Communities in and around Geraldton are set to benefit from major reductions in public transport costs, thanks to a suite of initiatives funded in the recent WA Budget.
The state government has committed $152 million to deliver its suburban flat fare policy, a key election promise aimed at making public transport more affordable.
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A further $18.2 million has been allocated to permanently halve Transwa fares across Western Australia, bringing relief to many regional travellers.
The new suburban flat fare will be particularly helpful for residents travelling two zones on TransGeraldton services, especially those living in outer suburbs such as Drummond Cove and Glenfield.
Meanwhile, the reduction in Transwa fares will mean significant savings for communities throughout the Mid West region.
Passengers travelling between Perth and Geraldton can expect to save around $37 on a one-way fare. Journeys from Perth to Kalbarri will be about $46 cheaper, while Perth to Jurien Bay will be roughly $23 less. Travellers between Perth and Dongara will save about $32, while fares from Geraldton to Mt Magnet will drop by around $31, and Geraldton to Meekatharra by approximately $45.
“For regional communities, travelling long distances isn’t a choice, it’s a necessity, and our government is working hard to reduce the cost burden that can bring for families,” transport minister Rita Saffioti says.
“Whether it be our capped airfares, permanently reducing Transwa fares or introducing the suburban flat fare, travelling on public transport has never been cheaper for Western Australian households.
“We’re committed to keeping the cost of public transport down, because we know how much it supports regional families, especially when it comes to travelling to and from Perth.”
Beyond easing the cost of commuting, the changes are expected to encourage more visitors to regional towns and cities across the Mid West, providing a boost for small businesses and local economies.
The fare reductions come on top of the state government’s Regional Airfare Zone Cap Scheme, which has already supported more than 500,000 capped airfares throughout regional Western Australia, including Geraldton.
Officials say these combined initiatives have made WA one of the most affordable states in the country for public transport, potentially saving regular commuters thousands of dollars each year.
The state government is also investing in other measures to help regional families manage transport-related costs. This includes $19 million to increase the Patient Assisted Travel Scheme to 40 cents per kilometre, $26 million to raise the Regional Pensioner Travel Card to $775, and $8 million to help regional students save up to $500 to participate in Country Week events.
Sandra Carr MLC highlighted the positive feedback she has received from locals.
“My conversations with Mid West locals, from seniors to families with kids in school, indicate widespread support for these regional transport initiatives,” she says.
“Schools have also told us that support such as our Country Week funding has allowed some students to participate in Country Week for the first time. That’s the kind of difference I’m proud the Cook Government is making to the lives of regional families.”
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