Problem to be addressed
The corridor between Morley and Ellenbrook houses more than 150,000 residents and hosts more than 40,000 jobs. The area is experiencing rapid population growth and is expected to be one of the key areas to accommodate Perth’s growing population over the next 10 years. Current bus travel times between Morley, Ellenbrook and Perth CBD are relatively slow and require a transfer to existing rail services to reach the CBD. As a result, car use within the corridor continues to grow, placing pressure on the road network. The combination of rapid population growth, low-density development and a high dependence on cars is increasing the risk of urban sprawl. This will worsen transport outcomes in the project area going forward.
Project description
The METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line is a 21 km at-grade heavy rail line using the median of the Tonkin Highway.
The project’s key features include:
- Six stations at Bayswater, Morley, Noranda, Malaga, Whiteman Park and Ellenbrook
- Provision for a future station at Bennett Springs East
- Predominately at-grade rail line from Malaga to Ellenbrook via Whiteman Park
The project would allow for an approximately 30 minute one-way rail journey from Ellenbrook to the CBD. By 2031, train services would run every 10 minutes in the peak and every 15 minutes off-peak.
Economic, social and environmental value
Economic benefits of the project include travel time savings for both public transport and private vehicle users. Other benefits include vehicle operating cost savings, road safety benefits and station amenity benefits.
The proponent’s stated benefit-cost ratio is 1.1, with a net present value of $208 million (7% real discount rate).
