Perth

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Transport Discounts

Details on transport concessions and subsidies available for students, seniors, and low-income residents in Perth.

Sections

1. Categories of Transport Discounts in Perth

Transperth provides discounted fares for the following groups:

a) Concession Card Holders

  • Includes students, seniors, pensioners, and certain welfare recipients.
  • Eligibility is based on holding a valid concession card issued by the Australian government or an approved institution.

b) Seniors

  • Australian residents aged 60+ who hold a WA Seniors Card or a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.
  • Seniors are eligible for free travel during off-peak hours and discounted fares at other times.

c) Students

  • Includes primary, secondary, and tertiary students.
  • Must hold a valid SmartRider card with concession status.

d) Children

  • Children under 5 years travel free.
  • Children aged 5โ€“15 years are eligible for discounted fares.

e) Health Care Card Holders

  • Individuals receiving certain government benefits (e.g., unemployment or disability support) may qualify for concession fares.

f) Visitors

  • Visitors can access affordable travel by purchasing a SmartRider card or using cash tickets. However, they are not eligible for concession fares unless they meet specific criteria (e.g., international students).

2. Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for transport discounts depends on your residency status, age, and whether you hold a valid concession card. Below are the key criteria for each group:

a) Seniors

  • Must be a resident of Western Australia and hold a WA Seniors Card.
  • Interstate seniors with a valid Seniors Card from another Australian state can also access discounts.

b) Students

  • Primary and secondary students automatically qualify for concession fares.
  • Tertiary students must be enrolled full-time at an approved institution and apply for concession status on their SmartRider card.

c) Pensioners and Welfare Recipients

  • Must hold a valid Pensioner Concession Card or Health Care Card issued by Centrelink or the Department of Veterans' Affairs.

d) Visitors

  • Visitors are not eligible for concession fares unless they are international students or meet other specific criteria.

3. Costs Involved

Transperth fares are based on a zone system, with discounts applied to concession holders. Below is a breakdown of costs:

a) Standard Fares (as of 2023)

  • 1 Zone: $2.20 (Adult), $1.10 (Concession)
  • 2 Zones: $3.90 (Adult), $1.60 (Concession)
  • All Zones (Day Pass): $10.00 (Adult), $4.90 (Concession)

b) SmartRider Card

  • A SmartRider card is a reusable electronic ticket that offers a 10% discount on standard fares.
  • Cost: $10 for the card (non-refundable) + minimum $10 initial top-up.

c) Free Transit Zone (FTZ)

  • Travel within Perthโ€™s central business district (CBD) is free on buses and trains. Look for the FTZ logo on bus stops and train stations.

d) Seniors Free Travel

  • Seniors travel free during off-peak hours (9:00 AMโ€“3:30 PM and after 7:00 PM on weekdays, all day on weekends and public holidays).

4. How to Apply for Discounts

The process for accessing transport discounts depends on your eligibility category. Hereโ€™s a step-by-step guide:

a) For Seniors

  1. Apply for a WA Seniors Card online or at a local Seniors Card Centre.
  2. Once you receive your card, use it to access free or discounted travel.

b) For Students

  1. Obtain a SmartRider card through your school or university.
  2. If youโ€™re a tertiary student, apply for concession status by submitting proof of full-time enrollment to Transperth.

c) For Pensioners and Welfare Recipients

  1. Ensure you have a valid Pensioner Concession Card or Health Care Card.
  2. Link your card to a SmartRider at a Transperth InfoCentre or online.

d) For Visitors

  1. Purchase a SmartRider card at a Transperth InfoCentre, train station, or retail outlet.
  2. Top up your card with credit and enjoy discounted fares.

5. Local Considerations

Here are some important tips and local insights to keep in mind:

a) SmartRider Card Usage

  • Always tag on and tag off when using your SmartRider card to ensure youโ€™re charged the correct fare.
  • Failure to tag off may result in the maximum fare being deducted.

b) Free Transit Zone (FTZ)

  • The FTZ is a great way to save money while exploring Perthโ€™s CBD. No ticket is required for travel within this zone.

c) Public Transport Operating Hours

  • Trains and buses generally operate from around 5:00 AM to midnight. Check schedules on the Transperth website or app.

d) Transperth App

  • Download the Transperth app for real-time updates, journey planning, and fare information.

e) Accessibility

  • Transperth services are wheelchair accessible, and assistance is available for passengers with disabilities.

f) Tourist SmartRider

  • Visitors planning to stay for a short period can purchase a standard SmartRider card for convenience. However, they wonโ€™t qualify for concession fares unless they meet specific criteria.

6. Additional Resources

For more information or assistance, you can:

  • Visit the Transperth website: www.transperth.wa.gov.au
  • Call the Transperth InfoLine: 13 62 13
  • Visit a Transperth InfoCentre at major train stations (e.g., Perth Station, Elizabeth Quay).

By understanding the available discounts and how to access them, you can make the most of Perthโ€™s public transport system while saving money. Whether youโ€™re a visitor or a new resident, these tips will help you navigate the city with ease!