Light Rail: Metronet’s Missing Circle Link?

Premier Floats Innovative Solutions for Perth’s Metronet Circle Route Ambitions

Western Australia’s Premier, Roger Cook, has reignited discussions around the long-held vision of a complete Metronet circle rail route, this time exploring the potential integration of more contemporary transport solutions like light rail and trackless trams. The Premier’s remarks, made at a recent Property Council of WA lunch, signal a forward-thinking approach to expanding Perth’s public transport network beyond its current radial design.

While acknowledging the immediate focus on expanding the ferry network – playfully dubbed “Metro-wet” by the Premier – Cook articulated a clear aspiration for the future: “Ultimately, what we want to do is complete the circle.” He described Perth’s existing rail system as resembling a “half-constructed spider web,” where most lines converge on the city centre. The goal, he explained, is to connect these disparate lines, creating a more integrated network, a concept already partially realised with the Cockburn to Thornlie link.

The Premier elaborated on how this ambitious circle route might be achieved, suggesting that “parts of that connected through light rail, or you see nowadays trackless trams.” He noted the visual appeal and emerging interest in trackless trams, which have garnered attention on platforms like YouTube.

This renewed emphasis on a circle route echoes Labor’s initial Metronet plans from December 2012, which included both north and south circle routes. The party’s 2017 election commitment also alluded to a broad circle route, intended to link the Yanchep line with Fremantle and traverse other existing rail corridors through the city.

However, it is understood that formal planning for these extensive circle routes is not currently underway. Key agencies, such as the Public Transport Authority, are reportedly not actively engaged in this specific project as the government prioritises other significant initiatives, including AUKUS defence pact developments and transmission line infrastructure.

This is not the first time Premier Cook has publicly expressed his desire for a complete circle line. He previously indicated to media outlets that his government might “potentially” explore this concept in the lead-up to last year’s March election.

The mention of light rail and trackless trams is likely to attract considerable attention from transport enthusiasts and the political opposition in Western Australia, particularly given Perth’s past experiences with light rail projects. The previous Barnett government had pledged a “fully costed, fully funded” MAX light rail route to Perth’s northern suburbs in the lead-up to the 2013 election. However, this project was ultimately shelved by 2016 due to significant budget constraints. Labor has frequently highlighted this abandoned project in its political discourse, often using it to critique the opposition’s commitment to public transport.

Expert Encouragement for Innovative Transport Solutions

The prospect of incorporating light rail and trackless trams into Perth’s public transport future has been met with enthusiasm by prominent academics and transport advocates. Professor Peter Newman, a leading expert in sustainability at Curtin University and a long-standing proponent of public transport, expressed his delight upon hearing of Premier Cook’s comments.

“You’ve made my year, let alone my day,” Professor Newman stated, conveying his significant encouragement. He believes that now is the opportune moment to initiate the “next phase of Metronet with new ideas like this, because they need good ideas.” Professor Newman highlighted that these concepts have been discussed for some time and expressed his pleasure at seeing them being considered.

While acknowledging the inherent challenges in implementing such projects, Professor Newman lauded the existing rail system as a “huge political success” and a “very successful way to help give Perth its economic base for the future.” He views the exploration of light rail and trackless trams as a logical and innovative progression for the city’s public transport infrastructure.

Potential Benefits of a Circle Route and New Technologies

A fully realised circle route in Perth could offer several significant advantages:

• Improved Connectivity: It would create direct links between suburban areas without the necessity of travelling through the central business district, thereby reducing travel times for many commuters.
• Reduced Congestion: By offering viable alternatives to car travel for cross-suburban journeys, a circle route could help alleviate road congestion.
• Enhanced Network Efficiency: The integration of different transport modes, such as light rail and trackless trams, could offer flexible and cost-effective solutions for connecting areas not ideally suited for heavy rail.
• Economic Development: Enhanced public transport infrastructure often stimulates economic activity by improving accessibility to employment centres, retail precincts, and recreational facilities.
• Future-Proofing: Exploring and implementing modern transport technologies like trackless trams demonstrates a commitment to innovation and adapting to future urban mobility needs.

The Premier’s forward-looking statement suggests a potential shift in public transport strategy for Perth, moving towards a more interconnected and technologically advanced network. While the immediate implementation of a complete circle route may be some way off, the open discussion of innovative solutions is a positive step towards a more integrated and efficient public transport system for the city.