Buses are an essential part of our public transport system, moving people to work and study, linking them to trains, and providing a community service to people and places with limited transport options. Over the last 10 years the bus network in Perth has expanded significantly, providing more frequent services on existing routes, and new services to the growing metropolitan area.

Expansion comes with increased costs, and has also coincided with a fall in the number of people using buses. Buses have become less efficient and, as fare revenue has dropped, the government subsidy has risen to over $400 million. Subsidies are a feature of public transport systems around the world, but simultaneously rising costs and falling patronage are not sustainable.

Many factors that influence patronage are outside of single agency control, and require whole of government action. More joined up transport planning and clearer targets, including for buses, would help set direction and provide accountability. At the same time, PTA can take action on costs and patronage, but needs to develop a broader range of operational and strategic initiatives to deliver a more sustainable bus network for Perth.