Cook Government to deliver Permanent expansion of CAT services
A trial extension of the popular Red and Blue CAT bus services will become permanent after more than $10 million was allocated in the 2024-25 State Budget for their continued operation.
Several changes to the two routes were announced in late 2021, which included the installation of more than 20 new bus stops across the CBD.
The expansion saw the Red CAT service extended to include Matagarup Bridge, while several extra evening services were added on a Friday and Saturday night, allowing passengers to continue using the free bus until midnight.
The Blue CAT was expanded to operate from the Perth Busport via Northbridge and Elizabeth Quay to new stops in Kings Park.
The changes were well received by the travelling public, with patronage on the Blue CAT up 63 per cent from October 2021 to October 2023. Red CAT patronage was up 40 per cent in the same period.
The $10.3 million in additional funding to permanently expand the two services will be allocated from the Perth Parking Levy.