WA Labor has pledged to introduce a free bus service for people living in Stirling to get to Scarborough Beach if re-elected in the upcoming election.
The move would see the government spend $14 million to introduce a free Surf CAT bus service to alleviate parking pressure and traffic at Scarborough Beach.
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Operating every 10 minutes during peak periods, running from Stirling Train Station direct to Scarborough Beach in less than 15 minutes, the service would also run on Thursday nights when the Scarborough Summer Markets are held.
“Scarborough is one of Western Australia’s most iconic beaches and just the other week was listed in Tourism Australia’s top 10 beaches in the country,” premier Roger Cook says.
“It’s an incredibly popular spot for locals and tourists with good surfing conditions all year round and a great array of bars, cafes and shops, so we want to make it easier for everyone to access this vibrant precinct.
“Fittingly named the Surf CAT, this free service will save beachgoers time, hassle and money trying to find a spare park and have them at the beach in under 15 minutes.”
The pledge comes on top of Labor’s $90 million upgrade of Stirling Bus Interchange, including constructing a new pedestrian bridge between Stirling Station and the southern car park.
The $14.2 million commitment includes funding for additional stand space at Scarborough Beach, a bus Station with more seating and shade, and improvements to the West Coast Highway and Scarborough Beach Road intersection bus lanes to prioritise bus movement and reduce traffic build up.
“Scarborough Beach is Perth’s premier beachside destination – there’s truly no better place to be, particularly on a hot summer’s day,” Scarborough MLA Stuart Aubrey says.
“This new Surf CAT service will make getting to Scarborough Beach so much easier for locals, reducing congestion around the central access, and connecting through the heart of our community.”
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