A multi-storey carpark will be needed to meet demand at the future Lakelands train station, says North Ward councillor Ahmed Zilani.
More than 2300 passengers are expected to board at the station each day when it becomes operational in 2023, growing to 3500 in 2031.
According to a WA Public Transport Authority spokesperson, about 400 parking bays are currently planned for the station.
"The number is based on the broader catchment area, capacity of local roads and that passengers will also walk, ride, carpool or take a bus to the new station," the spokesperson said.
"As the project progresses, a station access strategy for Lakelands station - including links to pedestrian shared pathways and cycling infrastructure - will be developed, as will a bus network which best aligns with local development and community needs."
But with the final design determined when a contractor is appointed later this year, Cr Zilani said a larger carpark needs to be considered now before it's too late.
"The Lakelands train station parking lot is currently very small but statistics show it will be a busy station," he said.
"The station will cater not only for Mandurah suburbs surrounding it but also Rockingham suburbs like Singleton and Secret Harbour - the number of people using the station will keep growing so eventually they will need more carparks.
"It is currently in the design stage so they should think about the multi-storey carpark now because in the future they can't change anything."
The call for more parking comes as construction of a multi-storey carpark at the Mandurah station is underway to meet a growing population.
However, Canning MP Andrew Hastie said the Lakelands train station would be more easily accessible unlike the Mandurah train station.
"Unlike the design of Mandurah station, Lakelands will be easily accessible to the local community as it is situated in a relatively dense residential area," he said.
Mandurah MP David Templeman echoed this view as he said the station would benefit from other access strategies.
"Lakelands is an already well established residential area with significant development," he said.
"Amenity and traffic are important considerations and that's why this station can be planned around a state of the art public transport bus system as well as providing good cycling and walking access."
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Cr Zilani is set to propose a multi-storey carpark to the state and federal government if he has enough "community support".
Do you think a multi-storey carpark at the future Lakelands train station is needed? Email claire.sadler@mandurahmail.com.au
