The Western Australian (WA) Government has promised to lower and cap public transport fares if it wins the state’s election in March.
Public transport fares across Perth and regional towns would be capped at $2.80 per trip.
In a campaign announcement, WA Labor promised to scrap the current zone system and replace it with a flat rate starting on 1 January 2026.
The Opposition called the measure a “hollow gesture”.
Announcement
WA Premier Roger Cook announced the government would scrap existing zone systems if it’s re-elected on 8 March to make public transport fares cheaper.
Currently, greater Perth is divided into nine zones, while regional centres like Geraldton have two. Travelling between two zones costs more than travelling inside one.
The zone system would be replaced by a capped fare of $2.80 for anyone who holds a SmartRider card.
Standard cards cost $10, while student and pension cards are $5.
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Opposition
Opposition Leader Shane Love, who leads the Nationals, called the reduced fares a “pre-election stunt”.
In a statement to TDA, he said Labor was trying to “distract voters from their shocking record of mismanagement and misplaced priorities.”
Liberal leader Libby Mettam told reporters yesterday she was open to lower fares, but accused the party of bringing in the reform “too late”.
Unlike other jurisdictions, the WA Liberal and National parties are not in a formal coalition.
WA public transport system
The WA state government has made various changes to public transport prices over the past two years.
In late 2023, the Government announced public transport across greater Perth would be free during the summer school holidays. The program was repeated in the 2024/25 school holidays.
In early 2024, the Government made public transport free for, and free for all on.
