Ground-breaking deal delivers free NYE public transport
22/12/04
The Gallop Government has struck a ground-breaking deal with the private sector to deliver free public transport across the metropolitan area on New Year's Eve.
From 3pm on New Year's Eve to 3am on New Year's Day, fares on all Perth trains, buses and ferries will be covered by banking institution ING Direct.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan encouraged revellers to leave their cars at home and take advantage of the unique offer.
Ms MacTiernan said providing free public transport on New Year's Eve would deliver numerous benefits to individuals and the wider community, including:
- big cost savings to families - ranging from $7.50 to $44.40 for a family of four;
- reducing the likelihood of drink driving and road trauma by getting more cars off the road;
- encouraging people to try Perth's rapidly expanding public transport system; and
- helping ease pressure on taxi services during the busy, early hours of New Year's Day.
Almost 400 train services and more than 3,900 bus services will operate during the free 12-hour period - up to 50,000 people are expected to utilise the services.
"New Year's Eve is the perfect time to promote the benefits of using our rapidly expanding public transport system," the Minister said.
"As part of our $1.5billion New MetroRail Project, we have already completed the extension to Clarkson on the Northern Line and started taking possession of 93 new state-of-the-art railcars and will have doubled the size of the network by 2006.
"We have also acquired 200 new buses since February 2001 and committed to securing 421 more low-floor, gas buses during the next seven years.
"ING Direct's provision of free public transport on New Year's Eve sits very well with the Gallop Government's aim of promoting our world-class public transport system.
"Perth's expanding public transport network is good for the environment, good for the liveability of our city and, most importantly, good for people's hip pockets."
For train, bus and ferry information - including additional services during the festive season - phone the Transperth InfoLine on 13 62 13 or visit http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au
Normal fares will apply from 3am onwards.