Bus in Australia, Perth

Getting around Perth by bus is easy unlike taking the cab/taxis. If you need to find the bus numbers, just log on to the website http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/ enter your current location, your final destination, and you've got your whole route planned out. From the distance to walk to the bus stop to all bus numbers you need to change, and your final bus stop to final destination. Every detail can be found there, including what time your bus arrives, it is pretty hard to find yourself on the wrong bus, but you may want to ask the kind driver to let you know when you reach your stop because they will not be annoucing it.

Bus timing

Buses here follow a timetable and 80% of the time they will be punctual, so you may want to get to your stop 5 minutes earlier and wait for your bus. This saves precious waiting time. There is also a timetable at the bus stop so if you are out shopping and you have no idea when the next bus is coming, you may want to take a look at this. Another thing you can find is a route of the buses that arrives at that bus stop but not all bus stops have it, so you might be able to figure out your way all the time if you do not do it in advance.

Buses

Sticking out your hand to hail for the bus and pressing the bell to notify the driver that you are alighting at the next stop are some actions much appreciated. The buses here are also able to lower their front wheel so if you have difficulty getting on board, just ask the driver to assist.

Fare

Transferring of buses within an hour is free but if you cross a zone, you might still be charged. The card used for travelling is called smartrider, it gives holders a small discount, however, you may need to pay a little extra as deposit for the card. Paying by cash is just as easy, the driver has lose change thus you just need to tell him the place you are going if you do not know the price. Put your money on the area just between the both of you and he will give you the change needed. Please do not give him a $50. Average bus fare are $1 - $5 so $50 is really too much. Remember to take your ticket from the machine. This ticket can be shown on your next bus transfer that takes place within two hours.

Seats

There are some seats with bigger leg space usually for handicap, if you do not need them, try not to sit in that area.