Nahan coy on transport before WA budget

The West Australian treasurer has dodged state budget questions about a possible "bus rapid transit" system to the northeastern Perth suburb of Ellenbrook.

Plans have been resurrected three years after Premier Colin Barnett dumped the $110 million transport project, with The Sunday Times newspaper reporting a modified and cheaper Ellenbrook BRT will be revealed on May 12.

The original route, running from Ellenbrook to Bassendean train station, has reportedly been replaced with a dedicated BRT lane along Lord Street to Reid Highway before buses continue on regular routes to destinations such as Bassendean, Midland, Morley and Perth.

In the long-term, the BRT could be extended beyond Reid Highway.

The opposition continues to insist its rail plan, called Metronet, is the solution to traffic problems in Perth, but the Barnett government has repeatedly dismissed the idea of a train to Ellenbrook.

Treasurer Mike Nahan said on Sunday he would not make any early announcements before the budget but said again that a train line would be a misuse of funds.

He said the state government had been looking at a low-price and suitable alternative, but noted there would someday need to be a rail line to Ellenbrook.

"They will get a significant and appropriate improvement to their public transport links, yes a bit later than they wished, but we are doing the right thing fiscally," Dr Nahan said.