Railways and Tramways of Australia
Western Australia
Train services within the Perth suburban and interurban region are provided by Transperth. Public transport journeys in the Perth region generally require the use of a SmartRider card or cash ticket. Most long-distance train services within Western Australia are operated by Transwa, which also provides coach services to a range of destinations, many of which were formerly serviced by passenger trains.
SmartRider card
www.transperth.wa.gov.au/SmartRider/Types-of-SmartRider
A SmartRider card is a smart card used for most public transport services within the Perth suburban area, including by train, bus and ferry. Cards can be purchased and value can be loaded on to the card at Transperth stations, on buses and ferries, at Transperth InfoCentres and selected retailers, using cash, by BPAY and direct debit. There are seven types of SmartRider card: standard, concession, seniors, pensioner, veteran, student and tertiary.
Using a SmartRider card involves tagging on at the beginning of a journey and tagging off at the end. SmartRider calculates the fare based on the distance travelled and transfers within the journey. A discount of 25 per cent of the fare applies when autoload is used to top up the card. There are nine fare zones within the Perth suburban area. Inner Perth has a Free Transit Zone for SmartRider card users on trains. The stations included in the Free Transit Zone are City West, Elizabeth Quay and Claisebrook. Two-section fares are available for single trip journeys of 3.2 km or less.
SmartCommuter card
www.transwa.wa.gov.au/fares/smartcommuter
The Transwa SmartCommuter card provides discounts of 35 per cent for frequent users on the AvonLink, the Australind, and on the MerredinLink service between Perth and Northam. A SmartCommuter card must be applied for with photo identification, requires an annual fee of $60, and takes up to 14 days to process.
Transperth
Train services within the Perth suburban region are provided by Transperth. Most public transport journeys in the Perth region require the use of a SmartRider smart cards or cash ticket. Cash tickets can be purchased from ticket machines at train stations, on buses, and at ferry jetties, and have an expiry time printed on them, which is two hours for one to four zones and three hours for five or more zones. Dayrider tickets provide unlimited travel after 9.00 am on weekdays and all day on weekends.
The Transperth website provides information about transport services within Perth. It includes timetables, maps, service updates, and details about tickets and fares. Also included on the website is a Journey Planner, which provides travel options between two locations identified by the user, including scheduled times of services and fares. The Transperth app has features including a journey planner and real-time service information.
Transwa
Bookings are essential for travel on all Transwa services, with the exception of the AvonLink train. Bookings can be made up to 90 days in advance, and can be made online, at Transwa booking centres and accredited booking agents, and by telephone (1300 662 205). Reservations are open from 8.30 am to 5.00 pm on Mondays to Fridays, 8.30 am to 4.30 pm on Saturdays, and 10.00 am to 4.00 pm on Sundays. A buffet service is available on the Prospector and Australind. Free wifi is available on the AvonLink and the MerredinLink. The Transwa website contains timetables, maps, travel and destination information and events, news and details of service disruptions, and details about tickets and fares.