Perth school students to get free travel on public transport
There's relief for Perth parents battling the cost of living, with school children to be given free travel on public transport from February.
The state government today announced the cost of living sweetener, which will include free bus and train trips.
It's Premier Rodger Cook's first cost of living relief measure for 2024, with more expected to come.
There's relief for Perth parents battling the cost of living, with school children to be given free travel on public transport from February. Nine
"My Government not only understands cost of living measures, we're doing something about it," he said
From February 5, when schools return, students across the state can catch the bus or train to and from school for free.
Pam Konijan will save up to $300 as her daughter Mya starts Year 7.
"I can maybe put that back into groceries, which would be great," Konijan said.
The $10 million announcement was widely welcomed, after the Liberal Party called for it in 2021.
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"Well three years ago, we were trying to mend the budget which was destroyed by the previous Liberal Government," Cook said.
However, Liberal leader Libby Mettam, claimed the change "doesn't add up."
"Given Western Australians are doing it incredibly tough, given this government is enjoying the largest boom in WA's history, that doesn't add up," she said.
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Premier Rodger Cook said: "My Government not only understands cost of living measures, we're doing something about it." Nine
Meanwhile, the WA government's summer of free public transport program ends today.
Given its success over the last four weeks with more than six million free trips, it will be extended, with free travel every Sunday for everyone.
All that's needed is a SmartRider card.
"We're very, very keen to make this as affordable for families as possible," Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said.
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As he courts voters hurting from rising interest rates, the premier will drip feed hip-pocket relief throughout the year.
"We'll continue to look at other measures if we can to help the people of Western Australia," he said.
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