Western Australia has set a new course for its transport future with the release of the Transport Strategic Plan 2025–2029, a statewide blueprint that places public transport and the bus network in particular at the heart of how communities will move in the years ahead.
The plan signals a shift toward public transport systems designed around people rather than modes, emphasising buses as a flexible and scalable solution for both metropolitan growth and regional accessibility. As development continues across Perth and regional centres, buses are expected to become one of the key tools for improving mobility, reducing congestion, and connecting communities that currently lack access to rail services.
A major theme running through the strategy is the commitment to delivering transport that is connected, accessible and safe. For buses, that means improving routes, increasing reliability and removing barriers that prevent people from using the network. The plan highlights the need for better integration between bus services and other modes, particularly at transport interchanges, medical precincts, employment centres and education hubs.
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With Western Australia continuing to expand its zero-emissions transport agenda, the strategy reinforces the state’s direction toward cleaner, more resilient fleets. The plan envisions sustainable, climate-resilient solutions that reduce emissions while fostering new employment opportunities. For the bus sector, this includes continued investment in fleet upgrades, depot readiness, and technology that improves network monitoring, scheduling and passenger information.
Governance and accountability also underpin the strategy, with a strong emphasis on data protection, responsible decision-making and long-term community benefit. For the bus industry, this translates into clearer regulatory frameworks, more consistent service planning and measures that enhance the safety of both drivers and passengers.
The plan also recognises the workforce required to support an expanding and modernised bus network. DTMI has committed to strengthening organisational capability and preparing staff for new technology, new fleet types and improved customer-facing roles. A diverse, skilled workforce is positioned as essential to delivering reliable, high-quality services across the state.
Taken together, the Transport Strategic Plan outlines a future in which buses play a more visible and strategic role in connecting Western Australians to their daily lives. Whether through new route planning, improved safety systems, cleaner fleets, or better integration with other modes, the plan positions buses as a cornerstone of the state’s transportation system: one that is responsive, people-focused, and ready to adapt as communities evolve.
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