Latest news with #Metronet
ABC News
9 hours ago
- Business
- ABC News
Thornlie-Cockburn link opens as part of 'unprecedented' investment in Metronet project
More than 18 months of disruption is coming to an end for some commuters as Perth's first east-west rail connection opens this week to service communities from Mandurah to Armadale. The Thornlie-Cockburn link and adjacent rail elevation are part of WA Labor's flagship infrastructure project Metronet. The developments, in Perth's south east, feature a $1.3 billion rail extension with two new stations connecting Thornlie to Cockburn Central, and a $1.6 billion elevation of five stations and rail from Carlisle to Beckenham. The elevation is hoped to address road congestion — with the state government previously saying boom gates were down for up to six hours a day at some level crossings — and open up public spaces around and under the rail line. Transport minister Rita Saffioti said despite cost and time blowouts, the level of infrastructure delivered through the Metronet project was "unprecedented". "Generational infrastructure is hard," Ms Saffioti said. "These projects are really for the public. They're about the future and they're about making transport even more affordable and accessible." The projects were jointly funded by the state and federal governments. Construction of the latest Metronet development did not come without disruption. The Armadale line was shut down for 18 months for construction, and that disruption was set to continue for thousands of commuters due to a delay on the opening of the elevated Armadale and Byford stations. Commuters relying on the Armadale line have been taking longer journeys on replacement bus services, while road closures have left some businesses isolated from their communities. Butcher Matt Budny said at one point, roads on either side of his shop in Carlisle were closed to facilitate the Metronet construction and another roadworks project. "We were close to closing up ... after they closed both sides," Mr Budny said. Mr Budny said the lack of access caused him to lose more than half of his usual business. "Especially if you've got family, who wants to do a 15 minute detour?" he said. "It was devastating [but] I know that things need to be done, the train line is a good thing." A deli on the other side of the Carlisle station also told the ABC it lost about 50 per cent of its usual business when road closures cut off access to their shop.
ABC News
2 days ago
- Politics
- ABC News
Perth community divided over WA government's plans for Swan River ferries
As the WA government moves forward with its election commitment to run electric ferries on the Swan River, campaigners want the Matilda Bay terminal moved south. A $107 million plan to expand Perth's ferry services is moving ahead, amid a campaign to move the terminal serving the University of Western Australia 1 kilometre south, to Jojo's restaurant near Pelican Point in Nedlands. Dubbed "Metronet on the Swan" by Premier Roger Cook, five new electric ferries will run on the Swan River with two new stops to be built at Applecross and Matilda Bay in Crawley. Sailing and recreation groups that use Matilda Bay say they are concerned a ferry terminal, with ferries arriving every 15 to 30 minutes, would pose a safety risk. Megan Bagworth, spokeswoman for the group Safety on Swan, which represents a number of sailing, rowing, fishing and swimming clubs that use the bay, told Nadia Mitsopoulos on ABC Radio Perth having ferries passing through would be dangerous. "When I first heard about the proposal about a ferry terminal in Matilda Bay, I spoke to clubs over in Sydney and Brisbane, to find out how can we adapt, how can we make this safe?" Ms Bagworth said. "What I discovered is that there is nowhere in Australia that compares with the proximity of clubs, the volume of people, and the diversity and the vulnerability of the users of Matilda Bay." She said the group did its own risk assessment, comparing five locations for the UWA terminal, and found the risk was lowest if the terminal was located at the Jojo's restaurant site. This is about a 1km walk from the main UWA campus buildings. "Jojo's is a really good strategic option for public transport because not only would it be the fastest route from Applecross to UWA, but it would also provide better access to QE2 [medical centre] and UWA's southern entrance because UWA is a big campus," she said. Graham White, the founder of Sailability, a group that provides sailing classes for people with disabilities at Matilda Bay, said his organisation was also concerned about safety if ferries begin stopping at the bay. "We would have to terminate our program because we just couldn't allow people with disabilities out in little dinghies to be interacting with large ferries," Mr White said. In a statement, a spokesperson for Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said there was strong public support for an expanded ferry service on the Swan River. "The expansion of ferry services on the Swan River has been a long-held ambition for our State, and the plans to expand to Applecross and UWA represent an exciting new chapter in public transport for WA," the spokesperson said. "The assessment of these sites is taking into consideration a range of criteria, including ease of access to UWA for students. "The government understands change can be difficult, but we remain confident a new ferry service can operate safely in the area, alongside recreational users. "There are numerous examples across Australia and the world where ferry services operate safely alongside recreational users, and there's no reason we cannot achieve the same outcomes here." ABC Radio Perth listeners were divided on the issue, with some fiercely opposed to the Matilda Bay stop, others passionate supporters. "I think this is a beat-up," caller Chris said. "I think that we need a ferry system that services UWA, and I think anyone who's sceptical of this should just go down to Hillarys Boat Harbour on any day when they're sailing, and you'll see little kids in little boats co-existing with big ferries coming in and out of that boat harbour." Caller Alan agreed. But caller Barb shared the safety concerns. "Jojo's is the safest location. It's not NIMBY-ism, the frequency and speeds proposed for the ferries means that the multiple training organisations can't share that area at the same time," she said. "We want a ferry, just not inside Matilda Bay." Caller Cam said Matilda Bay was the most beautiful part of the river. "A huge, big jetty and charging station, then parking spots and bus bays, plus the shore damage would be such a shame." Services on stage one of the plan, going to Matilda Bay and Applecross, are expected to commence by the end of 2027. The government plans to build the electric ferries in WA. They would operate every 15 to 30 minutes, with a top speed of 20 knots and the capacity to hold more than 130 passengers.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Metronet to Deliver 100% Fiber Internet to West Bloomfield Township
Privately Funded Expansion Brings Multi-Gigabit Speeds to Michigan Homes and Businesses EVANSVILLE, Ind., May 07, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Metronet, named the nation's fastest major internet provider by PCMag for two consecutive years, is bringing its cutting-edge fiber-optic network to West Bloomfield Township, Mich. Backed by a privately funded, multimillion-dollar investment, this expansion will equip residents and businesses with ultra-fast, reliable internet, featuring symmetrical speeds of up to five gigabits per second for homes and up to ten gigabits per second for businesses. The project marks a significant step forward in delivering next-generation digital infrastructure to the community. Construction is expected to begin this summer, with the first customers expected to gain service by fall. Residents and businesses interested in signing up for updates and pre-sale opportunities can visit "We're excited to bring West Bloomfield Township into the Metronet family as we continue expanding across Michigan," said Telly Whitfield, Ph.D., director of new market development at Metronet. "Access to high-speed fiber internet is vital for communities today and we're proud to reach more Michiganians." Metronet's advanced fiber-optic technology delivers symmetrical upload and download speeds, ensuring a seamless experience for streaming, video conferencing, remote work, online education, and gaming. As construction begins, residents will see Metronet crews working in neighborhoods across West Bloomfield Township. The company will provide advance notification at least 30 days prior to the start of construction through mailed letters, yard signs and additional local communications. All Metronet crews will be identifiable with company-branded vehicles and official ID badges. Metronet is also hiring for local positions to support its expansion in West Bloomfield Township and Michigan. Those interested in joining the team can explore opportunities and apply at Metronet continues to expand across Michigan, investing in high-speed fiber infrastructure in more than 40 communities, including Lansing, East Lansing, Grand Rapids and Portage. To learn more about service availability, visit About Metronet: Metronet is PCMag's "Fastest Major ISP" for 2023 and 2024, providing multigigabit internet service to homes and businesses in cities like Colorado Springs, Des Moines, Indianapolis, Lexington, Norfolk, Tallahassee and more than 300 other communities across 19 states. Expanding its fiber-optic network in more than 90 communities at any one time, Metronet has become the country's largest and fastest growing privately owned fiber-to-the-home company. More information on the Evansville, Ind.-based company can be found at
Business Wire
07-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Metronet to Deliver 100% Fiber Internet to West Bloomfield Township
EVANSVILLE, Ind.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Metronet, named the nation's fastest major internet provider by PCMag for two consecutive years, is bringing its cutting-edge fiber-optic network to West Bloomfield Township, Mich. Backed by a privately funded, multimillion-dollar investment, this expansion will equip residents and businesses with ultra-fast, reliable internet, featuring symmetrical speeds of up to five gigabits per second for homes and up to ten gigabits per second for businesses. The project marks a significant step forward in delivering next-generation digital infrastructure to the community. Construction is expected to begin this summer, with the first customers expected to gain service by fall. Residents and businesses interested in signing up for updates and pre-sale opportunities can visit 'We're excited to bring West Bloomfield Township into the Metronet family as we continue expanding across Michigan,' said Telly Whitfield, Ph.D., director of new market development at Metronet. 'Access to high-speed fiber internet is vital for communities today and we're proud to reach more Michiganians.' Metronet's advanced fiber-optic technology delivers symmetrical upload and download speeds, ensuring a seamless experience for streaming, video conferencing, remote work, online education, and gaming. As construction begins, residents will see Metronet crews working in neighborhoods across West Bloomfield Township. The company will provide advance notification at least 30 days prior to the start of construction through mailed letters, yard signs and additional local communications. All Metronet crews will be identifiable with company-branded vehicles and official ID badges. Metronet is also hiring for local positions to support its expansion in West Bloomfield Township and Michigan. Those interested in joining the team can explore opportunities and apply at Metronet continues to expand across Michigan, investing in high-speed fiber infrastructure in more than 40 communities, including Lansing, East Lansing, Grand Rapids and Portage. To learn more about service availability, visit About Metronet: Metronet is PCMag's 'Fastest Major ISP' for 2023 and 2024, providing multigigabit internet service to homes and businesses in cities like Colorado Springs, Des Moines, Indianapolis, Lexington, Norfolk, Tallahassee and more than 300 other communities across 19 states. Expanding its fiber-optic network in more than 90 communities at any one time, Metronet has become the country's largest and fastest growing privately owned fiber-to-the-home company. More information on the Evansville, Ind.-based company can be found at
Business Wire
24-04-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Metronet Expands High-Speed Fiber Internet to Darien
EVANSVILLE, Ind.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Metronet, recognized as the nation's fastest major internet service provider by PCMag for two consecutive years, is bringing its 100% fiber-optic network to Darien, Ill. This privately funded multimillion-dollar investment will provide residents and businesses with ultra-fast, reliable internet, offering symmetrical speeds of up to five gigabits per second for homes and up to ten gigabits per second for businesses. 'Access to high-quality internet is critical for Darien's continued growth,' said Darien Mayor Joseph Marchese. 'Metronet's fiber-optic network will provide our residents and businesses with top-tier connectivity, ensuring our city remains a thriving place to live and work.' Construction will be underway in the coming weeks, with the first customers expected to gain service before the end of summer. Residents and businesses interested in signing up for construction updates and pre-sale opportunities can visit 'We are eager to expand into Darien and bring our state-of-the-art fiber-optic network to more Illinois communities,' said Ben Ruzick, vice president of new market development at Metronet. 'This expansion underscores our commitment to providing fast, future-proof internet that meets the needs of more Illinoisans for decades to come.' Metronet's fiber-optic technology ensures seamless online experiences, offering symmetrical upload and download speeds that enhance video streaming, remote work, gaming, and business operations. As construction progresses neighborhood by neighborhood throughout Darien, residents will notice Metronet crews working in the area and in the easement of your property. Residents will receive advance notification of upcoming construction through mailed letters, yard signs, and other communications at least 30 days before work starts. Metronet personnel will be easily identifiable with company ID tags and branded vehicles. Metronet is also hiring local professionals to support its growing operations in Darien. Those interested in career opportunities can visit Metronet remains committed to investing in Illinois, with its fiber-optic network expanding in Bloomington-Normal, Dekalb, Geneva, Oswego, Plainfield and more than 40 other communities across the state. To learn more, visit About Metronet: Metronet is PCMag 's 'Fastest Major ISP' for 2023 and 2024, providing multigigabit internet service to homes and businesses in cities like Colorado Springs, Des Moines, Indianapolis, Lexington, Norfolk, Tallahassee and more than 300 other communities across 19 states. Expanding its fiber-optic network in more than 90 communities at any one time, Metronet has become the country's largest and fastest growing privately owned fiber-to-the-home company. More information on the Evansville, Ind.-based company can be found at
