A Blend Of The Archaic And Ultra-modern, Perth's System Still One To Admire

The Age

Monday January 19, 2009

PETER KER

THE JOURNEY

LIKE many of Perth's key attractions, the WACA ground isn't on a train line, but with a full day of Test cricket ahead, we took our chances on the public transport system. From Floreat in the western suburbs we took a bus across the city to the WACA in East Perth. Our quiet suburban stop didn't have mod-cons like electronic screens or timetables and we could have waited a long time had we not checked the timetable before leaving home. Outside of peak hour, this route (28) runs hourly.

MODE

Despite recently building a new train line 70 kilometres south to Mandurah, rail travel is far from a way of life in Perth. Many West Australians remain bemused at the positive press the city's public transport system receives on the east coast. The city has five train lines, all of which are spokes outwards from the city hub. Two of them travel most of their distance down the middle of major freeways, while two others have bad reputations for safety. Buses have become a major force for connection between these fairly disparate train lines and this interconnectivity is behind much of the praise from afar. Our bus connected with two train stations during our 25-minute journey, picking up loads of cricket fans each time.

Our journey of about nine kilometres took about 25 minutes. This was not too bad, seeing we had to cross the city against Christmas shopping and cricket traffic. We didn't need to change buses or trains, but many journeys in Perth do given the city-spoke make-up of the train network.

COST

Our $2.30 fare from the suburbs to the other side of the city was very reasonable and the same ticket can be used on different modes. It was interesting to watch the locals using a myki-style electronic "swipe on, swipe off" system.

CONDITIONS

Buses and trains generally feel new, air conditioned and comfortable. But peak hour trains have become packed and stations are less developed.

EXPERIENCE

Our journey was pleasant, comfortable and safe, but there are plenty of lines in Perth where you wouldn't feel that way. The two train lines that service the city's eastern suburbs are notorious.

SCORE

7 out of 10

(Peter Ker lived in Perth for some time and is a regular visitor)

© 2009 The Age

Back to News Index | Back to Home