Midland Line Closure Disrupts Commuters Day After New Station Opening
Perth's Midland Line experienced a temporary closure between Bassendean and Midland on Monday morning, causing significant disruption for commuters. The incident, attributed to a technical issue, occurred just one day after the official opening of the new Metronet Midland Station.
The disruption occurred at 7:45 AM and the line was operational by 9:00 AM, necessitating the use of replacement buses for commuters.
A Public Transport Authority spokesperson confirmed the shutdown was due to a network control issue.
Political Reaction and Official Response
The timing of the incident drew immediate criticism. Shadow transport minister Steve Martin referred to the closure as an "embarrassment" for Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti and Premier Roger Cook, linking it to the recent station opening. The article notes there is no evidence the opening was rushed.
State Government Minister Reece Whitby issued an apology for the inconvenience caused to travelers. He clarified that the issue was operational, involving the Prospector Train, and was not related to the new station or its infrastructure. Whitby described the event as a "minor incident."
Commuter Impact
Despite the official characterization, commuters reported considerable frustration. Local councillor Ian Johnson was among those who expressed disappointment regarding the service disruption and significant delays. Approximately 100 people were observed waiting for replacement buses, highlighting the immediate impact on morning travel.
Broader Context: Metronet Program
This incident unfolds against the backdrop of the Metronet program, a major public transport investment in Perth. The program has seen substantial deliverables, including:
- 23 new stations
- 72km of additional track
- Removal of 15 level crossings
However, Metronet has also faced scrutiny due to budget increases and project delays. A notable example is the Northern line extension, where costs escalated from an initial $386 million to $1.37 billion. The estimated final cost for the entire Metronet program is now over $12.5 billion.