The State Government, in partnership with the Shire of Esperance, is introducing a trial town bus service in Esperance to improve public transport access to the town centre and surrounding suburbs.
The service, which starts on Monday July 4 and will run for 12 months, includes three new bus routes, each operating three times a day from Monday to Friday.
The new routes are as follows:
- Route 810 between Nulsen and Esperance;
- Route 811 between Castletown and Esperance; and
- Route 812 between West Beach and Esperance.
The local community has been consulted on the proposed routes through an online survey and at public information sessions held in Esperance.
While the trial will run for a year, passenger numbers will be reviewed regularly – particularly at the six-month mark – to determine whether adjustments to the routes are needed.
At the end of the trial period, an analysis of consistent patronage will determine whether the service continues.
The 12-month trial will cost about $300,000, with the Shire of Esperance contributing $60,000 towards signage, marketing, and local support staff.
A PTA representative will be in Esperance on June 28 and 29 for further community consultation and to promote the service, with an online timetable available from June 27.
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
“I am very pleased that we were able to work with the Shire of Esperance to co-fund a public transport service, following feedback from the local community.
“The new service will provide greater access to the town centre and surrounding suburbs.
“Town bus services have been very successful in other regional areas across Western Australia, and we have no doubt this one will be a welcome addition to the town of Esperance – not only for locals, but also tourists.”
As stated by Agricultural Region MLC Shelley Payne:
“I’m looking forward to this new bus service, which will give Esperance locals and visitors alike a reliable and low-cost option for travelling between the town centre and Castletown, Nulsen, and West Beach.
“After a number of years in the making, it is great to see this trial go ahead with support from both the Shire of Esperance and our State Government, which will help many in our community to access local services, do their shopping, and enjoy social outings.
“I encourage the residents of Esperance to support this trial and make it a success by downloading the timetable on June 27 and hopping onboard from July 4.”
