Perth is no stranger to light rail. From the 1890’s, Perth had a successful tram system which underpinned the city’s growth and development. However, cheap oil and post war wealth changed the priorities of the city and the last tram ran in 1958. Perth has been a city ruled by the car ever since.

This dependence on private vehicles led to the 100 kilometres of low density urban sprawl that we see today. But attitudes are changing as people realise the financial, environmental, time and stress-relieving benefits of public transport.

Light rail is a logical solution for Perth. Not only can the city resurrect former tram lines, it can also use the wide roads and median strips in the outer suburbsfor light rail. This would help to keep costs at a minimum during construction and lessen disruption to streetscapes.

The overall costs are surprisingly cost effective in the long term. While the estimated $5.1 billion initial outlay is significant, it is equivalent to less than six years of current Western Australian spending on roads.