Free public transport on Sundays will become permanent, as part of a $70.1 million State Budget measure.

Premier Roger Cook and Transport Minister Rita Saffioti will spruik the budget measure on Sunday, whilst also announcing its Ride to School Free Programme will also become permanent.

“My government’s State Budget 2026-27 is about delivering real cost of living support for Western Australians,” Mr Cook said.

“Our responsible budget management and focus on maintaining Western Australia’s status as the strongest economy in the nation mean we can make cost-of-living measures, such as free Sunday travel permanent.”

The Ride to School Free Program was established in 2024 and provides free transport to around 300,000 students travelling to and from school, with a valid SmartRider.

Free transport on Sundays was also introduced in 2024, with more than 8 million passengers making the most of the initiative since it was introduced.

Travel is also free for WA Seniors Card holders during off-peak times, Monday to Friday and across the entire weekend.

Since January 1, passengers have also been able to travel anywhere on the network for as little as $2.80 per trip with a SmartRider with Autoload, or $3.50 if paying with a credit or debit card.

Transwa fares for regional train and coach services have also been halved.

According to government figures there were a record 15.7 million boardings across train, bus or ferry services in March.

It follows a record year for public transport use in 2025, with boardings surpassing 150 million for the first time.

“With fuel prices continuing to rise and putting pressure on WA households, we know these practical initiatives are providing real relief to families, with a record number of people choosing to make use of our public transport network last month,” Ms Saffioti said.

“Our government is committed to using our strong economic position to deliver real cost-of-living relief for Western Australians, with more to come in our State Budget 2026-27.”

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA estimates fuel prices have jumped by 38 per cent in Australia since the US conflict with Iran began in late February.

Figures released by the office of Energy Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson showed Friday’s fuel averages in the Perth metropolitan area were $2.01 for unleaded and $3.06 for diesel.