ozbob]

Introducing your new Yanchep Line!

https://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/JourneyPlanner/Yanchep-Line

[ozbob]

https://x.com/MelbOnTransit/status/1812601802887704837

[ozbob]

https://x.com/9NewsPerth/status/1812435314989727905

[ozbob]

Facebook ...

Yanchep Rail Extension 15th July 2024 From a news story about the Yanchep rail extension in Perth. - Perth now has...

Posted by RAIL - Back On Track on Sunday 14 July 2024

[Jonno]

 What's not to like

https://x.com/bradpettitt/status/1818655920920121446?s=46&t=EDszjTErsxTIqAna7yuP-w

[ozbob]

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1828102916391260416

[ozbob]

Government Statement

https://minister.infrastructure.gov.au/c-king/media-release/first-test-train-track-morley-ellenbrook-line

First test train on track on the Morley-Ellenbrook line

26th August 2024

The first train to Ellenbrook has taken to the tracks, with testing now underway on the METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line.

The METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line will be the largest public transport project delivered in Perth since the Mandurah Line was opened by the WA Labor Government more than 16 years ago.

The project has seen 21 kilometres of new rail line constructed, including 150,000 sleepers and 96,000 tonnes of ballast, and five new stations constructed in Morley, Noranda, Ballajura, Whiteman Park and Ellenbrook.

The new line spurs from the existing Midland and Airport lines at Bayswater Station and will connect tens of thousands of people in the city's north-eastern suburbs to the metropolitan rail network for the first time.

Once the line opens, commuters in the north-east will be able ride to the city for as little as $4.16 with a SmartRider.

The first train on the tracks marks the start of an extensive testing and commissioning program, which will ensure all infrastructure and systems are operating effectively and trains are running safely, efficiently and smoothly.

Testing will take place for approximately four weeks, with a gradual increase to operational speeds. Following the testing phase, training of Transperth's drivers will commence.

The start of testing and commissioning comes as the new Whiteman Park Station approaches formal completion. Whiteman Park will be the third station to be completed, alongside Ellenbrook and Ballajura.

Works on Morley and Noranda stations continues, with completion scheduled in the coming months.

Construction of the METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line has supported an estimated 6,500 jobs to date.

When passenger services begin later this year, the line will provide around a 30-minute journey from Ellenbrook to Perth, halving the commuting time for passengers.

Quotes attributable to Western Australian Premier Roger Cook:

"The tracks are laid, the stations are almost complete, and now trains are on the METRONET line to Ellenbrook - the finish line is well and truly in sight.

"Labor promised to build the METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line, and we're delivering.

"This will be a game changer for Perth's north-east - bringing affordable public transport to our suburbs, slashing congestion, supporting jobs and transforming local communities."

Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

"Projects like the METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line highlight the importance of Australian and State Governments working together to provide safer, faster and more efficient transport links.

"This investment from the Australian Government, alongside the WA Government, will provide more options for commuters in this fast-growing area.

"This line will create social and economic benefits for locals and visitors who want to explore Perth's incredible Whiteman Park and beyond."

Quotes attributable to WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:

"I am absolutely thrilled to see trains running on the Morley-Ellenbrook Line and I know it will be an incredibly exciting moment for communities in Perth's north-east, who have waited a long time for this train line.

"The communities in our growing north-east corridor have been crying out for better public transport options, and I am incredibly proud that our Government is making that a reality after the broken promises of the Liberals and Nationals.

"Commencing testing and commissioning is a critical milestone in the delivery of the Morley-Ellenbrook Line, which will slash travel times for people across our north-eastern suburbs.

"Our Government made a commitment to deliver this rail line, and, by the end of this year, passengers will be able to jump on board the first trains."

[ozbob]

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1843310109168132172

[#Metro]

The new 21 kilometres of rail will cut the time it takes to commute from Ellenbrook to the CBD from one hour by car to 30 minutes by rail, with stations in Morley, Noranda, Ballajura, Whiteman Park and Ellenbrook.

That's a big time saving! Be interesting to see what the off-peak time comparisons are.

In general, Perth trains are very fast compared to the competing car trip.

3000 boardings for a station is per day is also very good!

[ozbob]

Rail Express --> METRONET Line set to open

The METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line will officially open on Sunday, 8 December, delivering on a commitment to provide high-quality, affordable public transport to Perth's north-eastern suburbs.

The 21-kilometre METRONET Ellenbrook Line starts at Bayswater Station, with five new stations at Morley, Noranda, Ballajura, Whiteman Park and Ellenbrook.

Under the government's two-zone fare cap, riding the train will only cost commuters in the north-eastern suburbs $4.16 with a SmartRider – with free fares on Sundays, and free travel for school students throughout the week.

Journey times will be around 31 minutes from Ellenbrook to Perth, 27 minutes from Whiteman Park, 22 minutes from Ballajura, 19 minutes from Noranda and 17 minutes from Morley. ...

https://x.com/RailExpressNews/status/1843403191104487449

[ozbob]

https://x.com/metronetperth/status/1843429387452170674

[ozbob]

https://x.com/metronetperth/status/1843570953105879097

[ozbob]

https://x.com/metronetperth/status/1851149254947131478

[#Metro]

It's Open - Morley-Ellenbrook Line.

5 New stations

"This whole rail line costs about one station that has been delivered in Sydney." Rita Saffioti
Deputy Premier of Western Australia.

And guess what... unlike Queensland, high-frequency trains are provided all day and all weekend from Day 1.

You cannot view this attachment.

Ellenbrook Line timetable
https://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/timetables/details?train=Ellenbrook%20Line