A $32,000 contribution from the City of Perth will keep the Northbridge NightRider service going until the end of the year, Perth Lord Mayor Peter Nattrass has announced.
The full text of an announcement from the City of Perth is pasted below
Extra funding from the City of Perth will see the Northbridge NightRider service continue until at least the end of the year.
The Council has approved a contribution of $32,000 for the bus service, which provides reliable, late-night transport for people enjoying a Saturday night out in the prime night-life and entertainment area. The funding is in addition to the initial $65,000 approved last year to establish the service.
Lord Mayor Dr Peter Nattrass said the NightRider service was gradually gaining acceptance and fulfilled a need in relieving pressure on weekend taxi services.
"The City of Perth lobbied hard for the NightRider service and is keen to see it continue," Dr Nattrass said. "The State Government has reviewed the service and rationalised bus times and routes and it is to be hoped that usage will increase.
"While it is not the Council's responsibility to provide a widespread, after-hours public transport system, we are prepared to co-fund hourly services to Scarborough and Fremantle. Unfortunately, the Beaufort Street route to the northern suburbs has been discontinued due to low patronage.
"Waiting times for taxis in Northbridge have been reduced since the introduction of NightRider.
"However, there is a continuing need to improve the availability of public transport beyond normal business hours, both within the city and to other destinations. Perth is a growing, all-hours city and the public transport system needs to reflect that."
NightRider operates on the hour from 1am to 4am and the fare is $5. Buses leave from a stand opposite the Milligan Street safe taxi rank and stop as required along the routes.
