Commuters travelling to the CBD could pay up to $96 a year more to get to and from work, with public transport fares between some zones increasing this week by nearly three times the rate of inflation.
From July 1, standard Transperth fares for outer suburban CBD commuters travelling three or four zones using a SmartRider, five days a week, increased by $76.80 per year.
Costs will be even higher for those who pay for their fares in cash or don’t autoload their SmartRiders, with these commuters facing an annual increase of up to $96.
RAC General Manager Corporate Affairs Will Golsby said the fare increases were disappointing, given how critical it is public transport remains an affordable option for commuters.
“Any increase to public transport fares shouldn’t exceed the rate of inflation,” Mr Golsby said.
“RAC supports investment by the State and Federal Governments to improve the quality and coverage of the public transport system but we also need to ensure transport is affordable.
“We need to do whatever we can to encourage commuters to use our bus and train networks. The cost of carrying them on our roads instead is too great — increased congestion and demand for road infrastructure, as well as a decline in productivity.”
According to the Australian Automobile Association, Perth has the second highest public transport costs of any capital city in Australia, behind only Sydney.
“Consecutive State Governments have continued to increase the cost of transport year on year, with the typical Perth household now spending almost $18,000 per annum on transport related expenses such as fuel, registration and licensing, public transport and vehicle maintenance,” Mr Golsby said.
<ends>
Media contact: RAC media team, 0401 703 719 or media@rac.com.au
