Perth Central Area Transit

The Perth Central Area Transit (Perth CAT) system, or simply CAT, consists of five bus routes in the centre of Perth, one bus route in Fremantle, and three bus routes in Joondalup.[1] Similar services exist in Rockingham (the City Centre Transit System) and Midland (the Midland Gate Shuttle). Unlike all other Transperth services, most CAT routes are free.

Perth Central Area Transit
ParentTransperth
Founded23 September 1996
Locale
Service typeFree city bus
Routes9
Operator
Websitewww.transperth.wa.gov.au/Timetables/CAT-Timetables

Perth CAT

On 23 September 1996, MetroBus commenced operating two CAT routes: the Red CAT and the Blue CAT, replacing the City Clipper services that had operated since September 1973.[2][3] The Yellow CAT was commenced in 2002 and the Green CAT route began on 30 June 2013.[4] The Purple CAT commenced on 27 February 2022.[5] These CAT services are operated by Transdev WA.

Initially Perth CAT buses stopped at every stop, but with the introduction of the Purple CAT service passengers are now required to hail incoming buses and press the bell if they wish to alight.[5]

Blue CAT

The Blue CAT runs between Perth and Northbridge along the following stops as bus route number 1, with services extending to Kings Park during day time.[1]

Red CAT

The Red CAT runs between West Perth and East Perth along the below stops as bus route number 2.[1] During peak times a shorter Red CAT travels between the Forrest Place stop opposite Perth railway station and the West Perth stop as bus route number 4 to meet high demand for travel between these. In addition, the West Perth Loop of the Red CAT travels along the below stops from Perth Underground to Raine Square.

Yellow CAT

The Yellow CAT, introduced on 15 December 2002, runs between East Perth and West Perth along the following stops as bus route number 3.[6][1]

Green CAT

The Green CAT commenced on 1 July 2013,[7] and runs between Leederville railway station and Elizabeth Quay Bus Station along the below stops as bus route number 5.[1] Intended to ease congestion in the central business district,[7] the Green CAT does not run on weekends nor on public holidays.

Purple CAT

The Purple CAT commenced on 27 February 2022, and runs between the University of Western Australia and Elizabeth Quay Bus Station via the Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre.[5]

Fremantle CAT

The Fremantle CAT, which commenced on 26 August 2000,[8][9] now comprises the Fremantle Blue CAT only, with the Red CAT being scrapped due to the COVID-19 situation. Operated by Transdev WA, it runs along the following stops providing in part transportation to tourist destinations in Fremantle.[10]

Blue CAT

Joondalup CAT

The Joondalup CAT started operating on 9 January 2006. Originally operated by Path Transit, then by Transdev WA from 1 May 2011 to 17 January 2020, it is now operated by Swan Transit since 20 January 2020.[11][12] Joondalup CAT runs Monday to Friday around the Joondalup central business district as bus routes 10 (anticlockwise) and 11 (clockwise).

On Mondays to Thursdays, Joondalup CAT also runs around the Joondalup Campus of Edith Cowan University as bus route 13, but only on the university's operating days, and in an anticlockwise direction during business hours and a clockwise direction outside of business hours.[13][14]

Red CAT

Blue CAT

Yellow CAT

Similar services

Rockingham City Centre Transit System

The Rockingham City Centre Shuttle started operation on 23 December 2007, and is operated by Transdev WA. It is the only CAT service that charges a fare. Travelling around Rockingham City, it runs as bus route 555 along the following stops.[15]

To Rockingham beachTo Rockingham station
Rae Road Busway
  • [24323] Genie CourtB
Kitson Street
  • [24167] Anniversary ParkB
Contest Parade
  • [23849] Rockingham CityB
  • [24332] Civic BoulevardB
Chalgrove Avenue
  • [24329] Rockingham Council ChambersB
Goddard Street
  • [17317] Leeuwin Parade
  • [25605] Dixon Road
Patterson Road
Wanliss Street
  • [24320] Jecks Street
  • [25525] Lewington Street
  • [24328] Rockingham Beach Road
Rockingham Beach Road
Railway Terrace
  • [23893] Kent Street
Railway Terrace
  • [23893] Kent Street
Kent Street
  • [17219] Flinders Lane
Wanliss Street
  • [24321] Smythe Street
  • [24319] Jecks Street
Patterson Road
Goddard Street
  • [25604] Dixon Road
  • [17319] Leeuwin Parade
Chalgrove Avenue
  • [24330] Rockingham Council ChambersB
Contest Parade
  • [24331] Civic BoulevardB
  • [23850] Rockingham CityB
Kitson Street
  • [24168] Anniversary ParkB
Rae Road Busway
  • [24324] Genie CourtB
  • [23793] Rockingham station Stand 12BT

Midland Gate Shuttle

The Midland Gate Shuttle started operation on 5 July 2009, and is operated by Swan Transit. It runs as route 300 and does not operate on Sundays and Public holidays. It travels in an anti-clockwise circle from Midland station around Midland Gate Shopping Centre and then back to Midland station, and stops at:[16]

Helena Street
Great Eastern Highway
  • [14533] Tuohy Lane
  • [14534] Cale Street
  • [14535] Sayer Street
Lloyd Street
The Crescent
  • [14673] Mellar Court
  • [14674] Templeman Place
  • [23938] Sayer Street
  • [14676] Cale Street
Keane Street
  • [14678] The Avenue
The Avenue
Old Great Northern Highway
  • [25695] The Avenue
Great Eastern Highway
Helena Street
  • [14628] Victoria Street
  • [23819] Midland stationBT

Key

1 – interchange with Blue CAT
2 – interchange with Red CAT
3 – interchange with Yellow CAT
5 – interchange with Green CAT
6 – interchange with Purple CAT
T – interchange with train
B – interchange with bus
CR – interchange with CircleRoute
F – interchange with ferry
○ - served during the day time only

Bus fleets

The CAT services commenced in 1996 with 16 diesel-hydraulic engine powered, Scania-Danish Automobile Building Silkeborg MidCity Series II 0860S low-floor, wheelchair accessible city buses.[17] In 2001, due to high demand, five Volgren CR226L bodied Mercedes-Benz O 405 NHs were implemented in the CAT fleet along with the Scania-Danish Automobile Building Silkeborg MidCity Series II 0860S. However, the Silkeborg MidCity Series II 0860S and the Mercedes-Benz O405NHs were replaced in August 2005 and July 2006 respectively by 25 Volgren CR228L bodied Mercedes-Benz OC500LEs that are fuelled by compressed natural gas and 16 Volgren CR228L bodied Volvo B7RLEs.[18][19] In addition to the designated fleet, other Transperth liveried buses can sometimes be used. Between 2013 and 2016, the Perth CAT operated a demonstrator Volvo B5RLEH model as part of a trial.[20] In 2016, a new fleet of 32 Volgren bodied Volvo B8RLEs replaced the Mercedes-Benz OC500LEs.[21][22][23]

The Fremantle CAT fleet consists of three Mercedes-Benz OC500LE's introduced in September 2017 that were inherited from the Perth CAT, replacing the Mercedes-Benz O405NH's that had been used since 2000,[24] the Joondalup CAT fleet consists of two Volvo B8RLEs and two Volvo BZLs, and the Rockingham City Centre Transit System fleet consists of four Mercedes-Benz OC500LEs.[25]

The Midland Shuttle is currently operated by a sole Volvo B7RLE, number 1466.[26]

Perth CAT

Fremantle CAT

Joondalup CAT

Rockingham City Centre Transit System

References
  1. "CAT Bus Timetables". Transperth. Retrieved 21 November 2020.
  2. New CAT free bus service will replace City Clipper network from July Minister for Transport 15 May 1996
  3. Red CAT bus service starts-today Minister for Transport 23 September 1996
  4. Green CAT Brochure Public Transport Authority
  5. "Introduction of Purple CAT". Transperth. 27 February 2022. Retrieved 8 March 2022.
  6. MacTiernan, Alannah (6 November 2002). "Yellow CAT set to serve East Perth residents". Minister for Planning and Infrastructure (Media Release). Western Australia: Commonwealth of Australia. Retrieved 23 November 2020.
  7. Buswell, Troy (30 June 2013). "Green CAT starts tomorrow". Minister for Transport (Media Release). Western Australia: Commonwealth of Australia. Retrieved 23 November 2020.
  8. Cowan, Hendy; Criddle, Murray (23 February 2000). "Fremantle Clipper to become a seven day service (A/M)". Minister for Transport (Media Statement). Western Australia: Commonwealth of Australia. Retrieved 23 November 2020.
  9. Criddle, Murray (26 August 2000). "Minister unveils distinctive new CAT buses for Fremantle". Minister for Transport (Media Statement). Western Australia: Commonwealth of Australia. Retrieved 23 November 2020.
  10. "Fremantle CAT timetable" (PDF). Transperth. 12 April 2015. Archived from the original (PDF) on 23 September 2015.
  11. MacTiernan, Alannah (11 January 2005). "Gallop Government gears up for new Joondalup CAT service". Minister for Planning and Infrastructure (Media Statement). Western Australia: Commonwealth of Australia. Retrieved 24 November 2020.
  12. Annual Plan 2005/2006 – Attachment One: Progress Report, January to March 2006 (PDF). City of Joondalup (Report). Western Australia. April 2006. Retrieved 24 November 2020.
  13. "Bus Timetable 205 (Joondalup CAT)" (PDF). Transperth. Perth: Public Transport Authority, Government of Western Australia. 10 February 2019. Retrieved 25 November 2020.
  14. "Joondalup CAT timetable" (PDF). Transperth. 21 March 2015. Archived from the original (PDF) on 19 April 2015. Retrieved 24 November 2020.
  15. "Bus Timetable 127 (Route 555: Rockingham City Transit System)" (PDF). Transperth. Perth: Public Transport Authority, Government of Western Australia. 20 September 2009. Archived from the original (PDF) on 23 September 2015.
  16. Route 300 timetable Archived 23 September 2015 at the Wayback Machine Transperth 5 July 2009
  17. Unveiling of one of new CAT buses to replace Clippers Minister for Transport 15 May 1996
  18. New CAT bus fleet provides a better ride for city commuters Minister for Planning & Infrastructure 23 January 2005
  19. New look, new home and new route for bigger, greener CAT bus fleet Minister for Planning & Infrastructure 21 August 2005
  20. Wood, Matt (21 August 2013). "REVIEW: VOLVO B5RLE HYBRID". Retrieved 9 July 2018.
  21. WA to buy cleanest diesel buses Minister for Transport 10 August 2015
  22. Diesel-electric CAT bus trial deemed a failure The West Australian 10 August 2015
  23. No electric buses for Perth Australasian Bus & Coach 17 August 2015
  24. Criddle, Murray. "Minister unveils distinctive new CAT buses for Fremantle". Retrieved 3 January 2018.
  25. "Rockingham City Centre Transit System - aka "Dolphins" or "RATs"". www.perthbus.info. Retrieved 8 March 2022.
  26. "1466". perthbus.info. Retrieved 8 March 2022.
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