- State Budget allocates $152 million to cap public transport fares to one zone
- A further $18.2 million allocated to permanently halve Transwa fares across the State
- Cheaper fares will take effect from 1 January 2026
- Regional Capped Airfare Scheme continues to support Geraldton community
Communities in and around Geraldton will see big savings on public transport costs, with a range of initiatives funded in the recent State Budget.
A total of $152 million was included in the Budget for the delivery of the suburban flat fare, a key election commitment of the State Labor Government, while $18.2 million will be invested to permanently halve Transwa fares across the State.
The suburban flat fare will support people who travel two zones on TransGeraldton services, particularly those living in the suburbs of Drummond Cove and Glenfield.
The delivery of permanent reductions to Transwa fares will support communities around the Mid West region, with significant savings on regional routes including:
- Perth to Geraldton will save around $37 on a one-way fare;
- Perth to Kalbarri will save around $46 on a one-way fare;
- Perth to Jurien Bay will save around $23 on a one-way fare;
- Perth to Dongara will save around $32 on a one-way fare;
- Geraldton to Mt Magnet will save around $31 on a one-way fare; and
- Geraldton to Meekatharra will save around $45 on a one-way fare.
The changes will also encourage more visitation to the regional towns and cities across the Mid West, supporting small businesses and the local economies.
The changes come on top of the State Government's landmark Regional Airfare Zone Cap Scheme, which has now supported more than 500,000 capped airfares across regional Western Australia, including in Geraldton.
The changes mean WA is one of the most affordable states in the country to get around on public transport and will save many regular commuters thousands of dollars every year.
The State Government is also investing to help regional families manage other transport related costs including:
- $19 million to increasethe Patient Assisted Travel Scheme to 40 cents per kilometre;
- $26 million toincrease the Regional Pensioner Travel Card to $775; and
- $8 million to helpregional students save up to $500 to attend Country Week.
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"For regional communities, travelling long distances isn't a choice, it's a necessity, and our government is working hard to reduce the cost burden that can bring for families.
"Whether it be our capped airfares, permanently reducing Transwa fares or introducing the suburban flat fare, travelling on public transport has never been cheaper for Western Australian households.
"We're committed to keeping the cost of public transport down, because we know how much it supports regional families, especially when it comes to travelling to and from Perth."
As stated by Sandra Carr MLC:
"My conversations with Mid West locals, from seniors to families with kids in school, indicate widespread support for these regional transport initiatives.
"Schools have also told us that support such as our Country Week funding has allowed some students to participate in Country Week for the first time,
"That's the kind of difference I'm proud the Cook Government is making to the lives of regional families."
