City success could kick start improved public transport links

One of the main aims of the Perth 2021 team is to improve connectivity and help tackle social isolation.

Bid organisers found that many people living in rural areas felt cut off from Perth, with very few venturing into the city at night.

As revealed in the Perth application to Government ministers, the local authority is now working with business partners SSE and Stagecoach to explore long-term solutions to sustainable and community-led transport.

Mr Flanagan said: “In terms of overseas visitors, our high water mark level was the Ryder Cup and we would be looking to get back to those levels, but also sustain them.

“When it comes to audience participation, particularly bringing daytrippers to our new venues, the biggest barrier has always been public transport costs.

“So we are talking to partners like Stagecoach about how we can address those issues.”

He said young people would be targeted in a special ticket offered, which would give them better access to venues and encourage them to participate in events.

“There’s been a bit of a fall in audience participation and day visitor numbers, and one of the factors that is always mentioned is public transport,” said Mr Flanagan.

“The biggest barrier has always been public transport costs