Public transport services to increase when WA schools return
- Orange school buses to run as usual from Wednesday April 29, 2020
- Further Transperth services, including special school services, to start Monday May 4
- Increased cleaning regime to continue across PTA fleet
- Bus drivers will continue to be paid through the latest timetable changes
- The McGowan Government will begin reinstating some of the public transport services that were recently withdrawn due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Transperth timetables are being enhanced to reflect the decision that schools will reopen for the second term.
From Monday May 4, Transperth services will move from the current arrangement to one which represents 70 per cent of the normal weekday timetable, plus school services (route deviations and school specials).
Details of the enhanced services are being finalised and it is anticipated they will be available on the Transperth website and app from April 30.
The free orange school buses operated throughout regional Western Australia by School Bus Services will resume normal services on Wednesday April 29 (Monday is the ANZAC Day holiday and the Tuesday is a pupil-free day), as will all TransRegional services in WA country towns.
Minor ongoing adjustments will be made to the networks as required to continue to meet our commitment to provide safe and sustainable services.
Arrangements are being made with bus contracting companies to ensure their permanent workforce jobs are retained and employees are paid their base wages for the foreseeable future, while we assess as to when timetables are likely to return to a more usual level of service.
The PTA will also continue with its enhanced cleaning regime, ensuring all vehicles are sanitised thoroughly each night. Additional cleaners are also being deployed at various stations, tasked with cleaning trains and touch points between services.
Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"There has never been a bigger disruption to public transport in the State's history, and we are responding as required.
"On March 31, we made a decision to reduce services to reflect the drop in patronage caused by the impacts of coronavirus.
"This latest service adjustment represents just over 70 per cent of our usual level of service, and supports the decision for students to return to term two.
"This pandemic has created a constantly evolving situation, and we will continue to monitor new developments ahead of reintroducing further services."
Minister's office - 6552 5500