In a major milestone for the METRONET program, the Albanese and Cook Labor governments have today announced the Byford Rail Extension, as well as the remaining outer section of the Armadale Line, will open for passenger services on Monday, 13 October.
The announcement comes as the Byford Rail Extension enters a critical phase, with testing and commissioning, as well as driver training now underway.
The Byford Rail Extension includes a brand-new train station in Byford, offering 400 parking bays and a 46-minute journey to Perth, as well as a new elevated station built in the centre of Armadale, providing about 200 parking bays.
Other major benefits delivered through the project include the removal of seven level crossings, two new road over rail bridges at Thomas Road and Eleventh Road, eight hectares of new public open space through the rail line elevation, and eight kilometres of new shared paths for pedestrians and cyclists.
Jointly funded by the Australian and WA governments, the project has been a major construction feat, employing more than 4,200 people. Works included the delivery of eight kilometres of new dual-rail track, including 22,000 sleepers and 40,000 tonnes of crushed rock.
During the Armadale Line closure, the Public Transport Authority has also delivered the Rail Revitalisation Program, undertaking major maintenance between Kenwick and Sherwood stations.
The work has included the replacement of 15 kilometres of track and pedestrian and vehicle level crossings, as well as other major upgrades such as new drainage systems, and enhanced overhead lines, communications and signalling.
When the Armadale Line reopens, passengers will continue to benefit from the two-zone cap currently in place.
This will become even more affordable when the one-zone fare cap rolls out from 1 January 2026, with passengers paying no more than $2.80 when using an autoload SmartRider.
A community event to celebrate the opening of the full Armadale Line will be held on Sunday, October 12. Further details will be provided closer to the date.
The community event will also celebrate the recently opened inner section of the Armadale Line and the soon to be completed Long Park.
Stretching seven kilometres, Long Park includes 14 community spaces featuring playgrounds, skate parks, dog and fitness parks and youth plazas with sports courts.
New shared paths have also been built throughout the parkland area.
The Australind Train, which utilises the Armadale Line, will resume services in early 2026, with the WA Government to announce a date soon.
The new Australind Trains are currently undergoing diagnostic testing at the Bellevue railcar facility.
As stated by Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
"Thanks to the Albanese and Cook Labor governments, the Armadale Line has gone through its largest transformation in its 132 years' history.
"Extensive work has been done to upgrade the line to remove level crossings and improve signalling to future-proof the line and allow trains to run faster and more reliably.
"This is a crucial transport link for Perth's fast-growing south and will provide easy connections to buses and trains on the city's broader public transport network.
"I can't wait to see every Western Australian and visitor enjoy the benefits of this Federal and State METRONET investment."
As stated by WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"We sincerely thank the community for their patience as we deliver the METRONET Byford Rail Extension.
"This transformative infrastructure project will benefit future generations, unlock new opportunities for development and make more of Perth accessible by public transport.
"We're delivering a major boost to the capacity and resilience of our network by extending the Armadale Line to Byford providing faster and more reliable public transport to Perth's growing south-east.
"METRONET is transforming Perth's public transport and making our city more connected than ever. The reopening of the Armadale Line marks one of the most significant milestones in this transformation."
As stated by Federal Member for Burt Matt Keogh:
"It is exciting to see that the METRONET Byford Rail Extension is almost all aboard for passengers travelling south of Perth, with significant upgrades and the removal of seven level crossings.
"The completion of this project will also provide the community with two new much-needed train stations and the extension of the Armadale Line to Byford.
"Train passengers throughout my community, from Kenwick through to Byford, will be looking forward to be able to start catching trains again from October."
As stated by Darling Range MLA Hugh Jones:
"It's been incredible to see the progress being made on the new METRONET Byford Station, and now the community has a date for when it will open.
"This is an exciting moment for our community, and the countdown is now well and truly on until we unveil the new Byford Station.
"It will also be fantastic to have the brand-new internal roads open which will enhance connectivity to shops and services for the Byford community."
As stated by Armadale MLA Dr Tony Buti:
"The new METRONET Armadale Station is completely transforming our suburb, and I know today's announcement will be met with excitement from the community.
"While this will be an incredible asset for our community, I know the past 18 months have been challenging due to the disruptions, and I want to thank everyone again for their patience while we have delivered this project."
