West Perth Aware

This week, after another incident on Wednesday on the Red CAT bus stop near Central Park in the city, I reached out to the Public Transport Authority, the City of Perth, and our local MLA regarding ongoing safety incidents and concerns on Perth’s CAT bus services.

Our CAT bus routes should be safe for everyone, commuters, tourists, families, and vulnerable community members, but for a while now and right now, they’re not.

I’ve been raising concerns about the RED and YELLOW CAT services in the Perth CBD for years, and it’s time for real action, I've attended council meetings, given deputations and asked for help.

Here’s what I’m calling for:

✅ Transit guards and WA Police on all routes, with a focus on high-incident bus routes.

✅ Better driver support and duress systems.

✅ Live CCTV monitoring from buses to control rooms.

✅ Transparent incident reporting.

✅ A coordinated safety plan between the PTA and City of Perth.

No one should feel unsafe using free public transport in their own city. Drivers and passengers deserve better and our local leaders need to make it happen.

I've also asked for

✅ Route extensions to Point Fraser and Matagarup Bridge

This is an important route inclusion that would help lots of CAT bus users access the east of our city easier

Drop a comment with your experience or ideas to help make this service better for everyone.

Dave Lee
Community Advocate

Mayfair lane for lunch today, ahh they got me with the Irish mash!

Can't beat some Baramundi and colcannon, yum, yum yum!

Today, I met with local residents Katie, Sam, and MLA Jonathan Huston at Bacetto cafe to discuss ongoing safety concerns in West Perth.

Sam has asked questions to the City of Perth at council meetings multiple times this year seeking solutions and today Katie raised issues on safety which remains a key issue in West Perth and across the entire city as residents report frequent incidents and violence in public spaces, prompting calls for greater protection.

Since the recent installation of mobile CCTV, clearing overgrown areas and knocking down an abandoned home on the corner of Hay and Thomas Street in West Perth, some improvements have been seen, though challenges persist as rough sleepers and traffic light beggars who have nowhere to sleep just move to nearby vacant office buildings, shopfronts and vacant houses nearby, more help is needed for anyone without a safe permanent home too.

I appreciate the efforts of the City of Perth ranger team, community safety officers, and WA Police, and urge ongoing collaboration between the City of Perth and the State Government along with increased state resources.

West Perth needs more police and a more visible police presence and regular patrols, as it is often overlooked.

I will continue to share contacts, support residents and I'd like to thank Jonathan for coming along today, it’s encouraging to see elected members taking the time, meeting and engaging with locals, this strengthens our community and thank you all for inviting me along to listen, share and be part of the conversation.

Safety, Vibrancy and Fairness in the City of Perth

Dave Lee
Community Advocate