The WA government has credited a strong PR campaign as a key driver for the first growth in public transport patronage in Perth since 2015.
Patronage across Perth’s buses, trains and ferries grew 1.15 per cent to 141.5 million boardings in 2018/19. This followed three consecutive years of declines from the 148.8 million boardings recorded in 2014/15.
Train boardings grew 1.55 per cent to 61.5 million, with increases on the Armadale, Joondalup, Mandurah and Midland lines outweighing a mild decrease on the Fremantle line.
Transport minister Rita Saffioti said the patronage increase – particularly the increase in rail patronage – showed the value of a joint campaign by the Public Transport Authority and the government’s Metronet authority.
Metronet is delivering the state’s range of urban rail projects, which includes new rail lines, stations, extensions, and rollingstock.
“We are building Metronet because we recognise first-class public transport and well-connected homes are integral to a vibrant and sustainable city,” Saffioti said.
“A number of factors led to last year’s increase in passengers, including a patronage ad campaign from January, improving economic conditions and positive take up of services to Optus Stadium.”