The WA government has intervened before the ending of the Fremantle CAT service to revitalise the Freo bus network
Following the recent announcement that the City of Fremantle withdrew its funding for the Fremantle Central Area Transit (CAT) service, the Western Australian government has saved the day.
The state government has announced it will reinvest funding previously allocated to the CAT service towards enhanced public transport options in the Fremantle area.
“I understand the disappointment around the City of Fremantle’s decision to discontinue funding for the CAT, but the state government will be reinvesting its contribution towards supporting enhanced bus services in the Fremantle area,” WA transport minister Rita Saffioti says.
“The enhanced 532 route will see buses running every 15 minutes in both directions along South Terrace between Fremantle Station and Douro Road in South Fremantle.”
The WA government will reinvest the funds towards enhancing the 532 service running between Fremantle Station and Douro Road in South Fremantle along South Terrace,
The additional funding will see the 532 service now running every 15 minutes in both directions, which compares to the 20-minute frequency of the existing circular CAT service.
The 532 service follows the same route as the CAT service along South Terrace, providing a connection between Fremantle and South Fremantle.
The new higher frequency 532 service will be introduced from October 2023, with the Fremantle CAT service to stop running from September 30 this year.
Fremantle MLA Simone McGurk says the focus has been on ensuring that the state government can step in to continue supporting transport options in the Fremantle area.
“I understand the CAT was much loved, however with this solution we have more frequent buses on the same route, which maintains an important connection between Fremantle and South Fremantle – a good outcome for residents and visitors alike,” McGurk says.
“I would like to acknowledge the hard work of community groups like the South Fremantle Precinct in ensuring that Fremantle has the public transport services it deserves.”