Increase in public transport fares for two zones or more

6/5/99
Public transport fares for distances two zones and more will rise by between 10 and 30 cents on Friday May 7, while bus, train and ferry fares for shorter trips - two sections and one zone - will remain the same.
Transport Minister Murray Criddle said the fares would remain the same or rise by only 10 cents for most people and the Government had made every effort to minimise the increases.
Standard fares for two zones, such as rail and bus trips between Perth and Fremantle, would rise by 10 cents, as would fares for three zones - such as between Perth and Joondalup - and four zones - such as between Perth and Currambine.
The standard cost of longer trips, five and six zones, would rise by 20 cents, and for seven and eight zones, by 30 cents. Concession fare rises were limited to 10 cents for two to eight zones.
Multi-rider costs would rise in proportion to the single fare increases, still providing discounts of 15 per cent and 25 per cent over single fares. DayRider and MaxiRider fares would stay the same.
Mr Criddle said user contribution was essential to help cover operating costs of the metropolitan public transport system and the rises were in line with the Government's objective of having passengers contribute 40 per cent of the operating costs of the metropolitan public transport system.
The objective was to ultimately have concession fares adjusted to 50 per cent of standard fares, as was the case interstate. The new fares would mean the recovery rate was projected to be about 30 per cent.
"We are establishing a world-class public transport system and giving people a convenient alternative to using private cars which cause congestion and have an environmental impact," Mr Criddle said.
" During 1999-2000, many public transport improvements will be in place or will be introduced. They include five new rail car sets introduced in January 1999, the full Circle Route bus service completed in February 1999, the extended Kwinana Freeway Buslane extended in February 1999, the first high-quality System 21 bus service and the first batch of new buses bought by the Government for Transperth.
"Because most people travel two zones and less, only a small percentage will be paying more than an additional 10 cents."

Mr Criddle said passengers could save 15 per cent or 25 per cent of cash fare costs by buying MultiRider tickets or MultiRider Plus tickets, while enjoying the advantages of a constantly improving public transport system.
Media contact: Doug Cunningham on (08) 9321 7333