WA Govt invests $10.7bn in transport infrastructure in 2025-26 State Budget

In the 2025-26 State Budget, the Western Australian Government is investing $10.7 billion in transport infrastructure over the next four years to connect communities as well as reduce congestion and create a more accessible State. 

This Budget highlights $151.9 million to implement the State Government’s election commitment Suburban Flat Fare that will see all public transport journeys capped to a one-zone fare. 

This initiative will enable Western Australians to travel anywhere on the public transport network for no more than $2.80 when using an autoload SmartRider – building on the existing two-zone fare cap. 

The new fare structure will begin on 1 January 2026. The changes will also extend to relevant regional services. 

Those residing in regional Western Australia will also benefit with $18.2 million invested to permanently reduce the cost of Transwa fares by 50 per cent from 1 January 2026, making travel to over 200 regional destinations cheaper. 

“We took a transport plan to the people of Western Australia, and we’re wasting no time in delivering. 

“The investment in this State Budget delivers on our commitments and our plan to make public transport more affordable, bust congestion hot spots on our road network and transition local manufacturing of buses to fully electric. 

“We understand that investing in our transport network is also a major creator of local jobs, and supports business, which is why we will continue to invest in infrastructure across our State,” Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said. 

Another key focus of the Budget is to address congestion hotspots, with new funding commitments. 

A total of $599 million has been allocated across several road projects that were part of the election campaign. The projects include: 

• Widening of the Kwinana Freeway between Roe Highway and Mortimer Road (total of $700 million) 

• Grade separation of the Reid Highway and Erindale Road intersection (total of $450 million) 

• Intersection improvements along Wanneroo Road (total of $36 million) 

• Upgrades to the McGilvray Avenue and Morley Drive intersection in Morley 

• Construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Craigie Leisure Centre and Whitfords Avenue and creating a new access road into Pinnaroo 

• Construction of roundabouts at the intersections of Kargotich Road with Abernethy Road, Orton Road and Gossage Road 

• Upgrades to the Baldivis Road and Kulija Road intersection, including new traffic signals and an additional westbound through lane on Kulija Road 

• Upgrade of the intersection of Nicholson Road and Warton Road (to be delivered by the City of Gosnells) 

The Northam Pithara Road upgrades will also be allocated $25 million, with works to include road realignment and bridge replacements. 

Several important commitments to road projects in the regions will also be funded through this Budget, including: 

• $25 million for major upgrades to South Coast Highway between Cheyne Road and Kojaneerup 

• $7.7 million to upgrade Coolgardie’s main street 

• $3 million to address access issues at Auston Lakes in South Yunderup 

The State Government is also investing $4 million to establish a new Driver and Vehicle Services centre in the Armadale/Byford area. 

The Regional Road Safety Program will be allocated additional funding, with $200 million to be invested to deliver road safety treatments on local government roads over the next four years and a further $50 million in 2028-29. 

“This Budget delivers more than $1 billion to keep WA moving, ease congestion, improve safety and build a more connected and accessible transport system across WA. 

“With growing demand for driver and vehicle services in south-east metro region, our commitment to deliver a new Driver and Vehicle Services centre in the Armadale/Byford area will help ease travel and wait times for locals,” Minister Assisting the Minister for Transport Jessica Stojkovski said. 

“It is crucial we invest in improving local government roads in our regions to reduce the number of crashes across WA. 

“Safety on our regional roads is incredibly important which is why we’re committed to upgrading and delivering new infrastructure. 

“The extra funding invested in upgrades and safety treatments shows that improving road safety is a high priority for the Cook Government – which is why we have committed more than $1 billion since WA Labor’s Regional Road Safety Program commenced in 2020,” Road Safety Minister Reece Whitby said. 

Moreover, while funding for several METRONET projects have been updated in the 2025-26 State Budget, no new Western Australian investment has been allocated to the METRONET program of works. 

Any additional costs have been funded from specific underspends on other METRONET initiatives, the allocation of previously budgeted provisions, and Commonwealth contributions for the jointly funded works. 

The multi-billion-dollar transport infrastructure Budget also includes: 

• $26 million to increase Regional Pensioner Travel Card to $775 

• $107 million to expand the ferry system with METRONET on Swan 

• A further $103 million for the transition to a fully electric bus fleet 

• $18 million to commence new SurfCAT bus service 

• $10 million to keep public transport free for students in 2026 

Source: Government of Western Australia – Media Statements; Western Australia State Budget 2025-26; Roads & Infrastructure Australia