Transport Minister Rita Saffioti has defended the Metronet project despite significant budget blowouts, announcing the new Midland station will open on 22 February. The original budget of $239 million has nearly doubled to $417 million, but Saffioti insists the investment has been transformational.
“What we’ve done is deliver 72 kilometres of new rail,” Saffioti said. “We’ve delivered 23 new stations, removed level crossings and, without this type of infrastructure, without this type of investment, it’d be harder to move around our suburbs.” She noted the project has been endorsed by the community in three consecutive elections.
The Midland Line will be partially shut down for 31 days from 22 January, between Bassendean and Midland, for final critical works including demolition of the current station. Bus replacement services will operate during the closure.
A community event on 22 February will mark the official opening of the new station, which features a pedestrian overpass, bike shelters, a new bus interchange, and a multi-storey car park with 800 bays. Saffioti described it as the final piece of the Metronet puzzle, a project that has employed thousands and delivered world-class train stations.
