Public transport slashed to $2.80 flat fee under re-elected Labor government
Public transport fares would drop to a flat fee of $2.80 for smart rider holders, under a one-zone system WA Labor would roll out if re-elected.
If it wins a third term in the March state election, Labor has pledged to abolish the nine-zone transport system and introduce the flat fare across the entire public transport network.
Currently a two-zone fare costs $4.16 with a smart rider.
Premier Roger Cook said the change would bring financial relief to up to 80,000 people who travel two or more zones on a typical weekday.
“The most you’ll pay to get around our city with a smart rider is $2.80, and from Yanchep to Mandurah, Ellenbrook to Fremantle, out to Byford, right across our network, a single-zone flat fare,” Mr Cook said.
“This policy will save regular commuters $625 a year.”
The reduced fares would take effect from January 1 next year, costing Labor $107 million over the forward estimates.
Premier Roger Cook said the measure would cost government $107 million (ABC News: David Weber )
A trial of 50-cent fares is underway across Queensland’s public transport network, but Mr Cook would not be drawn on whether WA fares could be dropped further.
“You can always debate whether it should be this or should be that,” he said.
“We think this is a responsible and affordable package, I think it will be appreciated by all travellers across our Metronet system.”
The suburban flat fare would cost the same as the current one-zone trip. (ABC News: Andrew O’Connor)
Cheaper fares, less traffic
WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said cheaper public transport benefits drivers by reducing congestion on the roads.
“We know from a cost of living perspective, public transport is a great economical way to move around our suburbs,” Ms Saffioti said.
“It connects people to jobs and opportunities, it connects people to education institutions.
“And for those who can’t use public transport – because they might be tradies going to a job site – it takes cars off roads.”
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti says lower fares also benefit drivers by reducing congestion on the roads. (ABC News: David Weber )
The changes would extend to TransRegional services, including communities which currently operate on a two-zone system like Geraldton, Bunbury, Kalgoorlie and Albany.
Slow to act
WA Liberal leader Libby Mettam said she supported any measures which take financial pressure off households but Labor had not acted quickly enough.
“The Cook Labor government have come too slow to cost of living relief to WA families… Roger Cook has contributed to a cost of living crisis,” Ms Mettam said.
She said cost blowouts under the current government have been “inflationary” at a time when Western Australians have been hit the hardest.
“Why has it taken eight years during the largest boom in the state’s history for the Cook Labor government to wake up to this?”
New rehab powers
Meanwhile, the WA Liberals have promised to introduce new laws allowing courts to send repeat drug offenders to rehabilitation, if elected in March.
Under the policy, magistrates and judges could force repeat drug offenders to spend up to three months in rehabilitation.
If elected, the WA Liberals say they would give courts the powers to force repeat drug offenders into rehab. (ABC News: David Weber )
The Liberals would commit $33 million to five high care medical beds, 13 rehabilitation beds and operating costs over four years.
“For too long, West Australians have been waiting for compulsory drug treatment as a valuable weapon against drug use and abuse,” Ms Mettam said.
“Western Australia has one of the highest rates of methamphetamine use in the country.
“For too long Western Australian families have watched their loved ones fall through the cracks with an inability to make their own decisions.”
Ms Mettam said she would consult with stakeholders and community members before putting a final bill to parliament.
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