- Free public transport to all SmartRider users
from 14 December to 5 February
- Initiative to help with cost-of-living pressures
and encourage activity over summer
- Savings of hundreds of dollars for regular
public transport users
- Western Australians encouraged to explore
METRONET stations recently opened
- Part of Cook Labor Government commitment to
tackling cost-of-living pressures
The Cook Labor Government
will deliver another Summer of Free Public Transport, saving regular commuters
hundreds of dollars and helping Western Australians get out and about over
summer.
The $14 million scheme will begin on Saturday,
14 December and run until Wednesday, 5 February, with free public transport
available to all SmartRider users in the Perth metropolitan area and regional
WA, on trains, buses and ferries.
A family of four can save up to $30 on a
single trip in public transport costs through the initiative.
Last year's Summer of Free Public Transport
initiative saw 8.3 million SmartRider boardings across bus, train or ferry
services - an increase of 42 per cent compared to the same period in 2022-23.
Passengers must tag on and off at the
beginning and end of their journey to access free travel. Parking at METRONET
stations will also be free during this time when passengers use their
SmartRider at parking stations.
The Summer of Free Public Transport builds on
the Cook Labor Government's highly successful free public transport
initiatives, including the Ride to School Free Program - which continues next
year - and Fare Free Sundays.
SmartRider cards are available from a wide
range of retail outlets and Transperth InfoCentres. More information can be
found on the Transperth website.
Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:
"I want every Western
Australian to be able to get out and about this summer and enjoy everything our
city has to offer.
"Our Summer of Free
Public Transport was a huge success last summer, saving families and commuters
hundreds of dollars and encouraging activity in the city over the holidays.
"Tackling cost-of-living
pressures is WA Labor's top priority, and we'll do whatever we can to support
WA families.
"Our investment in
METRONET and public infrastructure is connecting our suburbs and providing
residents with cheap or free transport options."
Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"Last year's Summer of Free Public Transport was an enormous
success, with a 42 per cent increase in SmartRider boardings compared to the
same period in the previous year.
"Based on the success of last year's scheme and the
incredible take-up, we're providing this important initiative again, helping
families save on travel costs this festive period.
"Catching public transport is a great way for families and
young kids to explore our city, and thanks to the major expansion through
METRONET, you can reach more places than ever before.
"So leave the car at home, and get on a train, bus or ferry
and make the most of the free public transport this summer."
