On my second day in Perth, I decided to explore the city’s public transportation system by taking a bus. Since I hadn’t yet obtained a bus card, I made sure to have some cash on hand, not realizing that buses here still accept cash payments. As I boarded the first bus, the driver hurriedly instructed me to move to the back, leaving no time for me to pay my fare 😧 (though I still managed to hand him the money).
Just as I settled into my seat, an unpleasant encounter with a racist individual left me feeling uneasy.
I quickly switched to another bus, only to find a ticket inspector on board, reminding me of the strict checks I had experienced on Beijing’s buses. I explained that I only had a $10 bill, and to my surprise, the inspector said he didn’t have change and allowed me to ride for free.
Reflecting on the experience, I realized that with such high empty seat rates, the challenges in collecting fares, low population density, and a road infrastructure designed primarily for cars, it’s no wonder that this city’s public transportation faces significant hurdles in its development.
I had a similar experience with the buses in Perth! It’s definitely good to know they still take cash, but the rush to move to the back can be confusing. The routes seem pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it, though—just make sure to check the timetable if you’re on a tight schedule!