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Free public transport trial to the suburbs likely in 2004-05

FOLLOWING the success of the free CAT bus service, recently extended to South Fremantle, the City of Fremantle is now considering a free public transport service to the suburbs.

Designed to complement the existing CAT service, it stems from a recent TravelSmart Survey which identified a request for a similar service in other City of Fremantle wards.

While a proposed trial will not take place in 2003-04, the project – named “Freo-Star” – will be submitted for funding in the 2004-05 budget.

City of Fremantle Mayor Peter Tagliaferri said the decision was made to defer the trial so the project could seek an increased council allocation in the 2004-05 financial year, as well as additional funding from other sources.

This would also allow for an analysis of TravelSmart “after-surveys” and give more time to explore all possible options in relation to the service.

“A report will be prepared, outlining options for the service, costings, possible routes and possible funding sources, including organisations that may contribute to the service,” Mayor Tagliaferri said.

“The Freo-Star service would take in Hilton Ward, East Ward, Beaconsfield Ward and North Ward and provide City of Fremantle residents with an alternative to travelling in their private cars while also helping to lessen traffic congestion on our roads.”

The report will be presented at the Service Delivery Review and Corporate Performance Committee meeting in February, 2004.