The Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC) will transform into a major pop-up bus station to help commuters get around when the Mandurah Train Line closes for 20 days to facilitate major works on the METRONET Thornlie-Cockburn Link.
The Mandurah Line will temporarily close between Aubin Grove and Elizabeth Quay stations from first service on December 26 until last service on Friday January 14.
Trains will continue to operate on a reduced schedule between Aubin Grove and Mandurah.
Express replacement bus services will run from Aubin Grove, Cockburn Central, Murdoch and Bull Creek Stations to a pop-up bus station in the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The pop-up station will have five bus stands, 170 metres of bus platform and can have around 60 buses using the temporary space at any one time.
During the peak of the shutdown it is estimated there will be 940 bus movements every day through the station.
An all-stop bus service will run between Aubin Grove and Canning Bridge Stations, extending to PCEC after the evening peak. Passengers travelling between Canning Bridge and Perth before peak should use the frequent timetabled services operating from this station.
To assist health care workers at Fiona Stanley Hospital, train replacement bus services will travel via the hospital picking up and dropping off at bus stops on Barry Marshall Parade.
Since announcing the closure in June, the Public Transport Authority has surveyed over 4,500 passengers who use the Mandurah Line daily to see how to best target replacement services.
A comprehensive advertising campaign has been rolled out highlighting the shutdown and the replacement services available, including specialised services for key workers, such as Fiona Stanley Hospital.
The temporary closure will allow essential construction work connecting METRONET’s Thornlie-Cockburn Link to the Mandurah Line including earthworks and track construction, laying new track, constructing electrical overhead masts and wires, and testing.
The Thornlie-Cockburn Link will be Perth’s first east-west rail connection, creating jobs, supporting growth and development, easing congestion and creating better transport to Perth Stadium.
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
“We know the Mandurah Line shutdown will be disruptive and inconvenient for many people and we apologise in advance for this.
“Since announcing the temporary closure in June, the PTA have surveyed more than 4,500 Mandurah Line passengers to see how we can target replacement services that best suit them.
“Based on this passenger, community and business feedback, we have put in place comprehensive alternative arrangements for public transport users with buses to replace the train line and transport people into the Perth CBD, including specialised services for key workers, such as Fiona Stanley Hospital.
“The team has done a remarkable job pulling together a pop-up bus station and I would like to say a big thank you to everyone for their hard work – particularly to the bus drivers who will be keeping everyone moving.
“I encourage commuters to plan ahead by visiting the Transperth website and app and leave additional time for their journey.
“While this will cause some inconvenience, it is a major step forward for the METRONET Thornlie-Cockburn Link, which will provide travel options for thousands more people in our southern suburbs.”
Additional information:
The following buses will run express to the Perth Exhibition and Convention Centre:
- Route 949 from Aubin Grove Station
- Route 939 from Cockburn Central
- Route 929 from Murdoch Station
- Route 919 from Bull Creek Station
A video outlining what works are being undertaken is available here: Mandurah Line Shutdown preparations well underway – METRONET
