Ellenbrook Line: Almost 4500 ride new service on day one, but hot weather prompts delay warning

Commuters on Perth’s newest train line have been warned of further delays in coming days with hot weather, but Transport Minister Rita Saffioti has celebrated positive patronage numbers.

Despite delays over the first two days on the line stemming from separate police incidents and a technical issue on Monday morning, Ms Saffioti said there had been a heartwarming response from Ellenbrook locals, with almost 4500 boarding the line on day one.

The Ellenbrook station at the end of the line proved the most popular, recording more than 2000 boardings on the first day of operations, while Whiteman Park — near the populous Brabham estate — saw 820 passengers tag on.

Ballajura (660) had the third most while the remaining stations on the line, Morley and Noranda, recorded 576 and 328 boardings respectively.

But trains on the Ellenbrook line — as well as the Midland and Airport lines — had to be cancelled on Tuesday morning due to a police incident in Maylands, with the Public Transport Authority offering replacement bus options to get commuters into the city.

The first day of operations was also hit by teething issues, with services delayed in the morning by a technical problem and a police incident in the city in the afternoon rush.

Perth’s hot weather for the rest of the week — including a top of 39 degrees on Wednesday — is set to see further delays due to speed reductions on trains.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said she rode the train on Monday morning and saw “so much activity on the first day”.

“We’re really pleased with the initial numbers we have from the first day of operations, with the Ellenbrook Station already sitting in the top third of patronage at stations across the network,” she said.

“What was particularly heartwarming was the excitement in the air and sense of anticipation amongst commuters at being able to catch a train from their suburb to get to work or school.

“Of course, this is only the first week of operations and we expect these patronage numbers will only continue to climb as this corridor continues to expand and people familiarise themselves with the new services.”