First birthday for Butler train extension

Today, Butler Station is on track to mark 600,000 boardings since it opened a year ago.

The project opened on September 21 last year, several months ahead of schedule and $20 million under budget.

Transport Minister Dean Nalder said the 7.5 kilometre, $221 million extension to the Joondalup Line was continuing its initial success, after achieving its patronage goal of 2,000 daily boardings nine days after opening.

Since then, patronage has remained steady, with weekday boardings now averaging slightly more than 2,000.

"This accomplishment validates our significant investment in the growing northern suburbs, which is being complemented by the $261.4 million Mitchell Freeway extension from Burns Beach Road to Hester Avenue, due for completion by mid-2017," Mr Nalder said.

"It's all part of our integrated transport solution for the northern suburbs."

The Minister said the Butler extension had done more than just reduce pressure on other Joondalup Line stations.

"Transperth data shows this station has also encouraged new users on to public transport and away from their cars," he said.

"In August 2014, all bus and train services in the Clarkson, Butler and Yanchep catchment recorded an average of 9,496 daily boardings.

"In August 2015, that number was up 13 per cent, at 10,759."

The $29.5 million Edgewater Station multi‑storey car park, which is due to be completed by the end of 2016, will continue to build on the State Government's commitment to smart transport solutions in the northern suburbs.

Fact File

• In August 2015, Butler Station had an average of 2,022 boardings per weekday
• When Edgewater Station car park is complete, the station will have 1,450 car bays
• Butler Station is connected to a shared cycling and pedestrian path, features parking for dozens of bikes and has more than 930 car bays