FOOTHILLS footy fans will be able to make it to AFL games at Optus Stadium more easily this season with Transperth’s suburban event bus network expanding.
From March 24, Transperth’s event bus network will service Kalamunda, Forrestfield and Belmont with a new Route 655.
The high-frequency shuttle service will run to Perth Stadium Bus Station every five to 10 minutes for up to two hours before, and one hour after, an event.
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The full journey from Kalamunda should take about 40 minutes.
Buses will collect passengers along Kalamunda Road, Hawtin Road and Hale Road before traversing Tonkin Highway and Abernathy Road to more stops near Belmont Forum.
The buses will then make stops along Belmont Avenue, Alexander Road and Kooyong Road on the way to the stadium.
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said use of public transport has skyrocketed since AFL fixtures were moved from Subiaco Oval.
Ms Saffioti said Transperth now carries 182 per cent more passengers on match day, with its share of the crowd increasing from 39 per cent.
“Optus Stadium attendees have voted with their feet when it comes to public transport, with demand for buses in particular exceeding the initial predictions,” she said.
“AFL fans are the biggest public transport users, with an average of 79 per cent of attendees taking Transperth buses and trains to the game.
“We know that public transport is an incredibly convenient and affordable travel option for most stadium event attendees – nine in 10 passengers surveyed say they’re happy with their services – and the new Kalamunda service 655 will build on that success.”
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