The Western Australian Premier, Colin Barnett has unveiled details of the proposed route for a new light rail system to be called Metro Area Express or MAX.

 

The rail will link Mirrabooka with the CBD via Alexander Drive and Fitzgerald Street.

 

Construction is expected to start in 2016, after the planning and design process is completed.   The first phase of the system, which also extends east-west through the CBD to the QEII Medical Centre and the Causeway, is scheduled to be operational by 2018.

 

The WA Government has committed $11.8million to the planning phase of the project, which will include extensive community consultation and feasibility, engineering and design studies.

 

This funding will be channelled into public transport corridors that are unable to meet current and future demand.

         

Federal funding of $4million has been contributed to date, and Mr Barnett said future funding options would be assessed, with the potential for further Federal and State Government funding and private investment.