24/2/02
Perth's highly successful Central Area Transit (CAT) bus system has been extended to encompass the new East Perth redevelopment and business district.
Announcing the initiative today, the Minister responsible for Public Transport, Michelle Roberts, said the free service would begin operating from next Sunday, March 3.
"The East Perth region is a rapidly growing area and the expansion of the CAT bus system will greatly assist residents and city workers wanting to move around the city," Mrs Roberts said.
"It will also significantly add to the attraction of East Perth as a centre for business, shopping and leisure activities."
The Minister said the Government was committed to increasing public transport throughout the city and setting new standards to increase patronage.
"It is estimated that last year, the CAT system was used on 4.2 million occasions - that's a weekly patronage level in excess of 81,000," she said.
Four new CAT buses have also been purchased to add capacity to the Perth CAT bus fleet.
"The extension of the CAT service into East Perth has involved 12 extra stops being added to the existing Red CAT route, and the development of appropriate signage and identification," Mrs Roberts said.
"The audible announcement and real time passenger information systems have also been revamped and improved."
Local member John Hyde welcomed the decision. He said the extended Red CAT route into East Perth would encompass Plain Street, Waterloo Crescent, Royal Street, Lime Street and Brown Street.
"An important addition to the route is the Claisebrook Station stop on Brown Street," Mr Hyde said.
"This stop will allow passengers the opportunity to move between Transperth CAT and train services, maximising the use of public transport systems as a mode of travel."
The Red CAT service now operates throughout the city centre, also providing services to West Perth and East Perth areas. Operating times for the service remain the same at every five minutes from 6:50am to 6:20pm weekdays, and every 45 minutes from 10am to 6:15pm on weekends.
Minister's office: 9213 6600
