View source for Yanchep line

{{Short description|Suburban rail line in Perth, Western Australia}}
{{Redirect|Northern Suburbs Railway|the proposed light rail system in Hobart|Riverline (Hobart)}}
{{Merge from|Northern Suburbs Transit System|discuss=Talk:Yanchep line#Proposed merge of Northern Suburbs Transit System into Yanchep line|date=November 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2020}}
{{Use Australian English|date=January 2012}}
{{Infobox rail line
| name                            = Yanchep line
| other_name                      = Northern Suburbs Railway {{br}} Joondalup line (former name)
| color                           = {{rcr|Transperth|Yanchep}}
| image                           = Mitchell Freeway 100 N Stirling Civic with train.jpg
| image_alt                       = A freeway with a railway in the median strip
| caption                         = A [[Transperth B-series train|B-series train]] in the [[Mitchell Freeway]] [[median strip]] north of [[Stirling railway station, Perth|Stirling station]] in October 2006
| status                          = 
| owner                           = [[Public Transport Authority (Western Australia)|Public Transport Authority]] (2003–present)
| locale                          = [[Perth]], Western Australia
| start                           = [[Yanchep railway station|Yanchep]] (north)
| end                             = [[Elizabeth Quay railway station|Elizabeth Quay]] (south)
| continuesas                     = [[Mandurah line]]
| stations                        = 16
| type                            = [[Suburban rail]]
| system                          = [[Transperth]]
| operator                        = {{plainlist|
* [[Public Transport Authority (Western Australia)|Public Transport Authority]] (2003–present)
* [[Westrail]]/WAGR (1992–2003)
}}
| depot                           = {{plainlist|
* [[Nowergup railway depot|Nowergup]]
* Mandurah (Mandurah line)
}}
| stock                           = {{plainlist|
*[[Transperth B-series train]]s
*[[Transperth C-series train]]s
}}
| ridership2                      = 16,135,201 (year to June 2024)
| yearcommenced                   = {{Start date|November 1989}}
| open                            = {{plainlist|
*{{Start date|20 December 1992}} (partial)
*{{Start date|21 March 1993}} (full opening)
}}
| lastextension = {{Start date|14 July 2024}}
| linelength_km                   = 54.5
| tracks                          = 2
| character                       = At-grade and underground
| gauge                           = {{track gauge|1067mm|lk=on}} [[narrow gauge]]
| electrification                 = {{25 kV 50 Hz}} from [[overhead line|overhead catenary]]
| speed_km/h                      = 130
| signalling                      = [[Signalling block system|Fixed block signalling]]
| trainprotection                 = [[Automatic train protection]]
| map                             = {{Joondalup Line}}
| map_state                       = collapsed
}}

The '''Yanchep line''' (known as the '''Joondalup line''' prior to 14 July 2024) is a [[suburban railway]] line and service in [[Perth]], Western Australia, linking the city's central business district (CBD) with its northern suburbs. Operated by the [[Public Transport Authority (Western Australia)|Public Transport Authority]] as part of the [[Transperth]] system, the Yanchep line is {{convert|54.5|km}} long and has sixteen stations. It commences in a tunnel under the Perth CBD as a [[through service]] with the [[Mandurah line]]. North from there, the line enters the [[median strip]] of the [[Mitchell Freeway]], where nine of the line's stations are. The Yanchep line diverges from the freeway to serve the centre of [[Joondalup]] and permanently leaves the freeway north of [[Butler, Western Australia|Butler]] for the northernmost four stations to [[Yanchep]].

Planning for a [[rapid transit]] service to the northern suburbs began in 1987. After several [[Mode of transport|transport modes]] were considered, including [[bus rapid transit]], an electric railway was chosen. Known during planning and construction as the '''Northern Suburbs Railway''', the project was approved by state cabinet in December 1988 and construction began in November 1989. The line was built under several different contracts, with the total cost of the original project being [[A$]]277{{nbsp}}million. It used widely-spaced stations with bus interchanges and large [[park-and-ride]]s, distinguishing the line from Perth's three existing rail lines. The line opened on 20 December 1992 as the Joondalup line to limited service and with three stations: [[Leederville railway station|Leederville]], [[Edgewater railway station|Edgewater]] and [[Joondalup railway station|Joondalup]]. Four more stations opened in February 1993, and on 21 March 1993, [[Peak hour|peak]] service and [[feeder bus]] routes commenced. The final station, [[Currambine railway station|Currambine]], opened on 8 August 1993.

An extension north to [[Clarkson railway station, Perth|Clarkson station]] and rebuild of Currambine station opened on 4 October 2004, which coincided with the introduction of [[Transperth B-series train|B-series trains]]. On 29 January 2005, [[Greenwood railway station|Greenwood]] opened as an [[infill station]]. The Joondalup line originally through-ran with the [[Armadale line]] via [[Perth railway station|Perth station]], but in 2005, the line started terminating at Perth station, and on 15 October 2007 the line was rerouted through a new tunnel under the CBD, with two new stations: [[Perth Underground railway station|Perth Underground]] and [[Elizabeth Quay railway station|Elizabeth Quay]]. The Mandurah line opened on 23 December 2007 to connect with the southern end of that tunnel. An extension north to [[Butler railway station|Butler station]] opened on 21 September 2014 and a three station extension north to [[Yanchep railway station|Yanchep station]] was opened on 14 July 2024, upon which the line became the Yanchep line.

B-series and [[Transperth C-series train|C-series]] trains are the main rolling stock used on the Yanchep line. End-to-end services run at a fifteen minute headway, reducing to a ten minute headway in peak. Additional peak services run between Perth and [[Whitfords railway station|Whitfords]] or Clarkson stations, making for a five minute headway on inner sections of the line. The travel time from Yanchep to Perth Underground is 49 minutes. The Yanchep line received 16,135,201 boardings in the 2023–24 [[financial year]], making it the second busiest line in the Transperth system, after the Mandurah line.

==History==
{{further|Northern Suburbs Transit System}}

===Planning===
The 1955 ''[[Plan for the Metropolitan Region, Perth and Fremantle]]'', also known as the ''[[Gordon Stephenson|Stephenson]]–[[Alistair Hepburn|Hepburn]] Report'', proposed a {{convert|12|mi|km|adj=on}} railway line branching off the [[Eastern Railway (Western Australia)|Eastern Railway]] ([[Fremantle line]]) at [[Daglish, Western Australia|Daglish]], then heading west to Reabold Hill and then north to Whitfords Beach via [[City Beach, Western Australia|City Beach]], [[Scarborough, Western Australia|Scarborough]], and [[North Beach, Western Australia|North Beach]]. The branch was planned to have about eight or nine stations and projected to have about 20,000 daily passenger journeys. The report also proposed a highway to [[Yanchep]], now known as the [[Mitchell Freeway]].<ref>{{cite web |first1=Gordon |last1=Stephenson |author-link1=Gordon Stephenson |first2=Alistair |last2=Hepburn |author-link2=Alistair Hepburn |title=Plan for the Metropolitan Region, Perth and Fremantle |year=1955 |publisher=Government Printing Office |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-745050840 |id=nla.obj-745050840 |access-date=15 July 2024 |via=National Library of Australia |pages=120, 132}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Kennedy |first1=Peter |author1-link=Peter Kennedy (journalist) |title=Lib's public transport opportunity |url=https://www.businessnews.com.au/article/Libs-public-transport-opportunity |website=Business News |access-date=15 July 2024 |date=21 July 2011 |archive-date=8 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220908145114/https://www.businessnews.com.au/article/Libs-public-transport-opportunity |url-status=live }}</ref> When the [[Metropolitan Region Scheme]] was adopted in 1963 though, the land for the proposed highway was reserved but the not the land for the proposed railway.<ref>{{cite web |title=Metropolitan Region Scheme Map 13 |url=https://www.dplh.wa.gov.au/departmentofplanninglandsheritage/media/mapping/mrs/19631030_mrs_first_gazetted_edition_map_13.pdf |website=Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage |access-date=6 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210606092048/https://www.dplh.wa.gov.au/departmentofplanninglandsheritage/media/mapping/mrs/19631030_mrs_first_gazetted_edition_map_13.pdf |archive-date=6 June 2021 |date=1963 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Zimmerman |first1=Josh |title=Grandson of town planner Gordon Stephenson sets record straight |url=https://www.perthnow.com.au/community-news/melville-gazette/grandson-of-town-planner-gordon-stephenson-sets-record-straight-c-801312 |website=PerthNow |agency=Melville Gazette |access-date=9 May 2024 |date=22 February 2017 |archive-date=8 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220908145101/https://www.perthnow.com.au/community-news/melville-gazette/grandson-of-town-planner-gordon-stephenson-sets-record-straight-c-801312 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Northern Suburbs Rapid Transit Study was commissioned in 1987 by [[Metropolitan Transport Trust|Transperth]] and the Department of Transport at the request of the [[Government of Western Australia]]. The study, published in September 1988 and written by a team of consultants, considered the [[mode of transport]] to use and the route to take.{{sfn|Summary of the Northern Suburbs Rapid Transit Study|1988|p=2}} Routes considered were along [[West Coast Highway, Perth|West Coast Highway]], [[Marmion Avenue]], the western side of the Mitchell Freeway, the [[median strip]] of the Mitchell Freeway, the eastern side of the Mitchell Freeway, [[Wanneroo Road]], and [[Alexander Drive]]. The median strip of the Mitchell Freeway was determined to have the lowest cost and least environmental impact out of each of the routes.{{sfn|Summary of the Northern Suburbs Rapid Transit Study|1988|p=4}} Transport modes considered by the study were buses on a separate roadway, buses on a [[guided bus]]way (like the [[O-Bahn Busway]] in [[Adelaide]]), [[light rail]], heavy rail, automated [[Rubber-tyred metro|rubber-tyred trains]], high-capacity [[monorail]], and an [[automated people mover]] system. A monorail or automated people mover were ruled out due to the cost and unproven nature of those technologies. Light rail was also ruled out due to having a lower operating speed than other modes and the desire to not introduce another mode to Perth's transport system.{{sfn|Summary of the Northern Suburbs Rapid Transit Study|1988|p=4}} A bus expressway, guided busway and electric railway along the Mitchell Freeway were all shortlisted for further consideration.{{sfn|Summary of the Northern Suburbs Rapid Transit Study|1988|p=4}}<ref>{{cite news |last1=Nicholson |first1=Brendan |title=New 'super buses' plan for city link |work=The West Australian |date=6 June 1988 |page=8}}</ref>

Public consultation found that 41.0 percent of people preferred an electric railway, 34.4 percent preferred a bus expressway, 19.3 percent preferred a guided busway, 3.2 percent did not want any rapid transit, and 2.2 percent preferred some other option. The people who preferred rail chose it because of its greater comfort, lower pollution and less crowding. The people who preferred the bus options chose them because there would be no transfer for trips into the Perth central business district (CBD) and the bus options would cost less than a railway.{{sfn|Summary of the Northern Suburbs Rapid Transit Study|1988|p=5}}  The study suggested that the bus options could be built in multiple stages and the rail option could first be built between Perth and Warwick and later be extended to Joondalup.{{sfn|Summary of the Northern Suburbs Rapid Transit Study|1988|p=6}} The two bus options were projected to increase northern suburbs public transport patronage by fourteen percent and the rail option was projected to increase patronage by nine to twelve percent, which was less than the bus options because of the time taken to transfer from bus to train.{{sfn|Summary of the Northern Suburbs Rapid Transit Study|1988|p=7}} The net cost of the railway was estimated to be [[A$]]145{{nbsp}}million, compared to $87{{nbsp}}million for the guided busway and $79{{nbsp}}million for the bus expressway.{{sfn|Summary of the Northern Suburbs Rapid Transit Study|1988|p=9}} The Northern Suburbs Rapid Transit Study concluded that either of the bus options were preferred over the electrified railway, and that further studies should determine whether to build a bus expressway or a guided busway.{{sfn|Summary of the Northern Suburbs Rapid Transit Study|1988|p=11}}

In response to the Northern Suburbs Rapid Transit Study, the state [[Minister for Transport (Western Australia)|minister for transport]], [[Bob Pearce]], set up an expert panel consisting of [[Murdoch University]] Associate Professor [[Peter Newman (environmental scientist)|Peter Newman]], [[Tyne and Wear Metro|Tyne and Wear Transport]] Director General David F. Howard, and [[University of Pennsylvania]] Professor [[Vukan Vuchic]].{{sfn|Newman|Howard|Vuchic|1988|loc=Front cover, p. 1}} The expert panel concluded that an electrified railway would be the best option instead of a bus rapid transit system.{{sfn|Newman|Howard|Vuchic|1988|p=1}} They costed an electric railway at $124{{nbsp}}million and gave a lower operating cost for the railway compared to the bus options, making up the difference in cost within 12 to 15 years.{{sfn|Newman|Howard|Vuchic|1988|p=3}} The expert panel criticised the Northern Suburbs Rapid Transit Study for concentrating on commuters travelling to the CBD and said that the bus system it recommended would not serve people doing short or local trips well.{{sfn|Newman|Howard|Vuchic|1988|p=11}} The panel said that other cities show that a rail trunk line with feeder buses would attract more passengers.{{sfn|Newman|Howard|Vuchic|1988|p=12}} State cabinet officially approved the railway option in December 1988, with the line planned to fully open by the end of 1992.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hooker |first1=Peter |title=Land deals may fund line |work=The West Australian |date=14 December 1988 |page=3}}</ref> The [[Western Australian Liberal Party|Liberal Party]] supported plans for a bus lane within the Mitchell Freeway, which prompted Pearce to claim that the Liberals did not want the railway.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hooker |first1=Peter |title=Row over Coalition rail plans |work=The West Australian |date=21 January 1989 |page=6}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Liberals 'against train' |work=The West Australian |date=23 January 1989 |page=24}}</ref>

The Northern Suburbs Transit System Master Plan was released in November 1989. It laid out the route of the Northern Suburbs Railway and works proposed to occur. The railway was to be {{convert|29|km}} long and have seven new stations: [[Glendalough railway station|Glendalough]], [[Warwick railway station, Perth|Warwick]], [[Whitfords railway station|Whitfords]], [[Edgewater railway station|Edgewater]], [[Joondalup railway station|Joondalup]], and Burns (later renamed [[Currambine railway station|Currambine]]). It also gave the option of building stations at Oxford Street in [[Leederville, Western Australia|Leederville]], Wishhart Street between Stirling and Warwick, or [[Hepburn Avenue]] between Warwick and Whitfords.{{sfn|Northern Suburbs Transit System Master Plan|1989b|p=4}} The railway's planned route was mostly along the median strip of the Mitchell Freeway, deviating in the Perth central business district (CBD) to reach [[Perth railway station|Perth station]] and in [[Joondalup]] to service the future city centre of Joondalup. A section between Joondalup and Burns was to be west of the future freeway, which at the time only reached as far north as [[Ocean Reef Road]]. The section through Joondalup was to be in a trench below surface level to allow for roads to bridge across.{{sfn|Northern Suburbs Transit System Master Plan|1989b|p=2}} The railway was to be fully [[grade separated]] with no [[level crossing]]s, unlike Perth's existing rail network.{{sfn|Northern Suburbs Transit System Master Plan|1989b|p=11}}

The decision to locate the Northern Suburbs Railway in the Mitchell Freeway's median strip was made to reduce costs as the freeway was already grade separated from other roads and had its own [[right of way]]. The disadvantage of freeway-running railways is that access to the stations is more difficult, with walking distance in earlier plans from a bus interchange to the platform being between {{convert|70|m}} and {{convert|180|m}}, and even longer for [[park and ride]] passengers. Earlier plans also had limited shelter and facilities at each station.{{sfn|Northern Suburbs Transit System Master Plan|1989b|p=19}} This was deemed bad for patronage, so the master plan instead located bus interchanges closer to the station platform. In the cases of Stirling, Warwick and Whitfords stations, the bus interchanges are on a bridge directly above the train platforms.{{sfn|Northern Suburbs Transit System Master Plan|1989b|p=21}} The feeder buses were planned to run between pairs of adjoining stations at a 10 to 15 minute headway in peak, covering the area between Wanneroo Road and the coastline. According to forecasts, two thirds of Northern Suburbs Railway passengers would use the feeder buses and 120 buses would be required. The opening of the railway would allow for express buses along the Mitchell Freeway to be phased out.{{sfn|Northern Suburbs Transit System Master Plan|1989b|p=7}}

Much of the Mitchell Freeway was designed with provisions for a public transport corridor in its median strip. However, a {{convert|5|km|adj=on|0}} section between [[Loftus Street]] in Leederville and Hutton Street in [[Osborne Park, Western Australia|Osborne Park]] was not. This section was built as just a [[single carriageway]] with a dividing barrier. On that section, a [[Dual carriageway|second carriageway]], which now carries the freeway's northbound lanes, was planned to be constructed. Additional bridges would be built across Vincent Street, Powis Street, and [[Scarborough Beach Road]] for the new carriageway and the railway. Twelve other road bridges and nine pedestrian bridges needed minor modifications so that there was enough clearance for the overhead wires, and four bridges over the railway in Joondalup needed to be constructed.{{sfnm|Northern Suburbs Transit System Master Plan|1989b|1p=18|Northern Suburbs Transit System Progress Summary|1991|2p=6}}<ref name="Main Roads book">{{cite book |last1=Edmonds |first1=Leigh |author1-link=Leigh Edmonds |title=The Vital Link: A History of Main Roads Western Australia 1926–1996 |date=1997 |publisher=University of Western Australia Press |isbn=978-1-876268-06-0 |page=395}}</ref> The master plan said that alterations to Perth station were required. This included a new platform at the station's northern side, a new concourse west of the [[Horseshoe Bridge]], and an extra span on the [[Barrack Street]] bridge.{{sfn|Northern Suburbs Transit System Master Plan|1989b|p=6–7}} New stowage tracks at [[Claisebrook railway depot|Claisebrook depot]] would be required, and trains would also be stored at Whitfords station temporarily and at Currambine station.{{sfn|Northern Suburbs Transit System Master Plan|1989b|p=11}}

The total cost of the Northern Suburbs Railway was estimated to be $222.8{{nbsp}}million (equivalent to ${{Inflation|AU|222.8|1989}}{{nbsp}}million in {{Inflation-year|AU}}), of which $133.17{{nbsp}}million was for the railway's construction and $89.63{{nbsp}}million was for the acquisition of 22 two-car [[electric multiple unit]] trains. An additional $27{{nbsp}}million for the works to widen the Mitchell Freeway between Leederville and Osborne Park was funded separately{{sfn|Northern Suburbs Transit System Master Plan|1989b|p=25, 28}} and managed by the [[Main Roads Western Australia|Main Roads Department]].<ref name="Main Roads book"/> The rest of the construction works were managed by [[Westrail]]. The $222.2{{nbsp}}million was higher than the $150{{nbsp}}million estimated in 1988 due to an underestimation in the cost of some parts of the project, increased facilities at stations, more bridges, the extension to Currambine which was not accounted for, additional railcars due to higher forecasted demand, and inflation.{{sfn|Northern Suburbs Transit System Master Plan|1989b|p=1, 31}} The railway was planned to opened between Perth and Joondalup by the end of 1992 and from Joondalup to Currambine by the end of 1993.{{sfn|Northern Suburbs Transit System Master Plan|1989b|p=26}}

===Construction===
In November 1989, the [[Fremantle line]] was realigned north between Perth station and the Mitchell Freeway to make way for the [[Roe Street, Perth|Roe Street]] tunnel. [[Premier of Western Australia]] [[Peter Dowding]] hammered in the first [[Rail spike|spike]] on 14 November 1989, marking the start of construction.<ref>{{cite AV media |title=Westrail News |edition=13th |medium=Video |first1=Russell |last1=Goodrick |author-link1=Russell Goodrick |publisher=Westrail |date=December 1989 |url=https://encore.slwa.wa.gov.au/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1770820 |via=State Library of Western Australia}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Butler |first1=Bruce |title=Cruise in air-conditioned comfort at 110km/h |work=The Sunday Times |date=20 December 1992 |page=24}}</ref> That year, the [[Parliament of Western Australia]] passed an [[enabling act]] authorising the construction of the railway, and on 15 January 1990, the act received [[royal assent]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Perth–Joondalup Railway Act 1989 |url=https://www.legislation.wa.gov.au/legislation/statutes.nsf/law_a590.html |website=Parliamentary Counsel's Office |publisher=Department of Justice |access-date=4 January 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Perth–Joondalup Railway Act |url=https://www.legislation.wa.gov.au/legislation/prod/filestore.nsf/FileURL/mrdoc_7870.pdf/$FILE/Perth-Joondalup%20Railway%20Act%201989%20-%20%5B00-00-00%5D.pdf?OpenElement |website=Parliamentary Counsel's Office |publisher=Department of Justice |access-date=4 January 2024}}</ref>

[[File:Yanchep Line north of Roe Street, Western Australia, October 2024 02.jpg|thumb|The Yanchep line north of the Roe Street tunnel, October 2024|alt=A curved railway line in a concrete structure with retaining walls]]

By the end of 1990, earthworks at Joondalup and the Mitchell Freeway roadworks between Loftus Street and Hutton Street were underway. The project's first contract was awarded in December 1990 to Remm Constructions.<ref name="Media Statement 17 December 1990"/> It was a $4.3{{nbsp}}million contract for the construction of the walls of the tunnel under Roe Street.<ref name="Media Statement 17 December 1990">{{cite press release |first1=Carmen |last1=Lawrence |author-link1=Carmen Lawrence |title=Work will start soon to construct a tunnel under Roe Street as part of the $223 million program to provide an electrified rail link to Perth's northern suburbs |url=https://catalogue.curtin.edu.au/view/delivery/61CUR_INST/12191543880001951 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |date=17 December 1990 |via=Curtin University Library |pages=45–46}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Hooker |first1=Peter |title=Work to start on rail tunnel |work=The West Australian |date=18 December 1990 |page=9}}</ref>{{sfn|Northern Suburbs Transit System Progress Summary|1991|p=14}} The tunnel is {{convert|130|m}} long, with {{convert|250|m|ft|adj=mid|-long}} ramps at each end. The tunnel and ramp's route partially followed a bus on ramp from Roe Street to the freeway, allowing the reuse of a bridge carrying the Mitchell Freeway's westbound carriageway above the bus lane. A temporary bus on ramp was used until the railway was opened.{{sfn|Northern Suburbs Transit System Progress Summary|1991|p=14}} The tunnel walls were constructed using [[Secant piled wall|secant pile]]s. The close proximity of the tunnel to the Mitchell Freeway's bridge footings complicated the construction process and necessitated preventing any ground movement.<ref name="Media Statement 17 December 1990"/><ref>{{cite conference |last1=Vorobieff |first1=George |last2=Potter |first2=Robert J |title=High-Performance Concrete in Rail Structures |url=https://railknowledgebank.com/Presto/content/GetDoc.axd?ctID=MTk4MTRjNDUtNWQ0My00OTBmLTllYWUtZWFjM2U2OTE0ZDY3&rID=NTExMg==&pID=Nzkx&attchmnt=True |via=Rail Knowledge Bank |pages=143–144 |date=29 October – 1 November 1995 |conference=Conference on Rail Engineering}}</ref> The tunnel's second contract, for the excavation and construction of the floor and roof, was awarded to [[Leighton Contractors]]. Construction on that phase was planned to take place in the second half of 1991.{{sfn|Northern Suburbs Transit System Progress Summary|1991|p=14}} The tunnel's total cost was about $8–9{{nbsp}}million.<ref name="Media Statement 17 December 1990"/>{{sfn|Northern Suburbs Transit System Progress Summary|1991|p=14}}

[[File:Northern shore of Lake Monger, October 2021 06.jpg|thumb|left|[[Lake Monger]] in October 2021|alt=A lake with a city skyline in the background and trees to the left]]
[[File:Glendalough station footbridge 05.jpg|thumb|left|Leeder Street footbridge, which connects to [[Glendalough railway station|Glendalough station]]|alt=A cable-stayed footbridge over a freeway]]

The second Mitchell Freeway carriageway between Loftus Street and Hutton Street passed in close proximity to the environmentally sensitive [[Lake Monger]].<ref name="Main Roads book"/> After criticism over the encroachment on the lake,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hooker |first1=Peter |title=Lake's future at crossroads |work=The West Australian |date=12 February 1990 |page=8}} {{br}} {{cite news |last1=Jenkins |first1=C. F. H. |title=Wetlands the key to the state's survival |work=The West Australian |date=12 February 1990 |page=63}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Dowding |first1=Simon |title=400 at freeway meeting |work=The West Australian |date=6 July 1990 |page=22}}</ref> Premier [[Carmen Lawrence]] announced in July 1990 that a review of the plans would be undertaken by Peter Newman in cooperation with Main Roads engineers.<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Carmen |last1=Lawrence |title=Premier today announced a review of Main Roads Department plans for the development of Mitchell Freeway between Loftus and Vincent Streets |url=https://catalogue.curtin.edu.au/view/delivery/61CUR_INST/12191613160001951 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |date=5 July 1990 |via=Curtin University Library |pages=1–2}}</ref> In response to Newman's report, the new carriageway was scaled back from five lanes to four.<ref>{{cite report |first1=Peter |last1=Newman |author-link1=Peter Newman (environmental scientist) |title=Review of Mitchell Freeway widening at Leederville and Lake Monger |date=July 1990}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |first1=Carmen |last1=Lawrence |title=A compromise solution to the widening of the Mitchell Freeway around Lake Monger was announced today by Premier |url=https://catalogue.curtin.edu.au/view/delivery/61CUR_INST/12191613200001951 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |date=13 August 1990 |via=Curtin University Library |pages=35–36}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Bevis |first1=Stephen |last2=Southgate |first2=Tim |title=Lake to escape freeway surgery |work=The West Australian |date=14 August 1990 |page=5}}</ref> About {{convert|650000|tonnes}} of sand from the Joondalup area was used to compact the marshy soil next to the lake.<ref name="Main Roads book"/> Most of the Mitchell Freeway roadworks were done in-house by Main Roads Department staff,<ref name="Main Roads book"/> but the road and rail bridges across Vincent Street, Powis Street, and Scarborough Beach Road were built by Leighton Contractors for $8.8{{nbsp}}million. Work started on those bridges in April 1991. The bridges were [[Incremental launch|incrementally launched]] to avoid disruption to road traffic.{{sfn|Northern Suburbs Transit System Progress Summary|1991|p=15–16}} Three cable-stayed footbridges across the freeway were also constructed by Leighton Contractors under a separate $5.3{{nbsp}}million contract. The Britannia Road footbridge was new, while the Oxford Street and Leeder Street bridges were replacing old footbridges that were not long enough for the widened freeway. The latter two footbridges provide access to Leederville and Glendalough stations respectively.{{sfn|Northern Suburbs Transit System Progress Summary|1991|p=16}}<ref>{{cite conference |last1=Raykos |first1=C. |last2=Dundas |first2=G. S. |title=Three Cable-Stayed Footbridges |conference=2nd Austroads Bridge Conference |date=1994 |url=https://railknowledgebank.com/Presto/content/GetDoc.axd?ctID=MjE1ZTI4YzctZjc1YS00MzQ4LTkyY2UtMDJmNTgxYjg2ZDA5&rID=NjA3MA==&pID=MTQ3Ng==&attchmnt=True |via=Rail Knowledge Bank |access-date=10 September 2024}}</ref> The new northbound Mitchell Freeway carriageway opened on 21 June 1992, after eighteen months of construction, allowing railway work along that section to begin.<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Pam |last1=Beggs |author-link1=Pam Beggs |title=Changes to Mitchell Freeway |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Lawrence-Labor-Government/Changes-to-Mitchell-Freeway-19920619 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=16 July 2024 |date=19 June 1992}}</ref>

The Fitzgerald Street level crossing, used by buses to access the [[Wellington Street bus station]], was relocated {{convert|250|m}} west to avoid intersecting with the Northern Suburbs Railway.<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Pam |last1=Beggs |title=Fitzgerald St railway crossing to be moved |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Lawrence-Labor-Government/Fitzgerald-St-railway-crossing-to-be-moved-19921015 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=5 January 2024 |date=15 October 1992}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Barrass |first1=Tony |title=New railway crossing wins council backing |work=The West Australian |date=16 October 1992 |page=28}} {{br}} {{cite news |last1=Barrass |first1=Tony |title=Withers urges rail lines rethink |work=The West Australian |date=21 October 1992 |page=19}}</ref> The master plan said the level crossing should be replaced by a bridge,{{sfn|Northern Suburbs Transit System Master Plan|1989b|p=18}} but parliament passed legislation in November 1991 to prevent the bridge from being built without the government consulting the [[Perth City Council]], residents and businesses.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bridge Bill through |work=The West Australian |date=8 November 1991 |page=33}} {{br}} {{cite news |title=Public debate on bus bridge |work=The West Australian |date=30 November 1991 |page=32}} {{br}} {{cite news |last1=Hurley |first1=Amanda |title=Beggs a step ahead on bus bridge |work=The West Australian |date=4 December 1991 |page=21}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Fitzgerald Street Bus Bridge Act 1991 |url=https://www.legislation.wa.gov.au/legislation/prod/filestore.nsf/FileURL/mrdoc_7038.pdf/$FILE/Fitzgerald%20Street%20Bus%20Bridge%20Act%201991%20-%20%5B00-00-00%5D.pdf |website=Parliament of Western Australia |access-date=17 May 2024}}</ref> The legislation was introduced to parliament by the [[Independent politician|independent]] member for [[Electoral district of Perth|Perth]], [[Ian Alexander (politician)|Ian Alexander]], who wanted the railway tunnelled and a ground-level bus road built instead, calling the bridge a "cheap and nasty solution". Transport Minister [[Pam Beggs]] said that tunnelling the railway would cost an additional $11{{nbsp}}million and that she would rather spend money on the outer suburbs.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bus bridge still best bet: Beggs |work=The West Australian |date=18 October 1991 |page=28}}</ref> Beggs submitted a report to the [[Western Australian Legislative Assembly|Legislative Assembly]] detailing consultation with the stakeholders, but a resolution to build the bridge failed to pass, leading to the bridge's cancellation.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hurley |first1=Amanda |last2=Callander |first2=Diana |title=Bridge plan put on hold |work=The West Australian |date=5 December 1991 |page=44}}</ref> The new level crossing opened in March 1993.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bus drivers ban level crossing |work=The West Australian |date=18 March 1993 |page=38}}</ref> A nearby bridge next to the Mitchell Freeway ended opening in 2010 as part of the construction of [[Perth Arena]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Bus bridge set to ease congestion |url=https://www.watoday.com.au/national/western-australia/bus-bridge-set-to-ease-congestion-20100730-10zqj.html |website=WAtoday |access-date=17 May 2024 |date=31 July 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Peden |first1=Lauren |title=City bus bridge to open this month |url=http://www.inmycommunity.com.au/news-and-views/local-news/City-bus-bridge-to-open-this-month/7578330/ |work=Guardian Express |publisher=Community Newspaper Group |date=7 December 2010 |page=6}}</ref>

{{external media
|image1=[http://railheritagewa.org.au/archive_scans/displayimage.php?pid=18509 A train carrying ballast] via [[Rail Heritage WA]]
|image2=[http://railheritagewa.org.au/archive_scans/displayimage.php?pid=18512 A train carrying rails during tracklaying] via [[Rail Heritage WA]]
|image3=[http://railheritagewa.org.au/archive_scans/displayimage.php?pid=18516 An ADK diesel multiple unit during testing] via [[Rail Heritage WA]]
}}

The [[overhead line equipment]] was built by [[Barclay Mowlem]] as an extension to their contract for the electrification of the existing rail network.{{sfn|Northern Suburbs Transit System Progress Summary|1991|p=9}} Installation of the masts for the overhead line equipment was underway by April 1992. The masts were manufactured by Delta Corporation.<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Pam |last1=Beggs |title=Work underway on masts for northern suburban transit system |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Lawrence-Labor-Government/Work-underway-on-masts-for-northern-suburban-transit-system-19920422 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=4 January 2024 |date=22 April 1992}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Design sits poles apart in top looks |work=The Sunday Times |date=21 March 1993 |page=50}}</ref> Unusually, the masts were installed before the tracks were laid, as track laying was delayed by the Mitchell Freeway works.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hooker |first1=Peter |title=Poles before the track was a master stroke |work=The West Australian |date=19 December 1992 |page=15}}</ref> Track laying by Westrail started in July 1992, starting at the southern end and heading north.<ref>{{cite news |title=Gangs get new railway on track |work=The West Australian |date=14 July 1992 |page=7}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |first1=Jim |last1=McGinty |author-link1=Jim McGinty |title=Progress on Northern Suburbs Rapid Transit System (A/Min) |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Lawrence-Labor-Government/Progress-on-Northern-Suburbs-Rapid-Transit-System-(A-Min)-19920713 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=4 January 2024 |date=13 July 1992}}</ref> This was paused by a week-long strike by Westrail locomotive drivers in October 1992.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hooker |first1=Peter |title=Ban puts rail work on hold |work=The West Australian |date=30 October 1992 |page=14}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Hooker |first1=Peter |title=Hearing sought to end rail dispute |work=The West Australian |date=31 October 1992 |page=39}}</ref> In November 1992, a $1.2{{nbsp}}million contract was awarded to TG Industries to supply a galvanised steel barrier between the railway and the Mitchell Freeway.<ref name="Media Statements 10 November 1992"/> The master plan only called for crash barriers at stations, where the tracks are below freeway level, and a few other circumstances.{{sfn|Northern Suburbs Transit System Master Plan|1989b|p=17}} A $2.8{{nbsp}}million contract for the construction of Currambine station was awarded to Doubikin Constructions in November 1992 as well.<ref name="Media Statements 10 November 1992">{{cite press release |first1=Pam |last1=Beggs |title=Guard rail barrier between freeway and northern subs railway line |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Lawrence-Labor-Government/Guard-rail-barrier-between-freeway-and-northern-subs-railway-line-19921110 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=4 January 2024 |date=10 November 1992}}</ref> The Edgewater substation was turned on for the first time on 31 October 1992, and the overhead line equipment was energised on 1 November 1992.<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Carmen |last1=Lawrence |title=Power switched on for northern suburbs railway |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Lawrence-Labor-Government/Power-switched-on-for-northern-suburbs-railway-19921031 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=16 July 2024 |date=31 October 1992}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author1=Westrail |title=The Power's On From November 1 (advertisement) |work=The West Australian |date=31 October 1992 |page=41}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Northern line a track star |work=The Sunday Times |date=1 November 1992 |page=8}}</ref> On 20 November 1992, the first [[Transperth A-series train|A-series train]] ran on the railway,<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Pam |last1=Beggs |title=Trial of first northern suburbs electric train a success |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Lawrence-Labor-Government/Trial-of-first-northern-suburbs-electric-train-a-success-19921120 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=4 January 2024 |date=20 November 1992}}</ref> and on 14 December 1992, driver training commenced, a week later than planned due to strikes by Westrail locomotive drivers in November 1992.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Russell |first1=Mark |title=Glamor rail service won't be on track |work=The Sunday Times |date=13 December 1992 |page=5}}</ref>

===Opening===
[[File:Perth station plaque 1992.jpg|thumb|right|Plaque commemorating the opening of the Joondalup line on 20 December 1992 at [[Perth railway station|Perth station]]|alt=A metal plaque on a wall]]

The first stage of the Joondalup line was officially opened on 20 December 1992 by Premier Carmen Lawrence and Transport Minister [[Pam Beggs]]. This involved the opening of [[Leederville railway station|Leederville]], [[Edgewater railway station|Edgewater]] and [[Joondalup railway station|Joondalup]] stations. ''[[The West Australian]]'' newspaper reported that hundreds of people attended the opening of Leederville and Edgewater stations, and thousands of people attended the opening of Joondalup station, but that the state opposition criticised the opening ceremonies by saying that they were an "expensive political extravaganza". From 21 December, train services ran under a limited service "discoveride" brand, meaning that train services had a limited frequency of every half-an-hour and only operated between 9:30{{nbsp}}am and 2:30{{nbsp}}pm.<ref name="Media Statements 20 December 1992">{{cite press release |first1=Carmen |last1=Lawrence |title=Opening of Perth–Joondalup rail link |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Lawrence-Labor-Government/Opening-of-Perth-Joondalup-rail-link-19921220 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=4 January 2024 |date=20 December 1992}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |first1=Carmen |last1=Lawrence |title=Northern suburbs railway an instant hit |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Lawrence-Labor-Government/Northern-suburbs-railway-an-instant-hit-19921221 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=4 January 2024 |date=21 December 1992}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Hooker |first1=Peter |title=Transperth tips rail boom |work=The West Australian |date=21 December 1992 |page=4}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article126964030 |title=Back on track |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=21 December 1992 |access-date=30 July 2024 |page=12 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref>

The remaining four stations opened throughout February 1993: Whitfords on 14 February,<ref name="The West Australian 11 February 1993">{{cite news |title=Transperth Information (advertisement) |work=The West Australian |date=11 February 1993 |page=4}}</ref> Glendalough and Stirling on 21 February,<ref name="The West Australian 18 February 1993">{{cite news |title=Transperth Information (advertisement) |work=The West Australian |date=18 February 1993 |page=4}}</ref> and Warwick on 28 February.<ref name="The West Australian 25 February 1993">{{cite news |title=Transperth Information (advertisement) |work=The West Australian |date=25 February 1993 |page=4}}</ref> Full service on the line between Perth and Joondalup was originally scheduled to commence on 7 March 1993,<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Pam |last1=Beggs |title=Bus/train interchanges on northern subs railway to open February |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Lawrence-Labor-Government/Bus-train-interchanges-on-northern-subs-railway-to-open-February-19930128 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=6 November 2024 |date=28 January 1993}}</ref> but was delayed by two weeks as driver training took longer than expected.<ref>{{cite news |title=Training delays new line |work=The West Australian |date=25 February 1993 |page=8}}</ref> Full service commenced on 21 March 1993. This included trains in [[peak hour]] for the first time and feeder buses servicing the Joondalup line's bus interchanges.<ref name="Media Statements 21 March 1993">{{cite press release |first1=Eric |last1=Charlton |author-link1=Eric Charlton |title=Inspection of Joondalup train-bus interchange |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Court-Coalition-Government/Inspection-of-Joondalup-train-bus-interchange-19930321 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=4 January 2024 |date=21 March 1993}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Russell |first1=Mark |title=History is right on track |work=The Sunday Times |date=21 March 1993 |page=9}}</ref><ref name="The West Australian 22 March 1993">{{cite news |last1=Hooker |first1=Peter |title=New rail line faces first big test |work=The West Australian |date=22 March 1993 |page=22}}</ref> Bus routes along the Mitchell Freeway were withdrawn, which included some of Perth's busiest bus routes, such as the 396 to Warwick.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hooker |first1=Peter |title=Busiest buses axed to make way for trains |work=The West Australian |date=20 March 1993 |page=25}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Annual Report 1997–1998 |author=[[Metropolitan Transport Trust|MetroBus]] |date=1998 |page=64}}</ref> The bus changes encountered resistance, particularly for their impact on schoolchildren,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Blanksby |first1=Alison |title=Bus changes hit students |work=The West Australian |date=16 March 1993 |page=40}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Blanksby |first1=Alison |title=Perth's new trains bring bad news |work=The West Australian |date=17 March 1993 |page=9}}</ref> which led to the retention of two of the school bus services that were planned to be cancelled.<ref name="The West Australian 22 March 1993"/> Services to and from Joondalup [[through service|through ran]] with the [[Armadale line]], while services to and from Whitfords terminated at Perth.<ref>{{cite news |title=Feeder service set for trains |work=The Sunday Times |date=21 March 1993 |page=51}}</ref> Recently-appointed [[Coalition (Australia)|Coalition]] Transport Minister [[Eric Charlton]] held a small opening ceremony at Joondalup station, in contrast to the large opening ceremony conducted by the Labor government in December 1992.<ref name="Media Statements 21 March 1993"/><ref name="The West Australian 22 March 1993"/> He also highlighted the increased operating costs that the new line would have and the debt resulting from the line's construction, which was used as a justification for a fare increase.<ref name="The West Australian 22 March 1993"/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Hooker |first1=Peter |title=More delays as snarls hit new railway |work=The West Australian |date=24 March 1993 |page=13}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Quekett |first1=Malcolm |last2=Hooker |first2=Peter |last3=Southgate |first3=Tim |title=Fare rises certain as rail debt climbs |work=The West Australian |date=27 March 1993 |page=1}}</ref> The final part of the Northern Suburbs Railway, the {{convert|3|km}} from Joondalup to Currambine station, opened on 8 August 1993. The final cost was $277{{nbsp}}million.<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Eric |last1=Charlton |title=Opening of Currambine railway station next month |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Court-Coalition-Government/Opening-of-Currambine-railway-station-next-month-19930717 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=5 January 2024 |date=17 July 1993}}</ref><ref name="Media Statements 8 August 1993">{{cite press release |first1=Eric |last1=Charlton |title=New warning devices for Fastrak trains |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Court-Coalition-Government/New-warning-devices-for-Fastrak-trains-19930808 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=5 January 2024 |date=8 August 1993}}</ref>

===Expansion under New MetroRail===
In 1995, the government began planning an extension north of Currambine.<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Eric |last1=Charlton |title=Opposition promise to 'fast track' transport systems pre-empted by Govt |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Court-Coalition-Government/Opposition-promise-to-%27fast-track%27-transport-systems-pre-empted-by-Govt-19950318 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=15 September 2024 |date=18 March 1995}}</ref> During the [[1996 Western Australian state election|1996 state election]] campaign, Liberal Premier [[Richard Court]] committed to constructing an extension from Currambine to Clarkson by 2000 for $28{{nbsp}}million, plus $12{{nbsp}}million for additional rolling stock.<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Richard |last1=Court |author-link1=Richard Court |title=Extension of northern suburbs transit system to Neerabup Drive, Clarkson |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Court-Coalition-Government/Extension-of-northern-suburbs-transit-system-to-Neerabup-Drive,-Clarkson-19961120 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=15 September 2024 |date=20 November 1996}}</ref><ref name="The West Australian 9 June 2000">{{cite news |last1=Mallabone |first1=Mark |title=Cabinet lacks will to expand rail: ALP |work=The West Australian |date=9 June 2000 |page=32}}</ref> In December 1997, the state government also committed to building [[Greenwood railway station|Greenwood station]] at Hepburn Avenue,<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Eric |last1=Charlton |title=Go-ahead for new railway station at Hepburn Avenue, Greenwood |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Court-Coalition-Government/Go-ahead-for-new-railway-station-at-Hepburn-Avenue,-Greenwood-19971205 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=15 September 2024 |date=5 December 1997}}</ref> which was one of the sites given for an optional station by the 1989 master plan.{{sfn|Northern Suburbs Transit System Master Plan|1989b|p=4}} Parliament passed an enabling act for the extension to Clarkson and the construction of the Mandurah line in November 1999.<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Murray |last1=Criddle |author-link1=Murray Criddle |title=Way cleared for construction of SW Metropolitan Railway to Mandurah. |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Court-Coalition-Government/Way-cleared-for-construction-of-SW-Metropolitan-Railway-to-Mandurah.-19991126 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=15 September 2024 |date=26 November 1999}}</ref>

In June 2000, it was announced that the completion of the Clarkson extension had been delayed until 2003.<ref name="The West Australian 9 June 2000"/> Later that month, the Currambine to Butler Extension Master Plan was released. It detailed the plans for the extension north to Clarkson, the construction of Greenwood station, and a later extension to Butler.<ref name="The West Australian 22 June 2000">{{cite news |last1=Robb |first1=Trevor |title=Station to move in rail extension |work=The West Australian |date=22 June 2000 |page=9}}</ref><ref name="Media Statements 21 June 2000">{{cite press release |first1=Murray |last1=Criddle |title=Minister says the push is on for earlier Clarkson rail link |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Court-Coalition-Government/Minister-says-the-push-is-on-for-earlier-Clarkson-rail-link-20000621 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=15 September 2024 |date=21 June 2000}}</ref> The extension to Clarkson was planned to be within the freeway's median, for consistency with the rest of the Joondalup line and the planned Mandurah line,{{sfn|Currambine to Butler Extension Master Plan|2000|p=10}} and for "environmental and social benefits".{{sfn|Currambine to Butler Extension Master Plan|2000|p=1, 9}} This meant that Currambine station would have to be rebuilt, as the original station was on the western side of the future Mitchell Freeway rather than the median.<ref name="The West Australian 22 June 2000"/>{{sfn|Currambine to Butler Extension Master Plan|2000|p=10}} Other works proposed in the master plan were for the construction of a [[Nowergup railway depot|railcar depot in Nowergup]] north of Clarkson station to allow for more trains and replace the stowage facility at Currambine, and extensions to all the platforms along the line to allow for six-car trains.{{sfn|Currambine to Butler Extension Master Plan|2000|p=74}} The estimated cost of the whole project was $58{{nbsp}}million for the infrastructure, and $23{{nbsp}}million for the additional rolling stock, for a total of $81{{nbsp}}million.<ref name="Media Statements 21 June 2000"/>{{sfn|Currambine to Butler Extension Master Plan|2000|p=89}} By October, the cost had risen to $99{{nbsp}}million.<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Richard |last1=Court |title=Green light for rail extension to Clarkson: Premier |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Court-Coalition-Government/Green-light-for-rail-extension-to-Clarkson:-Premier-20001018 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=15 September 2024 |date=18 October 2000}}</ref>

[[File:Clarkson Station, December 2021 05.jpg|thumb|[[Clarkson railway station, Perth|Clarkson station]], which opened on 4 October 2004|alt=Brick platform with large metal shelter and a train stopped to the left]]

The first contract for the Clarkson extension was awarded in March 2001, when Brierty Contractors signed a $14{{nbsp}}million earthworks contract.<ref name="OnTrack: March 2003">{{cite web |title=OnTrack: March 2003 |url=http://www.newmetrorail.wa.gov.au/NMR/Documents/Resources/Publications/On%20Track/OnTrack%202003-03.pdf |website=New MetroRail |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070829000033/http://www.newmetrorail.wa.gov.au/NMR/Documents/Resources/Publications/On%20Track/OnTrack%202003-03.pdf |archive-date=29 August 2007 |page=6 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Work began in May 2001<ref>{{cite news |last1=Callaghan |first1=Ruth |title=Trains Revamp – New lines, rail carriages to cost $1.5b |work=The West Australian |date=1 May 2001 |page=1}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |first1=Alannah |last1=MacTiernan |author-link1=Alannah MacTiernan |title=Minister to commence extension to the Northern Suburbs Transit System |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop-Labor-Government/Minister-to-commence-extension-to-the-Northern-Suburbs-Transit-System-20010502 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=18 May 2024 |date=2 May 2001}}</ref> and was completed in November 2002.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bulk Earthworks |url=http://www.newmetrorail.wa.gov.au/Default.aspx?tabid=84 |website=New MetroRail |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070829040237/http://www.newmetrorail.wa.gov.au/Default.aspx?tabid=84 |archive-date=29 August 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref> In July 2001, the contract for the construction of the rail bridge over [[Burns Beach Road]] was awarded to [[Transfield Holdings|Transfield Pty Ltd]] for $1.7{{nbsp}}million.<ref name="OnTrack: March 2003"/><ref>{{cite press release |first1=Alannah |last1=MacTiernan |title=Contract Awarded for Burns Beach Road Rail Bridges |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop-Labor-Government/Contract-Awarded-for-Burns-Beach-Road-Rail-Bridges-20010711 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=18 May 2024 |date=11 July 2001}}</ref> The bridge was completed in May 2003.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bridges |url=http://www.newmetrorail.wa.gov.au/Default.aspx?tabid=86 |website=New MetroRail |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070829035303/http://www.newmetrorail.wa.gov.au/Default.aspx?tabid=86 |archive-date=29 August 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref> In April 2002, Barclay Mowlem and [[Alstom]] were awarded a contract worth $17{{nbsp}}million for the rail infrastructure for the extension.<ref name="OnTrack: March 2003" /> This contract included the design and construction of the track, traction power, signalling and communications systems, as well as track relocation at Greenwood station.<ref>{{cite web |title=Railway and Track Infrastructure |url=http://www.newmetrorail.wa.gov.au/Default.aspx?tabid=85 |website=New MetroRail |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070828234538/http://www.newmetrorail.wa.gov.au/Default.aspx?tabid=85 |archive-date=28 August 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The $3.2{{nbsp}}million contract for the construction of Currambine station was awarded to [[John Holland Group]] in March 2002,<ref name="OnTrack: March 2003"/> and in November 2002, an $8.7{{nbsp}}million contract was awarded to Transfield for the construction of Clarkson station.<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Alannah |last1=MacTiernan |title=$8.7million contract awarded for construction of Clarkson Station |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop-Labor-Government/$8.7million-contract-awarded-for-construction-of-Clarkson-Station-20021113 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=18 May 2024 |date=13 November 2002}}</ref> In February 2004, a $6.8{{nbsp}}million contract to build Greenwood station was awarded to John Holland Group.<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Alannah |last1=MacTiernan |title=Work to start on Greenwood station |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop-Labor-Government/Work-to-start-on-Greenwood-station-20040212 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=18 May 2024 |date=12 February 2004}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Greenwood Station Construction |url=http://www.newmetrorail.wa.gov.au/Default.aspx?tabid=158 |website=New MetroRail |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070829034544/http://www.newmetrorail.wa.gov.au/Default.aspx?tabid=158 |archive-date=29 August 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Construction of Greenwood station began in March 2004.<ref>{{cite web |title=What's going on with Greenwood Station? |url=http://www.transwa.wa.gov.au/Portals/6/greenwood.update.pdf |website=New MetroRail |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050615121412/http://www.transwa.wa.gov.au/Portals/6/greenwood.update.pdf |archive-date=15 June 2005 |date=April 2004}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=OnTrack: Issue 5 |url=http://www.newmetrorail.wa.gov.au/NMR/Documents/Resources/Publications/On%20Track/OnTrack%202004-04.pdf |website=New MetroRail |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070829000131/http://www.newmetrorail.wa.gov.au/NMR/Documents/Resources/Publications/On%20Track/OnTrack%202004-04.pdf |archive-date=29 August 2007 |page=4 |date=April 2004 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

The contract for the platform extensions was awarded to Lakis Constructions in 2003 for $4.8{{nbsp}}million.<ref name="OnTrack: Issue 3">{{cite web |title=OnTrack: Issue 3 |url=http://www.newmetrorail.wa.gov.au/NMR/Documents/Resources/Publications/On%20Track/OnTrack%202003-10.pdf |website=New MetroRail |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070829000235/http://www.newmetrorail.wa.gov.au/NMR/Documents/Resources/Publications/On%20Track/OnTrack%202003-10.pdf |archive-date=29 August 2007 |date=October 2003 |url-status=dead |page=8}}</ref> By April 2004, the extensions at Leederville and Edgewater stations were complete.<ref name="OnTrack: Issue 5">{{cite web |title=OnTrack: Issue 5 |url=http://www.newmetrorail.wa.gov.au/NMR/Documents/Resources/Publications/On%20Track/OnTrack%202004-04.pdf |website=New MetroRail |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070829000131/http://www.newmetrorail.wa.gov.au/NMR/Documents/Resources/Publications/On%20Track/OnTrack%202004-04.pdf |archive-date=29 August 2007 |date=April 2004 |page=4}}</ref> The extensions at Warwick and Whitfords stations were complete by July 2004, and the extensions at Glendalough, Stirling and Joondalup stations were complete soon after that, ready for the extension to Clarkson to open.<ref name="OnTrack: Issue 6">{{cite web |title=OnTrack: Issue 6 |url=http://www.newmetrorail.wa.gov.au/NMR/Documents/Resources/Publications/On%20Track/OnTrack%202004-07.pdf |website=New MetroRail |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070829000009/http://www.newmetrorail.wa.gov.au/NMR/Documents/Resources/Publications/On%20Track/OnTrack%202004-07.pdf |archive-date=29 August 2007 |date=July 2004 |page=5}}</ref>

[[File:GreenwoodDSC 0024.JPG|thumb|[[Greenwood railway station|Greenwood station]], which opened on 29 January 2005|alt=Station platforms with shelter covering the platforms and tracks and stairs heading up to a footbridge]]

[[Nowergup railway depot|Nowergup depot]], which cost $36{{nbsp}}million, officially opened in June 2004.<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Alannah |last1=MacTiernan |first2=Geoff |last2=Gallop |author-link2=Geoff Gallop |title=First railcars arrive at new Nowergup train depot |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop-Labor-Government/First-railcars-arrive-at-new-Nowergup-train-depot-20040613 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=18 May 2024 |date=13 June 2004}}</ref> The extension to Clarkson and new Currambine station opened on 4 October 2004, the same day on which the first five [[Transperth B-series train]]s entered service on the Joondalup line.<ref>{{cite web |title=Currambine |url=http://www.newmetrorail.wa.gov.au/Default.aspx?tabid=92 |website=New MetroRail |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060208213827/http://www.newmetrorail.wa.gov.au/Default.aspx?tabid=92 |archive-date=8 February 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |first1=Alannah |last1=MacTiernan |title=Free rail travel to celebrate network expansion |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop-Labor-Government/Free-rail-travel-to-celebrate-network-expansion-20040930 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=18 May 2024 |date=30 September 2004}}</ref><ref name="Media Statements 4 October 2004">{{cite press release |first1=Alannah |last1=MacTiernan |first2=Geoff |last2=Gallop |title=Gallop Government delivers northern rail extension on time and budget |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop-Labor-Government/Gallop-Government-delivers-northern-rail-extension-on-time-and-budget-20041004 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=18 May 2024 |date=4 October 2004}}</ref> The railway line south of Currambine station was largely left as is, and was not relocated until the Mitchell Freeway was extended to Burns Beach Road in 2007 and 2008 by [[Macmahon Contractors]]. This extension also involved the construction of a tunnel to carry the railway line under the freeway.<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Alannah |last1=MacTiernan |title=Work begins on Mitchell Freeway extension |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Carpenter-Labor-Government/Work-begins-on-Mitchell-Freeway-extension-20061214 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=15 September 2024 |date=14 December 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Mitchell Freeway Extension – Hodges Drive to Burns Beach Road – Concept Plan |url=http://www2.mainroads.wa.gov.au/NR/rdonlyres/8A0F5BC2-999F-4552-83E4-9C64026B16B4/873/mitchell998.pdf |website=Main Roads Western Australia |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080728215928/http://www2.mainroads.wa.gov.au/NR/rdonlyres/8A0F5BC2-999F-4552-83E4-9C64026B16B4/873/mitchell998.pdf |archive-date=28 July 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Thomas |first1=Beatrice |title=Extensions to ease congestion on roads to the north |work=The West Australian |date=24 October 2008 |page=13}}</ref> On 29 January 2005, Greenwood station was opened by Premier [[Geoff Gallop]] and [[Minister for Planning and Infrastructure (Western Australia)|Minister for Planning and Infrastructure]] [[Alannah MacTiernan]].<ref name="Media Statements 29 January 2005">{{cite press release |first1=Geoff |last1=Gallop |title=Services commence from Greenwood Railway Station |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop-Labor-Government/Services-commence-from-Greenwood-Railway-Station-20050129 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=18 May 2024 |date=29 January 2005}}</ref>

===Mandurah line===
In March 1999, the South West Metropolitan Railway Master Plan was approved by the state government. It was to branch off the Armadale line at [[Kenwick, Western Australia|Kenwick]] to head to [[Mandurah]], south of Perth.{{sfn|Perth Urban Rail Development Project – Supplementary Master Plan|2002|p=1–2}} It was chosen that the Joondalup line would through-run with the Mandurah line upon its opening, instead of the Armadale line. This was because both lines had similar levels of demand, with six-car trains required to meet demand on both lines.{{sfn|Northern Suburbs Transit System Master Plan|1989b|p=27}} Following the election of a Labor government, in July 2001, the state government announced that the proposed South West Metropolitan Railway would be rerouted via the Kwinana Freeway, with a tunnel under the Perth CBD to connect the Mandurah line to the Joondalup line.<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Alannah |last1=MacTiernan |first2=Geoff |last2=Gallop |title=Gallop Government unveils vision for faster rail link to Mandurah |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop%20Labor%20Government/Gallop-Government-unveils-vision-for-faster-rail-link-to-Mandurah-20010716 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=19 October 2024 |date=16 July 2001}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Robb |first1=Trevor |title=Rail Switch – New train link across city foreshore |work=The West Australian |date=17 July 2001 |page=1}}</ref> A new master plan was released in August 2002.<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Alannah |last1=MacTiernan |first2=Geoff |last2=Gallop |title=Master Plan shows new line a winner |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop%20Labor%20Government/Master-Plan-shows-new-line-a-winner-20020813 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=19 October 2024 |date=13 August 2002}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Robb |first1=Trevor |title=ALP claims win on freeway line |work=The West Australian |date=14 August 2002 |page=4}}</ref> The master plan divided the Mandurah line's construction into several packages, with Package F being for the construction of the tunnel under the Perth CBD and connection with the Joondalup line, also known as the City Project.{{sfn|Perth Urban Rail Development Project – Supplementary Master Plan|2002|p=140}}{{sfn|Longhurst|2008|p=309}}

[[File:Perth-Yard-west-061007.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.5|The Joondalup line (left) on 6 October 2007, one day before the line was shut down to connect to the William Street tunnel tracks (middle). The Fremantle line is on the right.|alt=Six parallel tracks viewed from a bridge. The middle two tracks terminate and the outer two tracks on either side continue on.]]

The contract for the City Project was awarded to Leighton–[[Kumagai Gumi]] in February 2004 for $324.5{{nbsp}}million.<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Alannah |last1=MacTiernan |title=City section of New MetroRail Project signed |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Gallop-Labor-Government/City-section-of-New-MetroRail-Project-signed-20040214 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=18 May 2024 |date=14 February 2004}}</ref> With the opening of the [[Thornlie line]], through services to the Armadale line ceased on 8 August 2005 and Joondalup line trains began terminating at Perth station, in preparation for through running with the [[Mandurah line]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Transperth passengers will benefit from the new Thornlie Station (advertisement) |work=The West Australian |date=6 August 2005}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Table Talk |url=https://timetable.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/tabletalk200509issue.pdf |page=5 |date=September 2005 |issn=1038-3697 |issue=158 |publisher=Australian Timetable Association}}</ref> The City Project reached practical completion in September 2007.<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Alannah |last1=MacTiernan |title=City tunnel project completion announced. |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Carpenter-Labor-Government/City-tunnel-project-completion-announced.-20070908 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=18 May 2024 |date=8 September 2007}}</ref> From 7 October to 14 October 2007, the Joondalup line was shut down between Leederville and Perth stations and the Fremantle line was fully shut down to connect the tunnel tracks to the Joondalup line.{{sfn|Longhurst|2008|p=XVII}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Your Guide to the Shutdown |url=http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/SHUTDOWN/tabid/291/Default.aspx |website=Transperth |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071007064049/http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/SHUTDOWN/tabid/291/Default.aspx |archive-date=7 October 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The Joondalup line reopened on 15 October 2007 with its new southern terminus at Esplanade station.<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Alannah |last1=MacTiernan |title=Perth's new underground railway stations ready for action. |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Carpenter-Labor-Government/Perth's-new-underground-railway-stations-ready-for-action.-20071014 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=18 May 2024 |date=14 October 2007}}</ref><ref name="ABC News 15 October 2007">{{cite web |title=Perth CBD's first underground train station in operation |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2007-10-15/perth-cbds-first-underground-train-station-in/698954 |website=ABC News |access-date=18 May 2024 |date=15 October 2007}}</ref> The Mandurah line opened on 23 December 2007.{{sfn|Longhurst|2008|p=XVII}}<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Alan |last1=Carpenter |author-link1=Alan Carpenter |first2=Alannah |last2=MacTiernan |title=All aboard as the new Perth-to-Mandurah Railway begins |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Carpenter-Labor-Government/All-aboard-as-the-new-Perth-to-Mandurah-Railway-begins-20071223 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=18 May 2024 |date=23 December 2007}}</ref>

===Extension to Butler===
The first contract for the Butler extension, for earthworks north of Nowergup depot to Landbeach Boulevard, a distance of {{convert|4|km|0}}, was awarded to RJ Vincent & Co for $6{{nbsp}}million in December 2010.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Quinn |first1=Russell |title=RJ Vincent wins $6m Joondalup rail contract |url=https://www.perthnow.com.au/news/wa/rj-vincent-wins-6m-joondalup-rail-contract-ng-5cd8e613dffba8398a96034b2e5f22d6 |website=PerthNow |access-date=13 September 2024 |date=8 December 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |first1=Simon |last1=O'Brien |author-link1=Simon O'Brien (politician) |title=Government contract kicks off Joondalup rail line extension |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Barnett-Liberal-National-Government/Government-contract-kicks-off-Joondalup-rail-line-extension-20101208 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=13 September 2024 |date=8 December 2010}}</ref> A second contract was awarded in May 2011, to Bocol Constructions and RJ Vincent & Co for $9.8{{nbsp}}million. This was for the construction of three bridges to cross over the Butler extension and associated works.<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Troy |last1=Buswell |author-link1=Troy Buswell |title=Bridges contract awarded for Butler extension |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Barnett-Liberal-National-Government/Bridges-contract-awarded-for-Butler-extension-20110520 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=13 September 2024 |date=20 May 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=State awards rail extension deal |url=https://www.businessnews.com.au/article/State-awards-rail-extension-deal |website=Business News |access-date=13 September 2024 |date=20 May 2011}}</ref> By June 2012, Cooper and Oxley had been awarded the contract for Butler station's construction, worth $22{{nbsp}}million.<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Troy |last1=Buswell |title=Work to start on Butler station |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Barnett-Liberal-National-Government/Work-to-start-on-Butler-station-20120608 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=13 September 2024 |date=8 June 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Butler train station works to begin |url=https://thewest.com.au/news/wa/butler-train-station-works-to-begin-ng-ya-312726 |website=The West Australian |access-date=13 September 2024 |date=8 June 2012}}</ref> Construction on the station began on 16 July 2012.<ref name="PTA history">{{cite web |title=Our history |url=https://www.pta.wa.gov.au/about-us/our-role/our-history#1976-to-2000-25 |website=Public Transport Authority |access-date=17 May 2024}}</ref> By October 2012, earthworks and bridge construction was complete, allowing track laying to commence. The $24{{nbsp}}million track laying contract had been awarded to [[John Holland Group]].<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Troy |last1=Buswell |title=Butler Station moves step closer as track laid |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Barnett-Liberal-National-Government/Butler-Station-moves-step-closer-as-track-laid-20121019 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=13 September 2024 |date=19 October 2012}}</ref> In November 2012, the contract for signalling was awarded to [[Hitachi Rail STS|Ansaldo STS Australia]] for $19.7{{nbsp}}million.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Orr |first1=Aleisha |title=Work starts on taking train line further north |url=https://www.watoday.com.au/national/western-australia/work-starts-on-taking-train-line-further-north-20121113-29a45.html |website=WAtoday |access-date=13 September 2024 |date=13 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |first1=Troy |last1=Buswell |title=Another big step for Butler rail project |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Barnett-Liberal-National-Government/Another-big-step-for-Butler-rail-project-20121113 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=13 September 2024 |date=13 November 2012}}</ref> By October 2013, track laying was eighty percent complete,<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Troy |last1=Buswell |title=Butler extension full steam ahead |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Barnett-Liberal-National-Government/Butler-extension-full-steam-ahead-20131023 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=13 September 2024 |date=23 October 2013}}</ref> and by April 2014, Butler station was complete.<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Dean |last1=Nalder |author-link=Dean Nalder |title=Butler Station construction complete |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Barnett-Liberal-National-Government/Butler-Station-construction-complete-20140417 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=13 September 2024 |date=17 April 2014}}</ref>

[[File:Butler Station drone shot, February 2023.jpg|thumb|right|[[Butler railway station|Butler station]] in February 2023|alt=Drone view of a railway station]]

The first train ran on the Butler extension on 25 August 2014,<ref name="PTA history" /> with train driver familiarisation beginning after that.<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Dean |last1=Nalder |title=Trains start using new Butler extension |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Barnett-Liberal-National-Government/Trains-start-using-new-Butler-extension-20140830 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=18 May 2024 |date=30 August 2014}}</ref> The extension was opened on 21 September 2014 by Premier [[Colin Barnett]] and Minister for Transport [[Dean Nalder]], three months early and $20{{nbsp}}million under budget.<ref name="WAtoday 21 September 2014">{{cite web |title=Barnett opens rail extension as first train leaves Butler station |url=https://www.watoday.com.au/national/western-australia/barnett-opens-rail-extension-as-first-train-leaves-butler-station-20140921-10jxzn.html |website=WAtoday |access-date=6 January 2024 |date=21 September 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Butler train station and rail extension opens |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-09-21/butler-train-station-opens/5758858 |website=ABC News |access-date=6 January 2024 |date=21 September 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Extended northern railway: Butler train station open today |url=https://www.perthnow.com.au/news/wa/extended-northern-railway-butler-train-station-open-today-ng-1b602df1df7d924e6c8c76feb8a7de2d |website=PerthNow |access-date=6 January 2024 |date=21 September 2014}}</ref> Following the opening of the extension to Butler, some nearby residents experienced excessive vibrations when trains passed by, with a petition complaining about the problem gaining 178 signatures. Acoustic matting was used for parts of extension, but not the area closest to Butler station, which was where the complaints were coming from.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Jarvis |first1=Lucy |title=Residents rattled by rail |url=https://www.perthnow.com.au/community-news/north-coast-times/residents-rattled-by-rail-c-929087 |website=PerthNow |agency=North Coast Times |access-date=13 September 2024 |date=23 September 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Jarvis |first1=Lucy |title=Government to monitor noise complaints |url=https://www.perthnow.com.au/community-news/north-coast-times/government-to-monitor-noise-complaints-c-911102 |website=PerthNow |agency=North Coast Times |access-date=13 September 2024 |date=23 September 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Wearne |first1=Phoebe |title=Train vibrations send residents loco |url=https://thewest.com.au/news/wa/train-vibrations-send-residents-loco-ng-ya-379102 |website=The West Australian |access-date=13 September 2024 |date=13 October 2014}}</ref> The results of noise monitoring were released in December 2014. The results concluded that noise and vibration levels near Butler station were within acceptable limits, but another section of the extension was above acceptable limits, so a larger noise wall was built there.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wearne |first1=Phoebe |last2=Acott |first2=Kent |title=No housing near station |work=The West Australian |date=13 December 2014 |page=40}}</ref>

===Extension to Yanchep===
Labor promised ahead of the [[2017 Western Australian state election|2017 state election]] that it would build the Yanchep Rail Extension as part of its revised [[Metronet (Western Australia)|Metronet]] plans. It was promised that the extension would open in 2021 and cost $386{{nbsp}}million.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Caporn |first1=Dylan |title=Trains to Yanchep by 2021 with $386m Labor plan |website=The West Australian |access-date=24 March 2024 |date=8 February 2017 |url=https://thewest.com.au/politics/state-election-2017/trains-to-yanchep-by-2021-with-386m-labor-plan-ng-b88378113z}}</ref> The September 2017 state budget gave the Yanchep Rail Extension a cost of $520.2{{nbsp}}million.<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Mark |last1=McGowan |author-link1=Mark McGowan |first2=Rita |last2=Saffioti |author-link2=Rita Saffioti |first3=Ben |last3=Wyatt |author-link3=Ben Wyatt (politician) |title=METRONET well underway with major funding injection |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/McGowan-Labor-Government/METRONET-well-underway-with-major-funding-injection-20170907 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=24 March 2024 |date=7 September 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Western Australia budget backs rail growth |url=https://www.railwaygazette.com/western-australia-budget-backs-rail-growth/45155.article |website=Railway Gazette International |access-date=24 March 2024 |date=13 September 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Caporn |first1=Dylan |title=Budget 2017: Metronet construction to start in 2019 |url=https://thewest.com.au/news/wa/big-plan-to-build-roads-and-rail-ng-b88592817z |website=The West Australian |access-date=24 March 2024 |date=8 September 2017}}</ref> The business case for the Yanchep Rail Extension was submitted to [[Infrastructure Australia]] in August 2017.<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Mark |last1=McGowan |first2=Rita |last2=Saffioti |title=METRONET progress on track |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/McGowan-Labor-Government/METRONET-progress-on-track-20170821 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=24 March 2024 |date=21 August 2017}}</ref> In November 2018, Infrastructure Australia released its assessment of the project, adding the project to the Infrastructure Priority List as a "High Priority Project" and giving it a projected economic benefit of $2.549{{nbsp}}billion and a [[benefit–cost ratio]] of 2.6. Infrastructure Australia recommended that the contract for the [[Thornlie–Cockburn Link]] be combined with the contract for the Yanchep Rail Extension to save costs during procurement.<ref>{{cite web |title=Project Evaluation Summary METRONET: Yanchep Rail Extension |url=https://www.infrastructureaustralia.gov.au/sites/default/files/2019-06/Project-Evaluation-Summary-METRONET-YRE_0.pdf |website=Infrastructure Australia |access-date=24 March 2024 |date=18 November 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |first1=Rita |last1=Saffioti |title=METRONET projects get Infrastructure Australia tick of approval |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/McGowan-Labor-Government/METRONET-projects-get-Infrastructure-Australia-tick-of-approval-20181116 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=24 March 2024 |date=16 November 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Wright |first1=Shane |title=National infrastructure tsar gives green light to Perth Metronet plan |url=https://thewest.com.au/business/infrastructure/national-infrastructure-tsar-gives-green-light-to-perth-metronet-plan-ng-b881022272z |website=The West Australian |access-date=24 March 2024 |date=16 November 2018}}</ref> The Infrastructure Australia assessment allowed $700{{nbsp}}million in federal funding to be spent on the Yanchep Rail Extension and the Thornlie–Cockburn Link, of which $350{{nbsp}}million was for the Yanchep Rail Extension.<ref>{{cite web |title=Federal Funding Secured |url=https://www.metronet.wa.gov.au/news/latest-news/category/thornlie-cockburn-link/federal-funding-secured |website=Metronet |access-date=24 March 2024 |date=15 November 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Jarvis |first1=Lucy |title=Yanchep: Infrastructure Australia approves $700m federal contribution to Metronet rail projects |url=https://www.perthnow.com.au/community-news/north-coast-times/yanchep-infrastructure-australia-approves-700m-federal-contribution-to-metronet-rail-projects-c-868113 |website=PerthNow |access-date=24 March 2024 |date=16 November 2018 |agency=North Coast Times}}</ref>

Enabling legislation was introduced to the Parliament of Western Australia in May 2018<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Rita |last1=Saffioti |title=METRONET Bill to enshrine rail commitment in legislation |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/McGowan-Labor-Government/METRONET-Bill-to-enshrine-rail-commitment-in-legislation-20180510 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=24 March 2024 |date=10 May 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Metronet legislation to pave way for construction of Yanchep rail extension |url=https://www.perthnow.com.au/community-news/north-coast-times/metronet-legislation-to-pave-way-for-construction-of-yanchep-rail-extension-c-851748 |website=PerthNow |access-date=24 March 2024 |date=1 June 2018 |agency=North Coast Times}}</ref> and passed in November 2018.<ref>{{cite web |title=METRONET Rail Enabling Bill Passed |url=https://www.metronet.wa.gov.au/news/latest-news/metronet-rail-enabling-bill-passed |website=Metronet |access-date=10 September 2023 |date=16 November 2018}}</ref> The project definition plan, detailing the scope of the project, for the Yanchep Rail Extension was approved by state cabinet in July 2018.<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Mark |last1=McGowan |first2=Rita |last2=Saffioti |title=Two METRONET projects on track to begin construction next year |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/McGowan-Labor-Government/Two-METRONET-projects-on-track-to-begin-construction-next-year-20180703 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=24 March 2024 |date=3 July 2018}}</ref> A [[request for proposal]] was released in September 2018 for the design and construct contract for the Yanchep Rail Extension and the Thornlie–Cockburn Link.<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Rita |last1=Saffioti |title=Joint media statement – Wanted: Contractor to build Perth's new METRONET rail lines |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/McGowan-Labor-Government/Joint-media-statement---Wanted%3A-Contractor-to-build-Perth%27s-new-METRONET-rail-lines-20180909 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=19 July 2023 |date=9 September 2018 |archive-date=19 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230719164528/https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/McGowan-Labor-Government/Joint-media-statement---Wanted%3A-Contractor-to-build-Perth%27s-new-METRONET-rail-lines-20180909 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Gameng |first1=Monica |title=Request for Proposal released for two major METRONET projects WA |url=https://www.felix.net/project-news/request-for-proposal-released-for-two-major-metronet-projects-wa |website=Felix Vendor Marketplace |access-date=19 July 2023 |date=10 September 2018 |archive-date=19 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230719164528/https://www.felix.net/project-news/request-for-proposal-released-for-two-major-metronet-projects-wa |url-status=live }}</ref> Two consortia were shortlisted in April 2019: METROconnex, a joint venture between Coleman Rail, [[Clough Group]], and [[Georgiou Group]]; and NEWest Alliance, a joint venture between [[CPB Contractors]] and [[Downer Group|Downer]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Milne |first1=Peter |title=METROconnex, NEWest Alliance consortiums vie for $1.1b Metronet's Thornlie–Cockburn and Yanchep rail work |url=https://thewest.com.au/business/infrastructure/metroconnex-newest-alliance-consortiums-vie-for-11b-metronets-thornlie-cockburn-and-yanchep-rail-work-ng-b881159566z |website=The West Australian |access-date=19 July 2023 |date=6 April 2019 |archive-date=6 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406130031/https://thewest.com.au/business/infrastructure/metroconnex-newest-alliance-consortiums-vie-for-11b-metronets-thornlie-cockburn-and-yanchep-rail-work-ng-b881159566z |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Beyer |first1=Mark |title=Two bidders for rail projects |url=https://www.businessnews.com.au/article/Two-bidders-for-rail-projects |website=Business News |access-date=19 July 2023 |date=8 April 2019 |archive-date=19 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230719164538/https://www.businessnews.com.au/article/Two-bidders-for-rail-projects |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |first1=Rita |last1=Saffioti |title=METRONET's Thornlie–Cockburn Link and Yanchep Rail Extension tender reaches next phase |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/McGowan-Labor-Government/METRONET%27s-Thornlie-Cockburn-Link-and-Yanchep-Rail-Extension-tender-reaches-next-phase-20190406 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=19 July 2023 |date=6 April 2019 |archive-date=19 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230719164526/https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/McGowan-Labor-Government/METRONET%27s-Thornlie-Cockburn-Link-and-Yanchep-Rail-Extension-tender-reaches-next-phase-20190406 |url-status=live }}</ref> In November 2019, NEWest Alliance was announced as the preferred proponent,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Zimmerman |first1=Josh |title=NEWest Alliance appointed to deliver Yanchep rail extension and Thornlie–Cockburn link |url=https://thewest.com.au/business/infrastructure/newest-alliance-appointed-to-deliver-yanchep-rail-extension-and-thornlie-cockburn-link-ng-b881391617z |website=The West Australian |access-date=19 July 2023 |date=24 November 2019 |url-access=subscription |archive-date=19 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230719091107/https://thewest.com.au/business/infrastructure/newest-alliance-appointed-to-deliver-yanchep-rail-extension-and-thornlie-cockburn-link-ng-b881391617z |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=NEWest Alliance chosen for Yanchep Rail Extension |url=https://www.railway-technology.com/news/newest-alliance-yanchep-rail-extension/ |website=Railway Technology |access-date=19 July 2023 |date=26 November 2019 |archive-date=19 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230719091113/https://www.railway-technology.com/news/newest-alliance-yanchep-rail-extension/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Gameng |first1=Monica |title=CPB-Downer JV selected as preferred contractor for METRONET projects |url=https://www.felix.net/project-news/cpb-downer-jv-selected-as-preferred-contractor-for-metronet-projects |website=Felix Vendor Marketplace |access-date=24 March 2024 |date=24 November 2019}}</ref> and the contract was awarded in the following month.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gubana |first1=Benjamin |title=Metronet Thornlie–Cockburn link between Armadale and Mandurah train lines delayed to 2023 after $200m blowout |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-12-17/metronet-thornlie-cockburn-line-delayed-after-budget-blowout/11807852 |website=ABC News |access-date=19 July 2023 |date=17 December 2019 |archive-date=19 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230719091114/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-12-17/metronet-thornlie-cockburn-line-delayed-after-budget-blowout/11807852 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Smith |first1=Ben |title=Major Metronet project over budget and delayed |url=https://www.perthnow.com.au/community-news/cockburn-gazette/major-metronet-project-over-budget-and-delayed-c-896243 |website=PerthNow |agency=Cockburn Gazette |access-date=19 July 2023 |date=18 December 2019 |archive-date=19 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230719091105/https://www.perthnow.com.au/community-news/cockburn-gazette/major-metronet-project-over-budget-and-delayed-c-896243 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=WA Government signs contracts with NEWest Alliance |url=https://www.railway-technology.com/news/wa-government-newest-alliance/ |website=Railway Technology |access-date=19 July 2023 |date=17 December 2019 |archive-date=14 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230514063922/https://www.railway-technology.com/news/wa-government-newest-alliance/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The cost of the Yanchep Rail Extension at the time was $531.7{{nbsp}}million.<ref name="Media Statements 24 November 2019"/>

[[File:Yanchep Rail Extension drone shot in Alkimos, Western Australia, February 2023 20.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|[[Alkimos railway station|Alkimos station]] under construction in February 2023|alt=Drone shot of a sandy construction site with concrete retaining walls and bridges]]
[[File:Yanchep Rail Extension drone shot in Alkimos, Western Australia, August 2023 15.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|Howden Road bridge under construction in August 2023|alt=A drone shot of a sandy construction site]]

Early works began in November 2019 and a [[sod turning]] ceremony took place on 24 November, making the Yanchep Rail Extension the second Metronet project to begin construction, after the [[Forrestfield–Airport Link]].<ref name="Media Statements 24 November 2019">{{cite press release |first1=Mark |last1=McGowan |first2=Rita |last2=Saffioti |title=Joint media statement – Work starts on METRONET Yanchep Rail Extension unlocking thousands of local jobs |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/McGowan-Labor-Government/Joint-media-statement---Work-starts-on-METRONET-Yanchep-Rail-Extension-unlocking-thousands-of-local-jobs-20191124 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=24 March 2024 |date=24 November 2019}}</ref> Major works on the Yanchep Rail Extension began in mid-2020.<ref>{{cite web |title=Eight months of milestones for Yanchep Rail Extension |url=https://www.metronet.wa.gov.au/news/latest-news/category/yanchep-rail-extension/eight-months-of-milestones-for-yanchep-rail-extension |website=Metronet |access-date=24 March 2024 |date=17 December 2020}}</ref> Construction at Alkimos station had begun by March 2021, with the first major concrete pour taking place that month.<ref>{{cite web |title=Yanchep Rail Extension taking shape |url=https://www.metronet.wa.gov.au/news/latest-news/category/yanchep-rail-extension/yanchep-rail-extension-taking-shape |website=Metronet |access-date=24 March 2024 |date=21 May 2021}}</ref>

In June 2021, ''[[PerthNow]]'' reported that work on the Yanchep Rail Extension had stalled, but the PTA was still saying the extension would open in late 2022.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Jarvis |first1=Lucy |title=Stalled: Yanchep Rail Extension work veering off track |url=https://www.perthnow.com.au/community-news/wanneroo-times/train-timetable-delay-as-yanchep-rail-work-lags-c-3125524 |website=PerthNow |agency=Wanneroo Times |access-date=24 March 2024 |date=17 June 2021}}</ref> The government first raised the potential for a delay in July 2021,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Jarvis |first1=Lucy |title=Yanchep rail timetable shift flagged amid skills shortage |url=https://www.perthnow.com.au/community-news/wanneroo-times/yanchep-rail-timetable-shift-flagged-amid-skills-shortage-c-3397844 |website=PerthNow |agency=Wanneroo Times |access-date=24 March 2024 |date=22 July 2021}}</ref> and after the September 2021 state budget, it was revealed that the Yanchep Rail Extension's opening date would be delayed by a year to late 2023 due to a skills shortage and to ease pressure on Western Australia's construction industry.<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Mark |last1=McGowan |title=Projects adjusted to deliver a strong economy for the long term |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/McGowan-Labor-Government/Projects-adjusted-to-deliver-a-strong-economy-for-the-long-term-20210909 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=24 March 2024 |date=9 September 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=de Kruijff |first1=Peter |title=State projects delayed to ease pressure on 'hot' WA construction market |url=https://www.watoday.com.au/national/western-australia/state-projects-delayed-to-ease-pressure-on-hot-wa-construction-market-20210909-p58qbr.html |website=WAtoday |access-date=24 March 2024 |date=9 September 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Clarke |first1=Jenna |title=Metronet projects, including Thornlie–Cockburn link and Yanchep train line, will be DELAYED by 12-months |url=https://www.perthnow.com.au/politics/state-politics/metronet-projects-including-thornlie-cockburn-link-and-yanchep-train-line-will-be-delayed-by-12-months-ng-b881999781z |website=PerthNow |access-date=24 March 2024 |date=9 September 2021}}</ref> To cut costs, the construction of a [[shared path]] along the extension was cancelled, with the decision being justified by there also being a shared path along Marmion Avenue and a proposed one to be constructed as part of the extension of the Mitchell Freeway. The decision to cancel the shared path was criticised by cycling groups and the [[City of Wanneroo]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Brown |first1=Tyler |title=Plans for principal shared path from Butler to Yanchep as part of rail extension scrapped to save money |url=https://www.perthnow.com.au/local-news/perthnow-wanneroo/plans-for-principal-shared-path-from-butler-to-yanchep-as-part-of-rail-extension-scrapped-to-save-money-c-4052458 |website=PerthNow |access-date=24 March 2024 |date=10 September 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Brown |first1=Tyler |title=Wanneroo Council calls for cycle path to return as part of new Alkimos train station |url=https://www.perthnow.com.au/local-news/perthnow-wanneroo/wanneroo-council-calls-for-cycle-path-to-return-as-part-of-new-alkimos-train-station--c-4610641 |website=PerthNow |access-date=24 March 2024 |date=25 November 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Concerns about Yanchep rail cost cutting as cycle path deleted |url=https://www.yanchepnewsonline.com.au/concerns-about-yanchep-rail-cost-cutting-as-cycle-path-deleted/ |website=Yanchep News Online |access-date=24 March 2024 |date=8 September 2021}}</ref> By the end of 2021, work on all three stations was underway. At Eglinton and Yanchep stations, the foundations were being poured, and at Alkimos station, retaining walls had been put up.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Brown |first1=Tyler |title=Metronet: Yanchep rail extension hits milestone with work underway at Alkimos, Eglinton and Yanchep stations |url=https://www.perthnow.com.au/local-news/perthnow-wanneroo/metronet-yanchep-rail-extension-hits-milestone-with-work-underway-at-alkimos-eglinton-and-yanchep-stations-c-4896885 |website=PerthNow |access-date=24 March 2024 |date=16 December 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=All stations go for Perth's northern corridor |url=https://www.metronet.wa.gov.au/news/latest-news/category/yanchep-rail-extension/all-stations-go-for-perths-northern-corridor |website=Metronet |access-date=24 March 2024 |date=16 December 2021}}</ref>

The [[March 2022 Australian federal budget|March 2022 federal budget]] revealed the federal government would provide $90{{nbsp}}million of additional funding for the project, bringing its share of the project to $440{{nbsp}}million.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gameng |first1=Monica |title=2022–23 Federal Budget: $2.1bn funding for WA infrastructure projects |url=https://www.felix.net/project-news/2022-23-federal-budget-2.1bn-funding-for-wa-infrastructure-projects |website=Felix Vendor Marketplace |access-date=24 March 2024 |date=3 April 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=CEO Newsletter – Federal Budget Update 2022 |url=https://www.infrastructureaustralia.gov.au/listing/newsletter/ceo-newsletter-federal-budget-update-2022 |website=Infrastructure Australia |access-date=24 March 2024 |date=31 March 2022}}</ref> The May 2022 state budget revealed a $175.3{{nbsp}}million cost increase,<ref>{{cite web |last1=de Kruijff |first1=Peter |title=Record $33.9b for infrastructure projects as Premier plays down construction costs |url=https://www.watoday.com.au/national/record-33-9b-for-infrastructure-projects-as-premier-plays-down-construction-costs-20220511-p5akik.html |website=WAtoday |access-date=24 March 2024 |date=12 May 2022}}</ref> the May 2023 state budget revealed a $375.3{{nbsp}}million cost increase,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Zimmerman |first1=Josh |title=Budget Estimates: Premier Mark McGowan refuses to rule out more blowouts to Metronet costs |url=https://thewest.com.au/news/wa/budget-estimates-premier-mark-mcgowan-refuses-to-rule-out-more-blowouts-to-metronet-costs-c-10742891 |website=The West Australian |access-date=24 March 2024 |date=23 May 2023 |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Hastie |first1=Hamish |title=McGowan hammers cost-of-living as WA to hit $4.2b budget surplus |url=https://www.watoday.com.au/politics/western-australia/mcgowan-hammers-cost-of-living-in-sixth-surplus-budget-20230509-p5d6zt.html |website=WAtoday |access-date=24 March 2024 |date=11 May 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=2023–24 Budget: Economic and Fiscal Outlook |url=https://www.parliament.wa.gov.au/WebCMS/webcms.nsf/resources/file-2023-budget-economic-outlook/$file/Economic%20and%20Fiscal%20Outlook.pdf |website=Parliament of Western Australia |access-date=4 October 2023 |page=186 |date=May 2023 |issn=1448-2630}}</ref> and the May 2024 state budget revealed a $288{{nbsp}}million cost increase,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Zimmerman |first1=Josh |title=WA State Budget 2024: Treasurer Rita Saffioti announces WA's sixth surplus in a row, Metronet blowout |url=https://thewest.com.au/politics/budget/wa-state-budget-2024-treasurer-rita-saffioti-announces-was-sixth-surplus-in-a-row-metronet-blowout-c-14593757 |website=The West Australian |access-date=9 May 2024 |date=9 May 2024 |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=WA Budget live: Unpacking what's in Roger Cook and Rita Saffioti's budget for 2024–25 |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-05-09/wa-budget-2024-2025-live-blog-roger-cook-rita-saffioti/103822792 |website=ABC News |access-date=9 May 2024 |date=9 May 2024}}</ref> bringing the extension's total cost to $1.27{{nbsp}}billion.<ref>{{cite web |title=2024–25 Budget Statements. Budget Paper No. 2 – Volume 2 |url=https://www.ourstatebudget.wa.gov.au/2024-25/budget-papers/bp2/2024-25-wa-state-budget-bp2-vol2.pdf |website=Our Budget |access-date=9 May 2024 |page=619}}</ref> The Liberal Party has readily criticised the cost increases, saying the money should instead be spent on healthcare among other things, but Transport Minister Rita Saffioti blamed the cost increases on increases in the cost of steel, diesel, and concrete, and the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref name="The West Australian 14 July 2024"/><ref name="ABC News 14 July 2024"/><ref name="WAtoday 14 July 2024"/>

After the May 2023 budget, the government said that the Yanchep extension "is due for completion at the end of 2023, with services commencing in the new year"<ref>{{cite web |title=State Budget delivers continued METRONET investment |url=https://www.metronet.wa.gov.au/news/latest-news/state-budget-delivers-continued-metronet-investment |website=Metronet |access-date=24 March 2024 |date=11 May 2023}}</ref> That month, the first {{convert|2.7|km}} of track had been laid.<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Mark |last1=McGowan |first2=Rita |last2=Saffioti |title=Joint media statement – First track laid for METRONET Yanchep Rail Extension |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/McGowan-Labor-Government/Joint-media-statement---First-track-laid-FOR-METRONET-Yanchep-Rail-Extension-20230516 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=24 March 2024 |date=16 May 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Tan |first1=Christopher |title=Metronet: Yanchep rail extension project crawls ahead after first 3km of track laid |url=https://thewest.com.au/business/infrastructure/metronet-yanchep-rail-extension-project-crawls-ahead-after-first-3km-of-track-laid-c-10679026 |website=The West Australian |access-date=24 March 2024 |date=21 May 2023 |url-access=subscription}}</ref> The first train ran on the Yanchep Rail Extension on 22 December 2023.<ref name="The West Australian 22 December 2023">{{cite web |last1=Dietsch |first1=Jake |title=First test run for $1.08b Metronet Yanchep rail extension marks major milestone after years of delays |url=https://thewest.com.au/travel/trains/first-test-run-for-18b-metronet-yanchep-rail-extension-marks-major-milestone-after-years-of-delays-c-12989954 |website=The West Australian |access-date=24 March 2024 |date=22 December 2023 |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Vieira |first1=Isabel |title=Test train hits tracks on Yanchep extension |url=https://www.businessnews.com.au/article/Test-train-hits-tracks-on-Yanchep-extension |website=Business News |access-date=24 March 2024 |date=22 December 2023 |url-access=subscription}}</ref> The opening date was revealed in April 2024.<ref name="Media Statements 23 April 2024">{{cite press release |first1=Roger |last1=Cook |author-link1=Roger Cook (politician) |first2=Rita |last2=Saffioti |title=Joint Media Statement – Date Announced For First Train Services On Metronet Yanchep Rail Extension |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Cook-Labor-Government/Joint-Media-Statement---DATE-ANNOUNCED-FOR-FIRST-TRAIN-SERVICES-ON-METRONET-YANCHEP-RAIL-EXTENSION-20240423 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=15 July 2024 |date=23 April 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Dietsch |first1=Jake |title=Metronet project: July opening date announced from Butler to Yanchep railway extension |url=https://thewest.com.au/politics/state-politics/metronet-project-july-opening-date-announced-from-butler-to-yanchep-railway-extension-c-14409648 |website=The West Australian |access-date=23 April 2024 |date=23 April 2024 |url-access=subscription}}</ref> The extension was officially opened by Premier [[Roger Cook (politician)|Roger Cook]] and Transport Minister Saffioti on 14 July 2024,<ref name="The West Australian 14 July 2024">{{cite web |title=Yanchep rail extension officially opened after significant delays and cost blow outs |url=https://thewest.com.au/news/wa/yanchep-rail-extension-officially-opened-after-significant-delays-and-cost-blow-outs-c-15319051 |website=The West Australian |access-date=15 July 2024 |date=14 July 2024 |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref name="ABC News 14 July 2024">{{cite web |last1=Burmas |first1=Grace |last2=Png |first2=Kenith |title=WA government hails Yanchep train extension 'spectacular project' despite cost, time blow-outs |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-07-14/metronet-yanchep-rail-line-opens-perth-northern-suburbs/104091162 |website=ABC News |access-date=15 July 2024 |date=14 July 2024}}</ref><ref name="WAtoday 14 July 2024">{{cite web |last1=Condon |first1=Alex |title=WA Labor, Liberals trade barbs over 'MetroDEBT' as Yanchep extension opens |url=https://www.watoday.com.au/politics/western-australia/wa-labor-liberals-trade-barbs-over-metrodebt-as-yanchep-extension-opens-20240714-p5jtk4.html |website=WAtoday |access-date=15 July 2024 |date=14 July 2024}}</ref> with celebrations occurring at Yanchep station.<ref>{{cite web |title=Next stop... YANCHEP! |url=https://www.metronet.wa.gov.au/news/latest-news/next-stop-yanchep-1 |website=Metronet |access-date=15 July 2024 |date=5 June 2024}}</ref> Regular train and bus services commenced the following day. Upon the extension's opening, the Joondalup line was renamed the Yanchep line.<ref name="Media Statements 23 April 2024"/><ref>{{cite web |last1=Lopez |first1=Erick |last2=Dietsch |first2=Jake |title=Mayor questions name change on train line from Joondalup to Yanchep as opening date is revealed |url=https://www.perthnow.com.au/news/wa/mayor-questions-name-change-on-train-line-from-joondalup-to-yanchep-as-opening-date-is-revealed-c-14415615 |website=PerthNow |access-date=15 July 2024 |date=27 April 2024}}</ref>

==Future==
There are provisions for a special events station to serve [[Arena Joondalup]].<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Norman |last1=Moore |author-link1=Norman Moore (politician) |first2=Graham |last2=Kierath |author-link2=Graham Kierath |title=WA Australian Sports Centre Trust to take over ownership of the Arena Joondalup |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Court-Coalition-Government/WA-Australian-Sports-Centre-Trust-to-take-over-ownership-of-the-Arena-Joondalup-19961114 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=6 January 2024 |date=14 November 1996}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Structure Plan For Arena Joondalup Precinct |url=https://www.joondalup.wa.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Joondalup-City-Centre-Structure-Plan-Northern-Recreation-District-Arena-Precinct.pdf |website=City of Joondalup |access-date=6 January 2024 |page=12}}</ref>

The proposed East [[Wanneroo]] line is planned to link the [[Morley–Ellenbrook line]] to the Yanchep line near Clarkson station.<ref>{{cite web |title=Perth and Peel@3.5million: The Transport Network |url=https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/mediaFiles/projects/PROJ_P_Perth_Peel_3.5million_TransportNetwork.pdf |website=Department of Transport |access-date=15 July 2024 |pages=12, 14 |date=March 2018 |archive-date=15 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315162918/https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/mediaFiles/projects/PROJ_P_Perth_Peel_3.5million_TransportNetwork.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Description==
[[File:Mitchell Freeway 060 S Glendalough Leeder 2.jpg|thumb|The Yanchep line viewed from the [[Glendalough railway station|Glendalough station]] footbridge|alt=A railway line in a freeway median strip viewed from a footbridge]]

The Yanchep line was built with {{track gauge|1067mm|lk=on}} [[narrow gauge]] track.{{sfn|Northern Suburbs Transit System Master Plan|1989b|p=11}} Trains are powered by {{25 kV 50 Hz}} [[overhead line equipment]]{{sfn|Northern Suburbs Transit System Master Plan|1989b|p=14}} powered by three [[Traction substation|substations]] at Sutherland Street in [[West Perth, Western Australia|West Perth]], Edgewater, and Nowergup.<ref name="RAM" />{{rp|121–122}} The maximum speed is {{convert|110|km/h}} south of Currambine{{sfn|Northern Suburbs Transit System Master Plan|1989b|p=11}} and {{convert|130|km/h}} north of Currambine.<ref name="RAM"/> The line has used [[automatic train protection]] since it opened and is signalled to allow for headways as low as three minutes using [[fixed block signalling]].{{sfn|Northern Suburbs Transit System Master Plan|1989b|p=11}} As part of the High Capacity Signalling Project, the signalling system will be replaced by a [[moving block]] system using [[communications-based train control]] (CBTC), allowing for higher frequencies.<ref>{{cite web |title=High Capacity Signalling Fact Sheet |url=https://www.metronet.wa.gov.au/Portals/31/High%20Capacity%20Signalling%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf |website=Metronet |access-date=18 July 2023 |page=2 |archive-date=30 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330184800/https://metronet.wa.gov.au/Portals/31/High%20Capacity%20Signalling%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=METRONET: High Capacity Signalling |url=https://www.infrastructureaustralia.gov.au/map/metronet-high-capacity-signalling |website=Infrastructure Australia |access-date=18 July 2023 |archive-date=5 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230705085313/https://www.infrastructureaustralia.gov.au/map/metronet-high-capacity-signalling |url-status=live }}</ref> As of 2021, the CBTC system is planned to be implemented on the Joondalup and Mandurah lines by June 2029.<ref name="HCS SWTR">{{cite web |title=HCS SWTR Book 1 – Scope of Works DRAFT 01-09-21_Redacted |url=https://www.tenders.wa.gov.au/watenders/tender/display/tender-details.do?id=50712&action=display-tender-details&returnUrl=%2Ftender%2Fsearch%2Ftender-search.do%3FCSRFNONCE%3D2C8CC45A3E0537F33C62E60CB6DF5A30 |website=Tenders WA |access-date=20 January 2022 |date=30 September 2021 |pages=77, 79 |archive-date=20 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120061042/https://www.tenders.wa.gov.au/watenders/tender/display/tender-details.do?id=50712&action=display-tender-details&returnUrl=%2Ftender%2Fsearch%2Ftender-search.do%3FCSRFNONCE%3D2C8CC45A3E0537F33C62E60CB6DF5A30 |url-status=live }} Click Download Now, then Download for Information Only. Make sure HCS SWTR Book 1 – Scope of Works DRAFT 01-09-21_Redacted.pdf is selected, then click Download Documents.</ref>

===Route===
{{maplink|from=Transperth railway lines.map|frame=yes|frame-align=right|frame-width=250|frame-height=500|frame-lat=-31.75|frame-long=115.75|zoom=10|text=Transperth system map, with the Yanchep line in green}}

The Yanchep line runs from Perth Underground station in the south to Yanchep station in the north, a distance of {{convert|54.5|km}}. South of Perth Underground station, the line continues as the Mandurah line,<ref name="RAM"/> although trains in the {{convert|0.6|km|adj=on|1}} tunnel south of Perth Underground station to Elizabeth Quay station are considered to be part of the Yanchep line and Mandurah line simultaneously.<ref name="Zone map"/>

[[File:Mitchell Freeway 147 N Walter morning peak.jpg|thumb|left|The Yanchep line south of [[Warwick railway station, Perth|Warwick station]], February 2012|alt=A railway line in the median strip of a freeway viewed from a bridge]]

North of Perth Underground station, the tunnel curves westward,<ref>{{cite web |title=City Project Plan Map |url=http://www.newmetrorail.wa.gov.au/NMR/Documents/Plans/Other%20Plans/City%20Project%20Plan%20Map.jpg |website=New MetroRail |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070829021935/http://www.newmetrorail.wa.gov.au/NMR/Documents/Plans/Other%20Plans/City%20Project%20Plan%20Map.jpg |archive-date=29 August 2007 |date=August 2002}}</ref> passing under the Fremantle line tunnel by {{convert|1.2|m|ft|0}},<ref>{{cite web |last1=Acott |first1=Kent |title=Secrets of high-tech tunnel |url=https://thewest.com.au/news/wa/secrets-of-high-tech-tunnel-ng-ya-352484 |website=The West Australian |access-date=5 October 2024 |date=21 June 2013}}</ref> before surfacing parallel to the Fremantle line, {{convert|0.6|km|1}} from Perth Underground station.<ref name="RAM"/> After {{convert|0.3|km|1}}, the Yanchep line dives down to enter a short tunnel and bend north to pass under Roe Street and enter the freeway's median strip, where the line bends west again. The Yanchep line continues along the Mitchell Freeway for {{convert|23|km}} until it reaches [[Joondalup]]. There are seven stations along this section: Leederville, Glendalough, Stirling, Warwick, Greenwood, Whitfords, and Edgewater. South of Leederville and north of Whitfords stations are [[turnback siding]]s for trains to turn around.<ref name="RAM"/>

[[File:Joondalup rail tunnel under cinema from McLarty.jpg|thumb|left|The Yanchep line passing under [[Lakeside Joondalup]] Shopping Centre, September 2020|alt=A railway line entering a tunnel under a shopping centre]]

At Joondalup, the Yanchep line enters a short tunnel to pass under the southbound Mitchell Freeway carriageway for a {{convert|3.3|km|adj=on}} deviation from the freeway through Joondalup.<ref name="RAM"/> For this section, the line is in a cutting below ground level, passing under several local roads.{{sfn|Northern Suburbs Transit System Master Plan|1989b|p=2}} North of Joondalup station, the Yanchep line passes under the [[Lakeside Joondalup]] Shopping Centre<ref>{{cite web |title=Proposed extensions to Lakeside Joondalup Shopping Centre fronting Grand Boulevard and Boas Avenue on part of lot 504 Joondalup Drive – [08431] |url=https://www.joondalup.wa.gov.au/files/councilmeetings/2005/Additional%20Information%20151105.pdf |website=City of Joondalup |access-date=5 October 2024 |pages=2–3 |date=2005}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Pearce |first1=Yonnene |title=Cinemas had to screen out trains |work=The West Australian |date=7 June 2000 |page=56}}</ref> and bends west, passing under more roads. The line then bends north and enters a tunnel to pass under the southbound Mitchell Freeway carriageway to reach the freeway's median again.<ref name="RAM"/>

North of Joondalup, the Yanchep line has two stations in the freeway median: Currambine and Clarkson. North of Clarkson station is the Nowergup depot, which is between the two main lines. After {{convert|11|km}}, the Yanchep line exits the Mitchell Freeway median for the last time by passing under the northbound carriageway, to enter the residential suburb of [[Butler, Western Australia|Butler]]. The remaining {{convert|16|km}}<ref name="RAM"/> of the Yanchep line is largely within a cutting below ground level, passing through developing residential areas and [[bushland]].{{sfn|Yanchep Rail Extension Project Definition Plan|2018|p=20}} There are four stations: Butler, Alkimos, Eglinton, and Yanchep, where the line terminates. North of Yanchep station are tracks to stow trains.<ref name="RAM"/>

===Stations===
[[File:Perth Underground station interior.jpg|thumb|right|[[Perth Underground station]]|alt=Underground station concourse, with lifts and escalators down to platform level]]
[[File:Glendalough station platforms 01.jpg|thumb|right|[[Glendalough station]]|alt=Island railway platform with escalators going down and a metal shelter and glass side walls]]
[[File:Whitfords station from Whitfords Ave.jpg|thumb|right|[[Whitfords station]]|alt=Large concrete structure with buses over island platform]]
[[File:Joondalup stn overview.jpg|thumb|[[Joondalup station]]|alt=Island platform in a trench with retaining walls]]

The Yanchep line spans six fare zones.<ref name="Timetable"/> All stations on the Yanchep line are fully [[accessible]] except for [[Leederville railway station|Leederville]], [[Stirling railway station, Perth|Stirling]], and [[Edgewater railway station|Edgewater]] stations, which have [[platform gap]]s that are too large. Leederville station also has a ramp that is too steep.<ref>{{cite web |title=Stations & Maps |url=https://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/Using-Transperth/Station-Facilities/Stations-Maps?lid=3 |website=Transperth |access-date=12 July 2024}}</ref> All platforms are approximately {{convert|150|m}} long, allowing six-car trains to stop at all stations.

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
|+ {{sronly|List of stations}}
! rowspan="2" scope="col" class="unsortable" | Station
! colspan="2" scope="colgroup" | Distance from Perth<ref name="RAM">{{cite web |title=Manual – Rail Access |url=https://www.pta.wa.gov.au/Portals/15/AA_DOCUMENTS/About_us/Working%20with%20PTA/Safety%20resources/8800-400-001%20-%20Manual%20-%20Rail%20Access%20(RAM)%20(5).pdf |page=10–27 |website=Public Transport Authority |date=13 September 2024 |access-date=5 October 2024 }}</ref>
! rowspan="2" scope="col" | Fare zone<ref name="Zone map">{{cite web |title=Transperth Zone Map |url=https://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/Portals/0/Asset/Documents/Tickets%20&%20Fares/Transperth_zone_map.pdf |website=Transperth |access-date=5 October 2024}}</ref>
! rowspan="2" scope="col" class="unsortable" | Location
! rowspan="2" scope="col" | Opened
! rowspan="2" scope="col" class="unsortable" | Connections<ref name="Zone map"/><ref name="Timetable"/>
|-
! scope="col" | km
! scope="col" | mi
|-
! scope=row |[[Elizabeth Quay railway station|Elizabeth Quay]]
| -0.6
| -0.4
|1/{{abbr|FTZ|Free transit zone}}
|[[Perth (suburb)|Perth]]
|{{Date table sorting|15 October 2007}}<ref name="ABC News 15 October 2007"/>
|Bus at [[Elizabeth Quay Bus Station]]{{br}}Services continue on the [[Mandurah line]]
|-
! scope=row |[[Perth Underground railway station|Perth Underground]]
|0.0
|0.0
|1/{{abbr|FTZ|Free transit zone}}
|[[Perth (suburb)|Perth]]
|{{Date table sorting|15 October 2007}}<ref name="ABC News 15 October 2007"/>
|Bus at [[Perth Busport]]{{br}}''[[Australind (train)|Australind]]'', [[Airport line, Perth|Airport]], [[Armadale line|Armadale]], [[Fremantle line|Fremantle]], [[Midland line, Perth|Midland]] and [[Thornlie line|Thornlie]] lines
|-
! scope=row |[[Leederville railway station|Leederville]]
|2.4
|1.5
|1
|[[Leederville, Western Australia|Leederville]], [[West Leederville, Western Australia|West Leederville]]
|{{Date table sorting|20 December 1992}}<ref name="Media Statements 20 December 1992"/>
|Bus
|-
! scope=row |[[Glendalough railway station|Glendalough]]
|5.6
|3.5
|1
|[[Glendalough, Western Australia|Glendalough]], [[Osborne Park, Western Australia|Osborne Park]], [[Mount Hawthorn, Western Australia|Mount Hawthorn]]
|{{Date table sorting|21 February 1993}}<ref name="The West Australian 18 February 1993"/>
|Bus
|-
! scope=row |[[Stirling railway station, Perth|Stirling]]
|8.8
|5.5
|2
|[[Innaloo]], Osborne Park, [[Stirling, Western Australia|Stirling]]
|{{Date table sorting|21 February 1993}}<ref name="The West Australian 18 February 1993"/>
|Bus
|-
! scope=row |[[Warwick railway station, Perth|Warwick]]
|14.5
|9.0
|2
|[[Carine, Western Australia|Carine]], [[Duncraig, Western Australia|Duncraig]], [[Hamersley, Western Australia|Hamersley]], [[Warwick, Western Australia|Warwick]]
|{{Date table sorting|28 February 1993}}<ref name="The West Australian 25 February 1993"/>
|Bus
|-
! scope=row |[[Greenwood railway station|Greenwood]]
|17.7
|11.0
|2
|[[Duncraig, Western Australia|Duncraig]], [[Greenwood, Western Australia|Greenwood]], [[Kingsley, Western Australia|Kingsley]], [[Padbury, Western Australia|Padbury]]
|{{Date table sorting|29 January 2005}}<ref name="Media Statements 29 January 2005"/>
|
|-
! scope=row |[[Whitfords railway station|Whitfords]]
|19.8
|12.3
|3
|[[Craigie, Western Australia|Craigie]], Kingsley, Padbury, [[Woodvale, Western Australia|Woodvale]]
|{{Date table sorting|14 February 1993}}<ref name="The West Australian 11 February 1993"/>
|Bus
|-
! scope=row |[[Edgewater railway station|Edgewater]]
|22.9
|14.2
|3
|[[Edgewater, Western Australia|Edgewater]], [[Heathridge]]
|{{Date table sorting|20 December 1992}}<ref name="Media Statements 20 December 1992"/>
|
|-
! scope=row |[[Joondalup railway station|Joondalup]]
|26.2
|16.3
|3
|[[Joondalup, Western Australia|Joondalup]]
|{{Date table sorting|20 December 1992}}<ref name="Media Statements 20 December 1992"/>
|Bus
|-
! scope=row |[[Currambine railway station|Currambine]]
|29.2
|18.1
|4
|[[Currambine, Western Australia|Currambine]], [[Joondalup]]
|{{Date table sorting|8 August 1993}}<ref name="Media Statements 8 August 1993"/>
|
|-
! scope=row |[[Clarkson railway station, Perth|Clarkson]]
|33.2
|20.6
|4
|[[Clarkson, Western Australia|Clarkson]]
|{{Date table sorting|4 October 2004}}<ref name="Media Statements 4 October 2004"/>
|Bus
|-
! scope=row |[[Butler railway station|Butler]]
|40.7
|25.3
|5
|[[Butler, Western Australia|Butler]]
|{{Date table sorting|21 September 2014}}<ref name="WAtoday 21 September 2014"/>
|Bus
|-
! scope=row |[[Alkimos railway station|Alkimos]]
|43.0
|26.7
|5
|[[Alkimos, Western Australia|Alkimos]]
|{{Date table sorting|14 July 2024}}<ref name="The West Australian 14 July 2024"/>
|Bus
|-
! scope=row |[[Eglinton railway station, Perth|Eglinton]]
|46.7
|29.0
|5
|[[Eglinton, Western Australia|Eglinton]]
|{{Date table sorting|14 July 2024}}<ref name="The West Australian 14 July 2024"/>
|Bus
|-
! scope=row |[[Yanchep railway station|Yanchep]]
|54.5
|33.9
|6
|[[Yanchep]]
|{{Date table sorting|14 July 2024}}<ref name="The West Australian 14 July 2024"/>
|Bus
|}

==Service==
Yanchep line train headways reach as low as five minutes during peak, increasing to fifteen minutes outside peak and on weekends, and half-an-hour to an hour at night. During peak, some services terminate at or commence from Whitfords or Clarkson stations. Travel time from Yanchep to Perth Underground is 49 minutes. Trains commence at around 4:30{{nbsp}}am to 5:30{{nbsp}}am and end at around 1{{nbsp}}am to 2{{nbsp}}am, with later trains on weekends.<ref name="Timetable">{{cite web |title=Yanchep Line Train Timetable |url=https://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/Portals/0/Yanchep%20Line%20Timetables/Yanchep%20Line%2020240715.pdf |website=Transperth |access-date=15 July 2024 |date=15 July 2024}}</ref>

===Rolling stock===
[[File:Joondalup Line north of Benedin Avenue bridge 02.jpg|thumb|right|[[Transperth B-series train]] south of Butler station|alt=Electric passenger train viewed from bridge]]
[[File:Transperth C-series train south of Joondalup Station, October 2024 02.jpg|thumb|[[Transperth C-series train]] south of Joondalup station|alt=Electric passenger train viewed from a bridge]]

[[Transperth B-series train]]s and [[Transperth C-series train|C-series train]]s run on the Yanchep line. The B-series trains are three cars long each, and are typically coupled together to form six car sets. These trains have a maximum speed of {{convert|130|km/h}}, and have two doors on each side per car.<ref name="Media Statement 12 May 2002"/> The C-series trains are six cars long, have a maximum speed of {{convert|130|km/h}}, and have three doors on each side per car, which help reduce dwell times at stations compared to the B-series, making 18 trains per hour possible.<ref name="WA Railcar Program PDP"/> Previously, there were [[Transperth A-series train]]s operating on the line. These trains are two cars long, typically coupled together to form four car sets, have a maximum speed of {{convert|110|km/h}}, and have two doors on each side per car. As more B-series trains were delivered, A-series trains were moved from the Joondalup and Mandurah lines to the other lines on the network.<ref name="Media Statements 4 June 2009"/> The C-series trains entered service on 8 April 2024.<ref name="The West Australian 19 March 2024"/><ref name="Media Statements 19 March 2024"/> The B-series trains will be gradually transferred onto the other lines to replace A-series trains.<ref name="WA Railcar Program PDP">{{cite web |title=WA Railcar Program Project Definition Plan |url=https://www.metronet.wa.gov.au/Portals/31/Project%20Documents/Railcars/Railcar%20Project%20Definition%20Plan%20.pdf |website=Metronet |access-date=18 January 2022 |date=December 2018 |archive-date=18 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118183225/https://www.metronet.wa.gov.au/Portals/31/Project%20Documents/Railcars/Railcar%20Project%20Definition%20Plan%20.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=WA Railcar Program |url=https://www.metronet.wa.gov.au/projects/wa-railcar-program |website=Metronet |access-date=18 January 2022 |archive-date=18 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118183206/https://www.metronet.wa.gov.au/projects/wa-railcar-program |url-status=live }}</ref> By about 2031, all trains on the Yanchep line will be C-series trains.<ref name="HCS SWTR" />{{rp|79}}

In May 2002, the government signed a contract with [[Downer Rail|EDI Rail]]–[[Bombardier Transportation]] for the delivery and maintenance of 31 three car B-series trains, and the construction of the Nowergup depot.<ref name="Media Statement 12 May 2002">{{cite web |title=Railcar contract seals railway commitment |url=https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/Gallop/2002/05/Railcar-contract-seals-railway-commitment.aspx |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=18 January 2022 |date=12 May 2002 |archive-date=18 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118151147/https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/Gallop/2002/05/Railcar-contract-seals-railway-commitment.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> In December 2006, the government signed another contract for 15 more three car B-series trains.<ref>{{cite web |title=More trains for Perth's transport system |url=https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/Carpenter/2006/09/More-trains-for-Perth%27s-transport-system.aspx |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=18 January 2022 |date=19 September 2006 |archive-date=18 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118150332/https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/Carpenter/2006/09/More-trains-for-Perth%27s-transport-system.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=WA Government secures new railcars |url=https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/Carpenter/2006/12/WA-Government-secures-new-railcars.aspx |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=18 January 2022 |date=22 September 2006 |archive-date=18 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118151141/https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/Carpenter/2006/12/WA-Government-secures-new-railcars.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> The first of these additional railcars were delivered in 2009, allowing several A-series trains to be moved from the Joondalup and Mandurah lines to other lines on the network, and for frequencies to increase on most lines, including the Joondalup line.<ref name="Media Statements 4 June 2009">{{cite web |title=Timetables change as train capacity boosted |url=https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/Barnett/2009/06/Timetables-change-as-train-capacity-boosted.aspx |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=18 January 2022 |date=4 June 2009 |archive-date=18 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118183058/https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/Barnett/2009/06/Timetables-change-as-train-capacity-boosted.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> In July 2011,<ref name="Rail Journal 6 November 2013"/> the government ordered 15 more three car B-series trains.<ref>{{cite web |title=State Budget 2011–12: Supporting our Community; Building the State (Transport) – Massive injection to build WA's road, rail and bus networks |url=https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/Barnett/2011/05/State-Budget-2011-12-Massive-injection-to-build-WAs-transport-networks.aspx |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=18 January 2022 |date=19 May 2011 |archive-date=18 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118150336/https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/Barnett/2011/05/State-Budget-2011-12-Massive-injection-to-build-WAs-transport-networks.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=State Budget 2011–12: Building the State – Funding for new railcars for Perth's growing transport system |url=https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/Barnett/2011/05/State-Budget-2011-12--Building-the-State---Funding-for-new-railcars-for-Perth%E2%80%99s-growing-transport-system.aspx |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=18 January 2022 |date=23 May 2011 |archive-date=18 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118183027/https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/Barnett/2011/05/State-Budget-2011-12--Building-the-State---Funding-for-new-railcars-for-Perth%E2%80%99s-growing-transport-system.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> In August 2012, this order was increased by two, to cater for the opening of Aubin Grove station on the Mandurah line. In November 2012, this order was increased by five, bringing the total order to 22 three car trains.<ref name="Rail Journal 6 November 2013">{{cite web |last1=Carter |first1=Mark |title=Perth grapples with growth and funding challenges |url=https://www.railjournal.com/in_depth/perth-grapples-with-growth-and-funding-challenges |website=International Railway Journal |access-date=18 January 2022 |date=6 November 2013 |archive-date=28 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928093553/https://www.railjournal.com/in_depth/perth-grapples-with-growth-and-funding-challenges/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Media Statement 4 November 2012">{{cite web |title=More rail cars for Perth transport system |url=https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/Barnett/2012/11/More-rail-cars-for-Perth-transport-system.aspx |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=18 January 2022 |date=4 November 2012 |archive-date=19 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119000121/https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/Barnett/2012/11/More-rail-cars-for-Perth-transport-system.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> By the final delivery from that order, all trains operating on the Joondalup and Mandurah lines were B-series trains.<ref name="Media Statement 4 November 2012"/> In December 2019, the government signed a contract with [[Alstom]] for the construction of 41 six car C-series trains.<ref>{{cite web |title=Historic contract signed for WA-made METRONET railcars |url=https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/McGowan/2019/12/Historic-contract-signed-for-WA-made-METRONET-railcars.aspx |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=20 January 2022 |date=10 December 2019 |archive-date=20 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120061045/https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/McGowan/2019/12/Historic-contract-signed-for-WA-made-METRONET-railcars.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> These trains are expected to enter service on 8 April 2024.<ref name="The West Australian 19 March 2024">{{cite web |last1=Zimmerman |first1=Josh |title=C-series Metronet train due to enter service next month |url=https://thewest.com.au/politics/state-politics/c-series-metronet-train-due-to-enter-service-next-month-c-13990378 |website=The West Australian |access-date=19 March 2024 |date=19 March 2024 |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref name="Media Statements 19 March 2024">{{cite press release |first1=Rita |last1=Saffioti |title=All aboard! First METRONET C-series train ready for passengers |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Cook-Labor-Government/All-aboard!-First-METRONET-C-series-train-ready-for-passengers-20240318 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=19 March 2024 |date=19 March 2024}}</ref>

Most trains on the Yanchep line are stored and cleaned at Nowergup depot. There is also Mandurah depot on the southern end of the Mandurah line, which can store and clean a smaller number of trains. Maintenance occurs at Nowergup depot.{{cn|date=January 2022}}

===Patronage===
By the Yanchep line's 30th anniversary on 20 December 2022, over 381{{nbsp}}million trips had been made on the line.<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Rita |last1=Saffioti |title=Joondalup Line celebrates 30 years of train services |url=https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/McGowan-Labor-Government/Joondalup-Line-celebrates-30-years-of-train-services-20221220 |publisher=Government of Western Australia |access-date=5 January 2024 |date=20 December 2022}}</ref> In the year preceding June 2024, there were 16,135,201 boardings on the Yanchep line, making it the second busiest line in the Transperth system, behind the Mandurah line.<ref name="Patronage"/>

{{Div flex row| align-items=center}}
{| class="wikitable sortable" align="center" style="white-space:nowrap; text-align:center;"
|+  Yanchep line annual patronage<ref name="Patronage">{{cite web |title=Transport performance |url=https://www.pta.wa.gov.au/about-us/priorities-and-performance/transport-performance#Joondalup-Line-36 |website=Public Transport Authority |access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref>
! Year !! Patronage !! {{Abbr|±%|Percent change}}
|-
| 2010–11 || 15,611,836 || —
|-
| 2011–12 || 16,700,234 || {{change|15,611,836|16,700,234|disp=out}}
|-
| 2012–13 || 17,449,891 || {{change|16,700,234|17,449,891|disp=out}}
|-
| 2013–14 || 16,897,361 || {{change|17,449,891|16,897,361|disp=out}}
|-
| 2014–15 || 17,105,797 || {{change|16,897,361|17,105,797|disp=out}}
|-
| 2015–16 || 16,917,029 || {{change|17,105,797|16,917,029|disp=out}}
|-
| 2016–17 || 16,658,559 || {{change|16,917,029|16,658,559|disp=out}}
|-
| 2017–18 || 16,477,387 || {{change|16,658,559|16,477,387|disp=out}}
|-
| 2018–19 || 16,531,788 || {{change|16,477,387|16,531,788|disp=out}}
|-
| 2019–20 || 13,374,710 || {{change|16,531,788|13,374,710|disp=out}}
|-
| 2020–21 || 11,885,779 || {{change|13,374,710|11,885,779|disp=out}}
|-
| 2021–22 || 11,752,572 || {{change|11,885,779|11,752,572|disp=out}}
|-
| 2022–23 || 14,045,991 || {{change|11,752,572|14,045,991|disp=out}}
|-
| 2023–24 || 16,135,201 || {{change|14,045,991|16,135,201|disp=out}}
|}
{{Graph:Chart|width=200|height=150|colors=#{{rcr|Transperth|Joondalup}}|type=rect
|xAxisAngle=-45
|xAxisTitle=Financial year
|x=2010–11, 2011–12, 2012–13, 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2018–19, 2019–20, 2020–21, 2021–22, 2022–23, 2023–24
|yAxisTitle=Patronage
|yAxisFormat=s |yGrid=
|y=15611836, 16700234, 17449891, 16897361, 17105797, 16917029, 16658559, 16477387, 16531788, 13374710, 11885779, 11752572, 14045991, 16135201
}}
{{Div flex row end}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

===Sources===
* {{cite book |author1=Travers Morgan |author2=Pak Poy and Kneebone |author3=Blackwell and Associates |author4=Uloth and Associates |title=Public Transport for Perth's Northern Suburbs: A Summary of the Northern Suburbs Rapid Transit Study |date=September 1988 |ref={{harvid|Summary of the Northern Suburbs Rapid Transit Study|1988}}}}
* {{cite book |last1=Newman |first1=Peter |last2=Howard |first2=David F. |last3=Vuchic |first3=Vukan |author1-link=Peter Newman (environmental scientist) |author3-link=Vukan R. Vuchic |title=A Review of Northern Suburbs Rapid Transit Options: Report of Expert Panel |date=October 1988}}
* {{cite book |author1=Urban Rail Electrification Steering Committee |title=Northern Suburbs Transit System: Transport Study Report |date=May 1989 |ref={{harvid|Urban Rail Electrification Steering Committee|1989a}}}}
* {{cite book |author1=Urban Rail Electrification Steering Committee |title=Northern Suburbs Transit System: Perth – Joondalup Railway: Master Plan Executive Summary |url=https://archive.sro.wa.gov.au/uploads/r/srowa/a/1/8/a1826bd403c65f32c96482e7da5f0d534004aad6ddd8487b3ae7fe8a943937ab/SROWA-series1228-cons6150-item24360.pdf |via=State Records Office of Western Australia |ref={{harvid|Northern Suburbs Transit System Master Plan|1989b}} |date=November 1989}}
* {{cite book |author1=Urban Rail Electrification Steering Committee |title=Northern Suburbs Transit System: Perth – Joondalup Railway: Progress Summary |date=June 1991 |ref={{harvid|Northern Suburbs Transit System Progress Summary|1991}}}}
* {{cite web |title=Northern Suburbs Transit System – Currambine to Butler Extension – Interim Master Plan |url=http://www.newmetrorail.wa.gov.au/NMR/Documents/Plans/NSTS/NSTS%20-%20Currambine%20to%20Butler%20Extension%20-%20Complete.zip |website=New MetroRail |ref={{harvid|Currambine to Butler Extension Master Plan|2000}} |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070829024658/http://www.newmetrorail.wa.gov.au/NMR/Documents/Plans/NSTS/NSTS%20-%20Currambine%20to%20Butler%20Extension%20-%20Complete.zip |archive-date=29 August 2007 |date=June 2000 |url-status=dead |isbn=978-0-7307-2407-0}}
* {{cite web |title=Perth Urban Rail Development Project – Supplementary Master Plan |url=http://www.newmetrorail.wa.gov.au/NMR/Documents/Plans/Master%20Plan/PURD%20MP%20-%20200208%20-%20Supplementary.pdf |website=New MetroRail |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070829024413/http://www.newmetrorail.wa.gov.au/NMR/Documents/Plans/Master%20Plan/PURD%20MP%20-%20200208%20-%20Supplementary.pdf |archive-date=29 August 2007 |date=August 2002 |isbn=978-0-7307-2426-1 |ref={{harvid|Perth Urban Rail Development Project – Supplementary Master Plan|2002}}}}
* {{cite book |last1=Longhurst |first1=Derek |title=48 months, 48 minutes: Building the Perth to Mandurah Railway |date=2008 |publisher=Rawlhouse Publishing |isbn=978-0-9587406-8-5 }}
* {{cite web |title=Yanchep Rail Extension Project Definition Plan |url=https://www.metronet.wa.gov.au/Portals/31/Project%20Documents/Yanchep%20Rail%20Extension/Yanchep%20Rail%20Extension%20PDP%20Summary%20-%20web%20version.pdf |website=Metronet |access-date=8 January 2024 |date=June 2018 |ref={{harvid|Yanchep Rail Extension Project Definition Plan|2018}}}}

==Further reading==
{{commons}}

* {{cite news |last1=Dowling |first1=Neil |title=Joondalup Railway |work=The Sunday Times |date=21 March 1993 |pages=48–53}}
* {{cite AV media |title=Fastrak North |medium=Video |publisher=Transperth |date=1993 |url=https://encore.slwa.wa.gov.au/iii/encore/record/C__Rb7359685 |via=State Library of Western Australia}}

===Conferences===
* {{cite conference |last1=Evans |first1=E. P. |last2=Santillo |first2=P. |last3=Wyche |first3=P. J. |title=Innovative bridge designs for architecturally constrained situations |conference=Austroads Bridge Conference |date=1991 |pages=223–236 |url=https://railknowledgebank.com/Presto/content/GetDoc.axd?ctID=MjE1ZTI4YzctZjc1YS00MzQ4LTkyY2UtMDJmNTgxYjg2ZDA5&rID=NTk3NQ==&pID=MTQ3Ng==&attchmnt=True |via=Rail Knowledge Bank}}
* {{cite conference |last1=Martinovich |first1=M. Peter |date=21 July 1992 |title=Northern Suburbs Transit System: Background and Technical Aspects Considered in the Planning and Design of the Rail Spine |conference=Ninth International Rail Track Conference |url=https://railknowledgebank.com/Presto/content/GetDoc.axd?ctID=MTk4MTRjNDUtNWQ0My00OTBmLTllYWUtZWFjM2U2OTE0ZDY3&rID=NjM4Nw==&pID=Nzkx&attchmnt=True |via=Rail Knowledge Bank}}
* {{cite conference |last1=Martinovich |first1=M. Peter |title=The design, construction and experience of slab track in the Roe Street tunnel |conference=Tenth International Rail Track Conference |date=12–14 September 1994 |pages=325–333 |url=https://railknowledgebank.com/Presto/content/GetDoc.axd?ctID=MTk4MTRjNDUtNWQ0My00OTBmLTllYWUtZWFjM2U2OTE0ZDY3&rID=NjQyMA==&pID=Nzkx&attchmnt=True |via=Rail Knowledge Bank}}
* {{cite web |last1=McDougall |first1=William R. T. |last2=Piotrowski |first2=Steven M. |title=The Perth Northern Suburbs Railway – Transport Reform in Action? |url=https://australasiantransportresearchforum.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/1994_McDougall_Piotrowski.pdf |website=Australasian Transport Research Forum |date=1994 |pages=333–345}}

===Journal articles===
* {{cite journal |last1=Alexander |first1=Ian |author-link1=Ian Alexander (politician) |last2=Houghton |first2=Stewart |date=1994 |title=New Investment in Urban Public Transport: 1: The Northern Suburbs railway in Perth |journal=Australian Planner |volume=32 |issue=1 |pages=7–11 |doi=10.1080/07293682.1994.9657648}}
* {{cite journal |last1=Alexander |first1=Ian |last2=Houghton |first2=Stewart |date=1995 |title=New Investment in Urban Public Transport II: Evaluation of the Northern Suburbs railway in Perth |journal=Australian Planner |volume=32 |issue=2 |pages=82–87 |doi=10.1080/07293682.1995.9657666}}

{{Perth public transport}}
{{Public Transport Authority of Western Australia railway stations|Yanchep=y}}
{{Railway lines in Western Australia}}

[[Category:Yanchep line| ]]
[[Category:Transperth railway lines]]
[[Category:Railway lines opened in 1992]]
[[Category:3 ft 6 in gauge railways in Australia]]
[[Category:Railway lines in highway medians]]
[[Category:25 kV AC railway electrification]]