A TRAIN line connecting Ellenbrook to the CBD and other suburbs needs to be made a priority by the State Government according to a senior planning lecturer at Edith Cowan University.
Tim Perkins said Ellenbrook’s population was rising at a rapid rate, but did not have the public transport to support it.
“Ellenbrook needs to take priority under any transport plan that is released,” he said.
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READ NOW“Ellenbrook has a growing population, with a very poor public transport system, which is isolating the suburb.”
Mr Perkins said congestion in the area would only continue to worsen unless something was done to improve the situation.
The State Government will release the Perth Transport Plan for 3.5 million people next month, which is expected to include a rail service from Ellenbrook to Bassendean to be constructed by 2050.
The plan identifies major structural changes to the transport network in Perth, including major new road and railway links and an extensive cycling network.
Transport Minister Dean Nalder said Ellenbrook residents currently had access to bus routes 955 and 956 on a 10-minute frequency during peak periods.
“The Liberal National Government recently announced WA’s first dedicated bus corridor to improve a vital public transport link between Ellenbrook, its neighbouring communities and the Midland train line,” he said.
“The $49 million Ellenbrook Bus Rapid Transit project will provide seamless, 9km continuous connection for buses between Ellenbrook Town Centre and Marshall Road.
“To address emerging traffic congestion in the area, two sections of single carriageway road will be constructed along Lord Street.”
Swan Hills Labor candidate Jessica Shaw said Ellenbrook needed a plan for rail now, not by 2050.
She said the Government had continued to break promises over plans for improved public transport in Ellenbrook, including the sidelining of plans for the MAX Light Rail scheme.
“This latest revelation has shown that the Barnett Liberal Government clearly had no intention of ever building any rail projects in Ellenbrook,” she said.”
“There are clearly no plans until Perth’s population reaches at least 3.5 million people, which is not expected until 2050.
“Ellenbrook needs a train line now, not in another 34 years.”