Footy fans take to public transport

23/05/07

The State Government’s focus on public transport is paying off, with a real success story in changing the travel habits of crowds going to AFL games.

Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said Transperth’s new integrated ticketing arrangements, where Eagles and Dockers membership and match day tickets include a public transport levy, had seen a dramatic increase in the number of people travelling by public transport to the football.

“The proportion of footy fans using trains and buses to get to Subiaco Oval has grown from 23.4 per cent last year to 32.6 per cent this year,” Ms MacTiernan said.

“This 40 per cent increase in public transport use is reducing traffic and parking problems around Subiaco, as well as cutting greenhouse gases.

“So far, Dockers fans are more likely to travel by public transport, with patronage up to 36.5 per cent for Fremantle’s home games, compared with 28.8 per cent for Eagles games.

“We can expect to see these percentages rising further when the Southern Suburbs railway opens and patrons take advantage of the loop which connects the line directly with West Leederville and Subiaco stations.”

The integrated tickets allow people to travel free on public transport for three hours before and after the game.