UPDATE: The Morley to Ellenbrook train line has achieved a remarkable 3.2 million boardings in its first year, just 11 months after its launch on December 8, 2022. Transport Minister Rita Saffioti hailed this milestone as an overwhelming success, with October alone witnessing a record 340,000 boardings, a significant surge from just 198,000 in its inaugural month.
The $1.65 billion project has transformed the commute for residents, slashing travel time to the Perth CBD from one hour by car to just 30 minutes by train. By October, Ellenbrook Station reported an average of 2,108 boardings each weekday, establishing it as one of the busiest stations in the network.
Reflecting on this achievement, Saffioti stated, “Not delivering the project was never an option… I can stand tall in the community, knowing that I delivered our commitment and that I didn’t let them down.” She emphasized the line’s importance to the local community, which has now opened new educational opportunities for young students.
The Morley to Ellenbrook line has a contentious political history, previously scrapped by the former Barnett Government and facing significant cost overruns during its development. Despite criticism from opposition members, including Shadow Treasurer Sandra Brewer, who questioned the project’s financial management, Saffioti defended its value, highlighting that the entire Metronet initiative, which includes 23 stations and 72 kilometers of rail line, was delivered for less than other major urban projects.
Notably, the new line has positively impacted the housing market in Ellenbrook, with median house prices soaring from $505,000 in 2023 to $730,000 this year. The suburb’s growth rate has outpaced the average for Perth by 4 percent over the past five years.
Despite this strong start, officials acknowledge the need for the Ellenbrook line to double its weekday boardings to meet the projected target of 18,000 by 2031. To incentivize increased use, the government is planning built-to-rent apartment complexes near station precincts, aiming to attract thousands of residents to live within close proximity to the train stations. Construction on 100 apartments at Ballajura Station is set to begin in mid-2026, with an additional 197-unit complex near Ellenbrook starting in the coming months.
As the community looks forward to events like the upcoming Christmas in ‘Elfenbrook’ festival, expected to draw a crowd of 25,000, it is clear that the rail line is reshaping access to the region. Ellenbrook Community Collective Secretary Cate McCullough noted the line’s role in connecting the suburb to the broader Perth area, enhancing both mobility and community engagement.
Saffioti is optimistic about the future, stating that the recently established precincts around the Ellenbrook line stations will facilitate higher-density developments, further integrating the rail network into the community. While concerns about planning controls have been voiced by local councils, Saffioti believes the project will proceed smoothly due to the defined blocks ready for construction.
As the Ellenbrook line continues to develop, all eyes will be on its next steps and the impact it will have on the region’s transportation landscape. Stay tuned for the upcoming November patronage figures, expected to reveal even more about the line’s growing success.
