A brand new, multi-million dollar public transport service is set to revolutionise travel to one of Perth's most iconic coastlines just in time for the summer season.
A Game-Changer for Beachgoers
Launching on Sunday, November 30, 2025, the free Surf CAT bus will connect Stirling bus station directly to the Scarborough Beach foreshore. The service represents a significant $17.8 million investment in Perth's northern suburbs, designed specifically to offer a convenient and car-free option for locals and visitors heading to the seaside.
The brightly coloured cyan buses are impossible to miss and feature a unique amenity for a public transport service: specialised racks for carrying surfboards. The route will travel along Scarborough Beach Road, passing by Ellen Stirling Boulevard and the Innaloo shopping centre. With buses scheduled every 10 minutes for most of the day, the complete end-to-end journey will take approximately 20 minutes.
From Election Promise to Reality
The project was first announced as an election commitment by Labor in February, with an initial estimated cost of $14.2 million. The final project scope required significant upgrades to infrastructure, including a $4.3 million budget for improvements to the intersection of Scarborough Beach Road and West Coast Highway.
These essential works also introduced new bus priority lanes along Scarborough Beach Road to ensure the service runs efficiently. Furthermore, the project included the construction of two new bus stops on West Coast Highway and various accessibility improvements, making the journey easier for all passengers.
Community and Government Support
The community has already begun embracing the new service. Last week, students from Scarborough Primary School were given an exclusive first look at the Surf CAT during a visit to Parliament, where they met Transport Minister Rita Saffioti and Scarborough MLA Stuart Aubrey.
Ms Saffioti expressed her confidence that the new free service will dramatically improve how people access Scarborough. She described the beach as "one of Perth’s most well-known and popular beaches" and believes the Surf CAT will be a "game-changer for locals and visitors." The minister also highlighted the expected boost to local events and the wider visitor economy.
Mr Aubrey echoed these sentiments, calling Scarborough "Perth’s premier beachside destination" and "the gateway to the sunset coast." He acknowledged that the area's booming popularity has increased pressure on parking and believes the Surf CAT is the perfect solution. He stated the service will provide a free and convenient way to reach the beach, relieve traffic congestion, and provide a welcome boost to small businesses and the local economy.
