State Government announces free public transport for West Aussies from December 14 to February 5

Western Australians will be able to hop on a train, bus or ferry free this summer as part of a $14 million cost-of-living measure announced by the State Government. The scheme, which also ran last summer, will begin on December 14 and runs until February 5, and is available to SmartRider users in Perth and regional WA. “We know cost-of-living pressures are still top of mind for Western Australians headed into Christmas, and I’m proud of the support my government has rolled out to help families right across the State,” Premier Roger Cook said. “Our free public transport initiatives are saving families hundreds of dollars, and are just one part of a suite a policies we’ve delivered to help — including our household electricity credits, the WA Student Assistance Payment, and targeted support for those who need it most.” Thirteen interest rate hikes since 2022 and big increases in everyday items like groceries have decimated family savings and budgets. Cost-of-living is universally seen as the number one issue this State election, as well as the 2025 Federal poll. The Cook Government, sitting on billions of dollars in budget surpluses, has been under pressure to provide cost-of-living relief for WA battlers. Some measures already introduced include power bill credits, WA student assistance, free tickets to Perth Zoo and free kids tickets to the Perth Royal Show. But welfare services want the Government to do more. “We know there’s always more to do, and we’re always looking at different ways we can support Western Australian families, Mr Cook said. “Our Summer of Free Public Transport was a huge success last summer, saving families and commuters hundreds of dollars and encouraging activity in the city over the holidays.” Last year’s Summer of Free Public Transport initiative saw 8.3 million SmartRider boardings across bus, train or ferry services — an increase of 42 per cent compared with the same period in 2022-23. A family of four can save up to $30 on a single trip in public transport costs through the initiative, while anyone working through the summer break could save more than $40 a week on the cost of commuting. Passengers must tag on and off at the beginning and end of their journey to access free travel, and parking will also be free at Transperth stations with a SmartRider. Patrons would receive travel fines if they did not use their SmartRider and tag on and off when they travel. Just last week it was revealed that some 13,000 fines — many of those students — had been issued to people who had failed to tag on with their SmartRider as part of a previous free public transport programme. “Last year’s Summer of Free Public Transport was an enormous success, with a 42 per cent increase in SmartRider boardings compared to the same period in the previous year,” Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said. “Based on the success of last year’s scheme and the incredible take up, we’re providing this important initiative again, helping families save on travel costs this festive period. “Catching public transport is a great way for families and young kids to explore our city and thanks to the major expansion through Metronet, you can reach more places than ever before. “So leave the car at home, and get on a train, bus or ferry and make the most of the free public transport this summer.”