PTA welcomes ARA report

The Public Transport Authority has welcomed a report showing Perth commuters can save more than $10,000 a year by using public transport. 

The report, Costs of commuting: An analysis of potential commuter savings, was prepared by the Australasian Railways Association.

PTA spokesman David Hynes said the ARA report found a Perth driver could save more than $10,000 a year if they sold their car and took public transport.

“The report also found that Perth commuters who choose to keep their car but catch public transport to and from work, can save hundreds of dollars every year,” Mr Hynes said.

The ARA calculated that the average Australian who chooses to own a vehicle but uses public transport on their daily commute would save $1724.59 a year. A Perth commuter would save close to that amount, at $1514.32 a year.

Mr Hynes said the savings identified could be even greater than those identified in the report.

“In its report the ARA factored in a 15 per cent discount on the cost of fares using SmartRider. The savings outlined in the report would be even greater because we know most Transperth commuters access a 25 per cent discount by using auto-load.”

Further, the report factors in $1000 in annual parking fees for the average commuter who chooses to drive to work. With parking rates in the Perth CBD on average close to $20 per day, the PTA believes the real cost to park would be closer to $5000 a year.  

“This report is further evidence of something Transperth commuters already know - you can save a huge amount of money by leaving your car at home and using our excellent public transport system,” Mr Hynes said.

“With more railcars arriving every few months, projects to improve bus reliability, and train on-time running regularly in the vicinity of 98 per cent, you’d be silly not to try using Transperth.”