Uber, Ola get green light at Optus Stadium

The state government has softened its policy on ride-sharing services at Optus Stadium, with sports fans now able to catch a ride to the East Perth side of Matagarup Bridge after bus services were transferred from that location.

The route 661 bus, which took passengers from the CBD to the Nelson Avenue bus stands in East Perth on the other side of Matagarup Bridge, will now terminate at Optus Stadium bus station due to feedback from patrons.

Ride-sharing services will now use the Nelson Avenue bus stop for drop-offs.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said from the outset the stadium was designed with public transport in mind.

“However, this long-term planning took place years before the meteoric rise of on-demand transport services,” she said.

“There is no denying that some patrons prefer the convenience of taxis and other on-demand transport options, which is why we decided to deliver these providers a convenient solution to pick-up and drop-off passengers in East Perth.”

The ride-sharing area is in addition to the dedicated taxi rank adjacent to Victoria Park Drive next to the stadium, which caused controversy when it was announced because ride-sharing services were not allowed to drop-off or pick-up patrons in the area.

From March 24 the event bus network will be expanded to service Kalamunda, Forrestfield and Belmont with route 655 beginning operation.

Ms Saffioti said the demand for buses to Optus Stadium on game days had exceeded initial predictions.

“AFL fans are the biggest public transport users, with an average of 79 per cent of attendees taking Transperth buses and trains to the game,” she said.

“We know that public transport is an incredibly convenient and affordable travel option for most stadium event attendees - nine in 10 passengers surveyed say they’re happy with their services - and the changes to the CBD bus shuttle and the new Kalamunda service 655 will build on that success.”

The number of people using public transport to attend AFL matches has increased since fixtures were moved from Subiaco Oval, carrying 182 per cent more passengers on game day.