The City of Vincent is pushing for Perth Parking Levy funds to support free bus connections into Leederville, arguing the area should receive more direct transport investment from a levy it has helped fund for years.
A notice of motion from Mayor Alison Xamon called for the Mayor and CEO to write to the transport minister requesting levy funding for pedestrian and public transport improvements within Vincent.
The proposal includes extending the existing Blue CAT service to connect with Leederville Town Centre and establishing a new east-west bus route between Leederville and Claisebrook using Vincent Street as the main corridor.
The motion also calls for pedestrian upgrades to East Parade, including an interim signalised pedestrian crossing and detailed planning for a future pedestrian overpass.
Vincent contributes about $450,000 a year to the Perth Parking Levy. The motion says that represents about $5 million over the past 15 years, excluding contributions from private landowners.
The city says it supports the purpose of the levy, which is designed to fund improvements that reduce traffic congestion, improve pedestrian safety and strengthen the transport system for people travelling to, from and within central Perth.
However, the motion states that Vincent has not received direct capital investment for infrastructure improvements through the levy, despite the levy’s long-term contribution.
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The only project identified in Vincent as being funded through the Perth Parking Management Area has been a strategic transport assessment of the Pickle District completed in September 2025.
The proposed Blue CAT extension is the clearest public transport opportunity. The service currently operates within the City of Perth between Kings Park, Elizabeth Quay Bus Station and Perth Busport, travelling as far north as Aberdeen Street.
Vincent wants the service extended to Leederville Train Station via Newcastle Street. The city says this would better connect Leederville Town Centre, the Pickle District, William Street Town Centre, Northbridge and the Perth CBD.
The proposal would also give Leederville a stronger link into Perth’s free central bus network, improving access for residents, workers and visitors without requiring another paid trip or car journey.
Administration comments supporting the motion note that recent stakeholder engagement through the Accessible City Strategy identified the Blue CAT extension as an opportunity. The city has discussed the idea with state government stakeholders, but the extension is currently unfunded.
The second bus proposal would address a different gap. Vincent currently lacks a dedicated east-west public transport service, with most existing routes operating north-south.
The motion identifies Vincent Street as a strategic east-west corridor that could link Leederville, North Perth, Beaufort Street and the emerging North Claisebrook area.
A service along that corridor could also improve access to Leederville Oval, Vincent Library and Community Centre, Beatty Park Leisure Centre and Hyde Park.
The case for the expansion of CAT buses is tied to growth. Vincent is planning for an additional 11,500 homes by 2050 under state government infill targets, with Leederville, Beaufort Street, North Claisebrook, and the Pickle District expected to see more population density.
The motion argues that public transport should be funded before this growth places more pressure on local streets, parking and pedestrian networks.
The city also says Perth Parking Levy funds may be used in areas ancillary to the Perth Parking Management Area, not only areas wholly inside the boundary. That interpretation could support transport improvements that connect Vincent’s activity centres to the wider central Perth network.
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