WA Radio Scanner Users' Group

Yes; it is time to see what election promises the parties make this time in regards to our public transport network! The opposition has put out the first plan in the form of Metronet which forms a comprehensive extension of the existing rail network

The key features of the new Metronet include:

1. New North Circle route
The Ellenbrook Line, with new stations at Walter Rd, Noranda, Bennett Springs, Whiteman and Ellenbrook
Railway line connecting the Joondalup Line (at Balcatta) to the Ellenbrook line (at Noranda), with new stations at Balcatta, Wanneroo Rd, Mirrabooka Ave and Alexander Drive.

2. New South Circle route
The Airport line, with new stations at Airport West, Perth Airport and Forrestfield
Railway line connecting Thornlie station to the Mandurah line, with new stations at Nicholson Rd and Ranford Rd

3. Extension of the Clarkson line
Extension to Yanchep, with new stations to be determined

4. Extension of the Armadale line
Extension to Byford, with a new station at Byford

5. New stations on the Mandurah line
New stations at Atwell and Karnup

http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western ... 6537881979

So... how much do you think it's going to cost and how long would it take to complete if they are elected and decide to actually follow through with this plan?

Knowing the government, it will be over budget and behind schedule.
That's IF they actually get round to doing it in the first place, will probably take about 2 years planning the darn thing anyway.

Son Of The Phantom wrote:Knowing the government, it will be over budget and behind schedule.
That's IF they actually get round to doing it in the first place, will probably take about 2 years planning the darn thing anyway.

This plan is not from the government. It's from the opposition. The same people that built the Joondalup line back in 'the day' and people said it was a bad idea. Look at it now!

Say what you will about the Labor party; they know how to plan ahead with the public transport network! (Unlike our current government!)

doggie015 wrote:

Son Of The Phantom wrote:Knowing the government, it will be over budget and behind schedule.
That's IF they actually get round to doing it in the first place, will probably take about 2 years planning the darn thing anyway.

This plan is not from the government. It's from the opposition. The same people that built the Joondalup line back in 'the day' and people said it was a bad idea. Look at it now!

Say what you will about the Labor party; they know how to plan ahead with the public transport network! (Unlike our current government!)

The Joondalup line may have been built before I was born, but I think it was a pretty darn good idea, cities need a well connected transport system and the Labour parties plans are integral in the growth of that system.

TBH, I don't trust either side of politics as far as I can throw them, but at least Labour has bothered to get off it's behind and do something. Like re-opening the Perth- Freo line, Mandurah line etc

Also thanks for pointing out that I didn't read the article properly, lesson for next time.

doggie015 wrote:Say what you will about the Labor party; they know how to plan ahead with the public transport network! (Unlike our current government!)

Hear hear! If only Alannah MacTiernan was still the Planning and Infrastructure Minister still...

I read the metronet proposal, which in theory looks good but not sure how they will fund it. At todays prices you are probably looking at 2-3 billion worth of work (thats conservitive!!!) If the southern loop is using the Kewdale to Freo (as well as Kewdale to Kwinana!) line, that means the freight trains will loose out. More freight on the roads which is a hot topic in southern suburbs (aka Roe 8 extension!) I am still a believer in light rail aswell - it has alot of positive features. Current polling would suggest that Metronet probably won't see the light of day!

Just looking at the Metronet map, which indicates 29 new train stations for the whole project. The current Govt indicated the cost for the new Atwell/Aubin grove station to be at 100 million (which included new rolling stock) so say the actual station costs 40-50 mil, thats over a billion easily just for train stations. What about the cost of track, rolling stock, bridges, tunnels, land buyups etc. Looks like state govt stamp duty will be going up again!!!!!

TLD11 wrote:IIf the southern loop is using the Kewdale to Freo (as well as Kewdale to Kwinana!) line, that means the freight trains will loose out. More freight on the roads which is a hot topic in southern suburbs (aka Roe 8 extension!)

Actually, there's enough room on the Kewdale - Freo rail corridor to support two more tracks running parallel. No need to acquire land, build extra bridges etc. - all you need to do is lay the track, and add some signalling and electrification.

Sort of.Current tunnels under Stock & Cockburn roads would probably be ok. Current tunnels under Ranford road & Kwinana Fwy probably wouldn't! The biggest issue along that rail reserve would be the underground pipeline from Bp refinery Kwinana to the massive storage tanks in Kewdale which runs about 5m away from the freight line, parallel to it! But engineering these days can do practically anything. (if you have the money!)

TLD11 wrote:The biggest issue along that rail reserve would be the underground pipeline from Bp refinery Kwinana to the massive storage tanks in Kewdale which runs about 5m away from the freight line, parallel to it! But engineering these days can do practically anything. (if you have the money!)

There's a pipeline? Never knew....

Our city is desperately in need of a loop system.

To take public transport from Ballajura to Scarborough beach for an Engagement party, the only option was to go via the city or Osborne park, a 1 hour bus ride for a place Thats 20 mins away!

Or get a taxi for $50 one way!

http://www.markmcgowan.com.au/metronet

I take it as an "idea" not as a promise, but it's a step in the right direction. Explore the possibilities rather than make excuses for not doing anything about it.

The Circle Freeway sounds interesting too.

The circle freeway will only be that in theory - does matter how many overpasses get built, Reid, Tonkin & Roe will never be classed freeways due to the fact that they are needed for oversize loads. It's funny watching all the cranes exiting the Roe at Karel Ave to head south to Kwinana Industrial strip down Berrigan drive! Can't see Tonkin/Roe intersection changing for a while.