Perth's newest CAT bus service is now operating, with the Purple CAT providing free travel to Kings Park, University of Western Australia (UWA), Perth Children's Hospital and Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital.
The Purple CAT will start at Elizabeth Quay Bus Station, travel along Malcolm Street to Kings Park Road, Thomas Street and via the QEII campus, the home of Perth Children's Hospital and Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital.
It will then cross Stirling Highway to circle UWA via Hackett Drive and Broadway before making the return trip via the same route.
There will be 46 stops on the purple route, adding an extra 470,000 kilometres each year to Perth's extensive CAT bus network.
The launch of the new route will also herald a change to stopping practices for all CAT buses, with passengers now required to hail the bus to board, and ring the bell to get off at their preferred stop.
The Purple CAT will run between 5am and 11pm on weekdays, operating on a 10-minute frequency in peak and every 15 to 30 minutes in the early morning and late-night hours.
On weekends, it will operate on a 15-minute frequency during the day and 30 minutes at night operating between 7am and 8pm on Saturdays and 8am to 8pm on Sundays.
The expansion of the CAT service builds on the McGowan Government's significant investment in the Perth CBD, which includes the new Edith Cowan University inner-city campus, the revitalisation of the Cultural Centre, the Causeway cycling and pedestrian bridge, and redevelopments of the WA Art Gallery, East Perth Power Station and the WACA.
It is envisaged that the Perth CAT bus network will transition to electric buses in the long-term, with the first electric bus now running in Joondalup.
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"The new Purple CAT bus service will provide free travel to Kings Park, UWA, Perth Children's Hospital and Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, creating a new transport option for people looking to visit these key hubs in our western suburbs.
"With 46 stops along the way, taking in parts of West Perth, Subiaco, Shenton Park, Nedlands and Crawley, the new Purple CAT will add an extra 470,000km to the CAT bus network.
"The CAT services are popular with both tourists and locals, and will work in tandem with key City Deal projects to return vibrancy and energy to the Perth CBD."
As stated by Perth MLA John Carey:
"The expansion of the CAT Bus service was first flagged at the Perth City Summit and I am deeply proud that as Government we are now delivering on a new service that is encouraging more foot traffic in the CBD.
"This is the fifth CAT route to be established throughout Perth, and builds on our more recent initiative to create a night time service on the Red CAT line.
"I can't wait to go for a trip on the Purple CAT and I encourage the people of Perth to come into the city and do the same."
As stated by Nedlands MLA Katrina Stratton:
"The new Purple CAT will make travel between our beautiful western suburbs and the Perth CBD easier and more accessible.
"Stops at UWA will make it easier for students and staff, while stops at the QEII Medical Precinct will make the area more accessible for patients, families and staff.
"I look forward to seeing the Purple CAT bus make its rounds."
