LIGHT rail is being considered as a transport option for new suburbs in Perth’s rapidly expanding northern corridor, according to Curtin University of Technology professor of sustainability Peter Newman.
He said although it was still a long way off, he had been working on the feasibility of light rail from Curtin to the University of WA and was looking at possible options farther north.
“I have been talking to Satterley (Property Group) about light rail in the northern suburbs but it is in the very early stages,” Prof Newman said.
“We are talking about a possible ‘figure of eight’ track configuration centring on the new Butler station.”
Prof Newman said light rail was the catalyst for building “little cities” along its route, which fitted in well with the development model for the northern corridor.
The Government committed to extending the northern rail line to Butler in the recent State Budget. The Pubic Transport Authority also commissioned a study into the viability of taking the line all the way to Yanchep, alongside other transport and related infrastructure needs.
Prof Newman, who has just completed a study on delivering the next phase of public transport across Perth, said it was “historic” that a Liberal-National government had allocated funds to extend the railway line to Butler.
“I have been working for 30 years trying to rebuild the rail system but it has all been done by Labor governments,” he said.
Satterley declined to comment.