Perth Business Owner Says Metronet Rail Works Have Cost Him Hundreds of Thousands

A Perth business owner says years of construction tied to the Oats Street Metronet upgrades have devastated his livelihood, claiming road closures, detours and parking chaos have cost him hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Joe Mahon, who runs Reid’s Remotes at the corner of Bank Street and Forward Street in East Victoria Park, said the removal of the Oats Street level crossing followed by major works to elevate the rail line and build a new station has made his business increasingly difficult for customers to reach. The disruptions stretched from late 2023 through mid‑2025.

Mahon said he supports improved public transport, but has formally asked the Public Transport Authority for compensation, arguing the prolonged construction has crippled foot traffic and access. His shop location was chosen for its visibility, easy parking and straightforward access all of which he says vanished once Oats Street was closed.

“At the start it was gradual because workers were taking up all the parking onsite, so customers couldn’t actually park,” he said. “Then, once they introduced a road closure, it was like falling off the edge of a cliff. Basically, people couldn’t access us.”

He said the only remaining access route, Forward Street, was routinely blocked by trucks, cranes and concrete vehicles. “We even struggled to get there ourselves just to get to work,” Mahon said.

The business owner believes the financial damage is severe and ongoing, and hopes the PTA will recognise the impact of the project on small operators caught in the middle of major infrastructure works.