The final station of Western Australia's Metronet project opened on Sunday, marking the end of a 13-year effort to reshape Perth's public transport network. Transport Minister Rita Saffioti described the opening as 'surreal,' noting the project's transformation of the city's rail system.
The government has delivered 23 new stations and 72 kilometres of track under the Metronet banner, despite ongoing criticism from the opposition. Premier Roger Cook said the project is about transforming how people move and interact within the community.
Originally budgeted at $3.6 billion, the project's total cost has exceeded $15 billion. An ABC analysis of state budget papers shows about $4.7 billion in price increases from original costs to estimated costs as of June last year. The Airport Line was the only major part to stick to its original budget due to a fixed-cost contract signed by the previous government.
Every major component opened behind schedule, including the Joondalup line extension to Yanchep and the Morley-Ellenbrook Line, both opened in 2024. The Thornlie-Cockburn Link and elevated Armadale line sections opened in 2025, followed by the Armadale line extension to Byford late last year.
Opposition transport spokesperson Steve Martin criticised the government's prioritisation of Metronet over health and housing. The government has faced scrutiny over hospital performance, with an audit finding a lack of dedicated funding and data availability for public hospital maintenance.
