Public transport
Transperth operates an integrated public transport network in the Perth Metropolitan area which includes bus, train and ferry services. Timetables for the various public transport alternatives are available from Student Central at ECU and at train and bus stations. An easy to use journey planner is available online from the Transperth website.
The public transport system is good but you will need to check timetables so that you don't waste time waiting for buses and trains. The cost of public transport depends on the type of ticket you buy and the amount of time and distance that is to be travelled. Full time students are eligible for concession fares on production of your ECU ID card. You can pay cash on a bus or at a train station, however a Smartrider card (Transperth's electronic ticketing system) will save you 25% over cash fares and is very convenient. Smartriders can be purchased from the University, as part of your ECU Student ID Card, or from a news agency. Transperth operates a free transit zone for buses and trains within the Perth city boundaries.
Catching a bus in Perth
Each bus has a route number displayed on the front. To catch a bus you need to stand at a bus stop (orange wooden post, green stand or a sheltered seat). When you see a bus approaching, check the route number and signal the driver to stop by putting your arm out. When you board the bus tell the driver your destination and show your ECU ID card and he/she will tell you how much you need to pay and print you a ticket. If you have a Smartrider card simply hold it up to the processing machine on board the bus to 'tag on' and when you get off the bus repeat the process to 'tag off'.
If there is a seat available, sit down while the bus is moving. If the bus is full, it is an Australian custom to offer your seat to people who might have a greater need than you (i.e. elderly people, people with a disability, heavily pregnant women etc).
When you are ready to get off the bus push the red button found near each seat and the driver will stop at the next stop. If it is your first time on this route, tell the driver and ask him to tell you when to get off.
Useful bus routes to and from campus:
| Joondalup Campus | Mount Lawley Campus |
| Bus # 401, 402 to Stirling Station | Bus # 17, 19 (from stand 6 in Barrack St in City) |
| CAT Bus # 10 and 11 (free) | Bus # 20 (from Morley Bus station) |
| Bus # 777, 886, 887 (from Wellington Bus station) |
Catching a train in Perth
Each train station has a pay machine where you can purchase a ticket. You will need to purchase a ticket or swipe your Smartrider before you board the train. At the pay machine, choose the train station where you would like to go and 'Student Concession' (you must have your Student ID Card with you). The amount you need to pay is then displayed on the screen.
At some stations there is a sign that tells you when the next train will arrive and where it is going. At other train stations there is a machine which tells you this information when you push a button.
To catch a train you need to wait for the train to stop. Push the rectangular button next to the door to make the doors open. If there is a seat available, sit down while the train is moving. If the train is full, it is an Australian custom to offer your seat to people who might have a greater need than you (i.e. elderly people, people with a disability, heavily pregnant women etc).
Before the train arrives at each station, the name of the station is announced over a public announcement system. When the train stops, push the rectangular button near the door and it will open. Please note that most trains stop at all stations, however some trains are express trains which means that they do not stop at all stations. Remember to check this information at the station before boarding the train.
Joondalup Campus located close to the Joondalup Train Station on the Perth to Joondalup line.
Buses, Trains and Ferries operate on different timetables for weekdays, weekends and public holidays. Make sure you check the appropriate timetable and plan your trip in advance as some public holidays are not University holidays, and you will still need to get to campus, though trains/buses/ferries may run less frequently.