<span class="" id="parent-fieldname-description"> With campaigning in the Western Australian state election heating up, public transport is set to take centre stage as the WA Liberals commit to the previously announced MAX light rail project and promise to build a Perth airport rail link by 2018. </span> <p>Brushing aside recent doubts as to whether the previously announced Metro Area Express (MAX) light rail project serving the Perth CBD would go, WA treasurer and transport minister Troy Buswell reaffirmed light rail is a key part of a Liberal Government’s plan to build Perth’s future public transport system.</p><p>“A Liberal Government is committed to future proofing Perth’s transport system by taking it into a new era with an innovative light rail system,” Buswell said.</p><p>“The $1.8bn MAX light rail system will connect our inner northern suburbs to the city and beyond, reducing congestion and changing the face of Perth’s public transport system forever.”</p><p>The MAX network will be about 22km long and connect the CBD to North Perth, Mount Lawley, Dianella, Morley, Mirrabooka, Nedlands and Victoria Park. It is estimated, by 2020, that up to 25,000 people a day will travel on the high frequency state-of-the art service in the Northern corridor alone.</p><p>“Light rail has been assessed as the most suitable option in these areas as it can move many more people in one lane than any number of buses and cars,” Buswell said.</p><p>According to Buswell, a re-elected Liberal Government will aim to start construction in 2016, with the line scheduled to be operational by the end of 2018.</p><p>However, the Council of the City of Perth has expressed some concern over the proposals saying it will continue to reason strongly against plans to route the proposed light rail through the Hay and Murray Street Malls.</p><p>“Light rail promises to be a major asset for Perth at large, but we want the Government to respect advice from the City and its stakeholders&hellip&hellip,” lord mayor Lisa Scaffidi said.</p><p>“The malls are too narrow to accommodate light rail infrastructure and access to stores would be seriously impeded. And that’s not to mention safety of pedestrians in what is a heavily used shopping hub.</p><p>“Building a light rail system through the heart of the CBD would cause serious disruption to traders and city visitors for an extended period.”</p><p><strong>Perth airport link on the agenda for both parties</strong></p><p>The Liberal Party has countered proposals from WA Labor to build a Perth airport link, now putting forward its own alternative proposal.</p><p>Premier Colin Barnett said the Perth Airport rail link would be built for Western Australia’s future, offering public transport to travellers and opening up transport options to residents in the eastern suburbs. </p><p>“Our airport line will take Western Australians and tourists straight to the door step of the airport terminal, delivering maximum convenience and cost savings for travellers,” Barnett said. </p><p>“But importantly, residents east of the airport will benefit from a public transport rail option into the city and the rail line will also service businesses at the proposed Perth airport business and industrial park.” </p><p>Buswell said the fully costed $1.895bn rail link (including new rail cars) would have three stations, 3000 parking bays and be built by 2018. </p><p>“Trains are expected to run at least every 10 minutes at peak times and will integrate with services on the existing Midland line, resulting in increased train frequencies between Bayswater and Perth,” he said.</p><p>The planned rail alignment branches off the Midland line at Bayswater station, to the future consolidated Perth Airport terminal, with stations west and east of the airport as well as beneath the main terminal.</p>
