The WA Government will deliver more than $1 billion in new transport funding as part of the 2025–26 Western Australian State Budget, with major investment in public transport affordability, congestion relief, road safety, and regional infrastructure.
A key commitment is the introduction of a suburban flat fare, with $151.9 million allocated to implement the election promise. From 1 January 2026, all metropolitan public transport travel will be capped to a one-zone fare, meaning passengers using an autoload SmartRider will pay no more than $2.80 – regardless of distance.
The Budget also delivers $18.2 million to permanently halve Transwa fares for regional travel, extending to more than 200 destinations across the State.
More than $599 million has been allocated for metropolitan road upgrades aimed at easing congestion and improving safety. This includes widening the Kwinana Freeway, grade separation works at Reid Highway and Erindale Road, and intersection upgrades at Wanneroo Road, McGilvray Avenue, Morley Drive, and Nicholson and Warton Roads. Several roundabouts will also be constructed or upgraded in Craigie, Kargotich Road, and Baldivis.
In regional WA, $25 million has been committed to Northam Pithara Road upgrades, including realignment and bridge replacements. Further regional works include $25 million for South Coast Highway improvements, $7.7 million for upgrades in Coolgardie, and $3 million to improve access in South Yunderup.
An additional $200 million will be invested over four years into the Regional Road Safety Program, with a further $50 million allocated in 2028–29 for local government road safety treatments.
To meet growing demand in Perth’s south-east, $4 million will be used to establish a new Driver and Vehicle Services centre in the Armadale/Byford area.
While budgets for some METRONET projects have been updated, no new State Government funding has been allocated to the program in this Budget. Additional costs are being met through underspends, previously budgeted provisions, and Commonwealth contributions.
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the Budget delivers on key election commitments while supporting local jobs and manufacturing, with continued investment in electric bus production and transport infrastructure across WA.