Bus services in the southeast region of Perth will significantly expand with the introduction of additional routes and buses, coinciding with the opening of the METRONET Byford Rail Extension on October 13, 2023. As part of this initiative, ten new buses and nearly 500,000 annual bus service kilometers will be integrated into the public transport network to enhance connectivity to the new Byford Station.
New Routes and Increased Frequencies
The upgraded bus network will feature six new routes connecting to Byford Station, which is part of the outer section of the Armadale Line set to open next month. In addition to these new routes, there will be improvements to existing bus services, including increased frequencies during peak and off-peak hours, as well as on weekends for residents in Byford, Whitby, and Mundijong.
Students attending local high schools, including Armadale Senior High School, Byford Secondary College, Court Grammar School, and Salvado Catholic College, will benefit from the enhanced bus capacity. The feeder network for the reopened Armadale Station will also see modifications, with the introduction of new route 246 to serve the expanding suburb of Hilbert. Existing routes 244 and 250 will be adjusted to better accommodate residents in Haynes and Hilbert, while route 249 will receive a weekday off-peak service upgrade.
This announcement follows a community consultation period that took place from May 26 to June 16, 2023. Residents can now begin planning their journeys with the updated bus routes and timetables available on the Transperth website.
Government Commitment to Public Transport
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti emphasized the importance of the METRONET initiative, stating, “METRONET is more than just tracks and trains – it’s about creating an integrated, efficient public transport network. The opening of the Byford Rail Extension will see ten additional buses and almost 500,000 extra bus kilometers added to our network, making public transport more accessible for locals.” She encouraged the community to familiarize themselves with the updated routes ahead of the station’s opening.
Local MLA Dr. Tony Buti described the METRONET Byford Rail Extension as a transformative project for the area, asserting that the enhanced bus networks will encourage greater use of the new stations. “I know there is a lot of anticipation in the community, and in less than a month, people will be able to use the incredible new Armadale Station for the first time,” he stated.
Another MLA, Hugh Jones, expressed enthusiasm about the improvements for residents in Byford, Mundijong, and Jarrahdale. “Not only is our government delivering Byford’s first METRONET train station – we’re delivering a big uplift to the bus network to ensure people can move around our community and connect to the train line when it opens,” he commented.
Yaz Mubarakai, MLA for Oakford, highlighted the benefits for the growing community of Hilbert, noting, “Today’s announcement of a new bus network is a fantastic outcome for the people of Hilbert in the fast-growing southeast corridor of Perth. This will provide our community with greater access to more affordable and reliable public transport with increased frequency and wider coverage.” He expressed particular delight for Hilbert residents, who will receive bus services for the first time.
The METRONET Byford Rail Extension, alongside the improved bus network, marks a significant step toward enhancing public transportation options for Perth’s southeast communities. With the opening date fast approaching, residents eagerly anticipate the benefits these changes will bring to their daily commutes.
