Public Transport Surge in WA: Commuters Switch to Save on Fuel

0:00This is Cory with the story. Keeping Adelaide in the know, you're listening to Adelaide News today. Public transport use in Western Australia has jumped sharply this month, with officials reporting a 10-15% rise in bus, train, and ferry boarding so far in March. This comes right as unleaded petri prices in Perth have climbed 82 cents per liter to an average of $2.41, driven by the war in the Middle East. Premiere Roger Cook first highlighted the big spike, while Transform Minister Rita Safiotti later pegged it closer to 10%. They note that cheap capped fares like the go anywhere option at $2.80 from one end of the line to the other might be drawing. More riders from outer suburbs. Commuters are feeling the pinch and noticing the change firsthand, with trains packing out and parking lots feeling earlier than usual. Many say they've switched to public transport to dodge the higher fuel costs, calling it a smarter way to get around. Other factors could be at play too,

1:02including free travel for school kids on buses and new metro net rail lines that have expanded the network. Road traffic data shows little change, with steady car volumes on key routes like the narrows bridge and bike paths holding even. As fuel prices keep rising, the government plans to keep a close watch and support options for getting around affordably.