Coronavirus crisis: Transperth dramatically cuts back on trains and buses as patronage drops

The West Australian
Camera IconThere will be less buses and trains running in April as a result of declining patronage. Credit: Don Palmer/WA News

Public transport services in Perth will be dramatically reduced after a reduction of about 80 per cent in patronage thanks to the coronavirus pandemic.

Buses and trains will move to Saturday timetables, midnight rail services on weekends will stop and free CAT-bus services will be reduced from April 6 to April 26.

Ferries will operate on the winter timetable on a daily basis while TransWA services will continue for those travelling for work or compassionate reasons.

In a bid to ensure social distancing on public transport the Public Transport Authority will closely monitor user numbers and add additional service in future, if required.

Speaking about the new measures Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said despite the move she was conscious of the importance of public transport for key workers.

“Public transport is a vital service that we will continue to provide throughout the pandemic to ensure essential workers can get on with their jobs,” Ms Saffioti said.

“COVID-19 has had a big impact on patronage and this temporary adjustment in services is in response to that drop in demand.

“We will be closely monitoring the pandemic situation to ensure those who rely on public transport to get to their workplaces — to perform jobs which are often essential to the State — can continue to do so.

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