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Outer suburbs bear brunt of public transport price increase

Staff WriterWestern Suburbs Weekly

PEOPLE in Perth’s outer suburbs could be paying $96 more a year for their public transport costs after fare increases came into effect on July 1.

Standard Transperth fares commuters travelling three or four zones five days week using a Smartrider increased by $76.80 per year.

Costs will be even higher for those who pay for their fares in cash or don’t autoload their SmartRiders, with these commuters facing an annual increase of up to $96.

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A 2 per cent rise in public transport fates was flagged in May’s State Budget, but the RAC’s general manager of corporate affairs Will Golsby feels the increase should not exceed the inflation rate.

RAC General Manager Corporate Affairs Will Golsby said the fare increases were disappointing, given how critical it is public transport remains an affordable option for commuters.

“RAC supports investment by the State and Federal Governments to improve the quality and coverage of the public transport system but we also need to ensure transport is affordable,” he said.

“We need to do whatever we can to encourage commuters to use our bus and train networks.”

According to the Australian Automobile Association, Perth has the second highest public transport costs of any capital city in Australia, behind only Sydney.

“Consecutive State Governments have continued to increase the cost of transport year on year, with the typical Perth household now spending almost $18,000 per annum on transport related expenses such as fuel, registration and licensing, public transport and vehicle maintenance,” Mr Golsby said.