WA residents to save hundreds over holidays in latest cost-of-living reprieve

Western Australian commuters will see some cost-of-living relief with the state government to make public transport free for five weeks over the summer.

Regular passengers are expected to save hundreds from December 24 to January 28 on all buses and trains in metro Perth and regional parts of the state.

Meanwhile, families travelling to and from the city could see savings of about $30 or more for a single trip.

READ MORE: The government cost-of-living payments everyone needs to know about

Premier Roger Cook said "every little bit helps".

"We know rising interest rates mean families are doing it tough over the summer holidays – which can make it difficult to take the kids for a day out," he said.

"Importantly, it will help to encourage Western Australians to get out and about over summer, supporting local businesses and local jobs."

The $10.4 million initiative will provide reprieve to families buckling under high inflation and skyrocketing prices, as well as boosting the local economy over the Christmas and New Year period.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti echoed the sentiment and encouraged residents to leave the car at home and take advantage of the waived fees.

READ MORE: Aussie household budgets under 'extreme' pressure, experts find

Perth's inflation rate dipped to 4.8 per cent in the latest quarter, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

The country's overall inflation also slowed to 5.2 per cent - the third quarter in a row that prices have declined after reaching a decades-high of 7.8 per cent in December 2022.

However, despite slowing inflation nationwide, Australians are still struggling to keep up with exorbitant prices.