Connectivity
Transport connectivity dominates this topic — specifically the long-delayed Fremantle–Thornlie Rail Link and the lack of safe cycling infrastructure between Fremantle and surrounding suburbs. Community sentiment is largely frustrated with state government inaction. Main Roads WA has engaged in the thread, flagging the cross-jurisdictional complexity. A strong cohort of comments focuses on the missing cycling link between North Fremantle and the CBD along the foreshore. The unanswered question: when will the state government commit to a construction timeline for the rail link?
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City Response
The City of Fremantle continues to advocate strongly for the Fremantle–Thornlie Rail Link as a State Government infrastructure commitment. We have formally written to the Minister for Transport and are coordinating with neighbouring local governments. On cycling, the City's Bike Network Plan 2025–2030 is currently out for public comment with a closing date of 31 March 2026.
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Joint working group: integrated first/last mile strategy
Main Roads WA proposes a joint working group with City of Fremantle and Transperth to develop an integrated first/last mile strategy for Fremantle Station. This would cover cycling infrastructure, bus interchange design, and pedestrian connectivity to the ferry terminal.
Proposals (3)
Protected foreshore cycling path: Leighton to Bathers Beach
Build a protected two-way cycling path along the foreshore between Leighton Beach and Bathers Beach. The route exists but the surface is inconsistent and disappears entirely at the port boundary. Safe, legible, and continuous infrastructure would transform cycling as a commuting option.
Late-night train services on Fremantle line (Fri/Sat to 2am)
Advocate to the State Government for late-night train services on the Fremantle line — at minimum, trains until 2am on Friday and Saturday nights. This is a direct enabler of the night economy and reduces drink-driving risk.
Comments (7)
The Fremantle–Thornlie rail link has been promised for over a decade. At some point, 'advocacy' isn't enough — we need to know what the City is actually prepared to do if the State keeps stalling.
I cycled from North Freo to the CBD yesterday and nearly got hit on Tydeman Road. There's simply no safe route for cyclists and the City Bike Plan needs to make that a priority.
Also — the ferry to North Fremantle. It runs on weekends but not in the evenings. A night ferry service would complement the night economy beautifully and the infrastructure is already there.
Many of our clients rely on public transport to access services. Connectivity isn't just a commuter convenience issue — it's an equity issue. People who can't drive and can't afford rideshare are disproportionately impacted by poor public transport.
A 2am Friday night train from the CBD to Fremantle would add an estimated $3–4M in visitor spend per year based on comparable studies in Melbourne. This is not a nice-to-have — it's an economic intervention.
I've raised the Thornlie link in the Council chamber four times this year. The City's hands are tied on state infrastructure, but we can make noise — and we are. I've met with the Minister's office twice.
The Fremantle–Thornlie Rail Link is a Transperth project. Main Roads WA is responsible for road infrastructure in the corridor. We're working with Transperth on complementary bus priority measures while the rail project proceeds through approvals.