Public transport services to be scaled down temporarily due to COVID-19

• ​Service changes in place for three weeks from Monday April 6 to Sunday April 26
• Weekday bus and train services will move to Saturday timetables
• All train services after midnight on weekends to be stopped
• CAT services to operate on a reduced frequency

The State Government will be temporarily reducing its public transport services for a period of three weeks from Monday, April 6.

The COVID-19 pandemic has heavily impacted patronage across the network and the temporary reduction in service levels is aimed at minimising empty buses and trains running, while maintaining services for essential workers.

Adjusted service arrangements from Sunday April 5 to Sunday April 26 will be as follows:

• Transperth Trains - operation of Saturday timetable for Monday - Saturday.  The Sunday/Public Holiday timetable will remain unchanged.  Removal of after-midnight train services on Friday and Saturday nights.
• Transperth Buses - operation of Saturday timetable for Monday - Saturday.  The Sunday/Public Holiday timetable will remain unchanged. CAT buses will also operate at a lower frequency.
• Transperth Ferries - operation of the winter timetable for Monday - Sunday.
• Transwa services - will continue for passengers that are travelling for work or compassionate grounds in accordance with the Directive on Regional Travel at a reduced frequency. Passengers will be required to fill out a Regional Travel Exemption Form to prove their eligibility.

While the reduced service arrangements are initially in place for a period of three weeks, the State Government will monitor the latest health advice and patronage levels to review whether it needs to be extended.

Adjusted levels of service aim to strike a balance between providing an essential service and minimising costs to the taxpayer while demand for public transport is low.

To ensure social distancing on public transport is not compromised, the PTA will closely monitor patronage and services to add in additional services if required.

All of the temporary service information will be available on digital platforms, including the Transwa and Transperth websites and Transperth App. There will be no hard-copy changes to timetables or information at bus stops.

For more information, please visit http://www.transwa.wa.gov.au or http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au

Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:

"Public transport is a vital service that we will continue to provide throughout the pandemic to ensure essential workers can get on with their jobs.

"COVID-19 has had a big impact on patronage and this temporary adjustment in services is in response to that drop in demand.

"We will be closely monitoring the pandemic situation to ensure those who rely on public transport to get to their workplaces - to perform jobs which are often essential to the State - can continue to do so.

"It should be recognised that public transport staff have gone above and beyond their usual duties to continue delivering essential public transport services to our community - I thank them for their efforts.

Minister's office - 6552 5500