Collie–Bunbury bus service trial
806. Hon Dr Steve Thomas to the parliamentary secretary representing the Minister for Transport:
I refer to my questions without notice 365, 795, 1010 and 1463 asked in May, June, September and November 2024 and question without notice 117 asked on 30 April 2025 in relation to the essential Collie to Bunbury bus service and the trial that ended in January 2024 but has continued operating in a cloud of uncertainty and an information vacuum.
(1) From the trial data, what modelling and analysis has the Public Transport Authority undertaken in relation to the provision of a dedicated bus service from Collie to Bunbury, including required passenger numbers, costs of service provision and community value tied to the provision of that service?
(2) Will the minister table the data to the house and outline the decision-making criteria or matrix applicable to delivering a permanent Collie to Bunbury public bus service, and, if not, why not?
(3) Will the minister now commit to providing a dedicated public bus service for the residents of Collie that will allow them to attend TAFE, university, employment, social outings and vital medical appointments?
Hon Samantha Rowe replied:
I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question and provide the following answer on behalf of the Minister for Transport.
(1)–(3) A review of the Collie–Bunbury bus service trial is continuing. Importantly, we have committed to keeping the service in place while the review is undertaken, meaning no change for our community in the interim. The government will announce plans for the service in due course.
