Get ready, Perth! Ed Sheeran's massive Optus Stadium concerts are almost here, and avoiding traffic chaos is key to enjoying the show!
Ed Sheeran is set to electrify Perth with two colossal performances at Optus Stadium this weekend as part of his highly anticipated Loop Tour. To ensure fans have a smooth experience and perhaps steer clear of some common driving "bad habits" that can plague large events, TransPerth is rolling out extra public transport services throughout the weekend. The good news for ticket holders? Free public transport is included with your ticket, valid for three hours before and after each concert – a fantastic perk to help you get there and back without a hitch!
Here's the lowdown on how to navigate your way to the stadium:
- Trains: You'll find trains making stops at Perth Stadium Station on the Armadale and Thornlie-Cockburn lines throughout the day. For those coming from further afield, direct trains will be running on the Yanchep and Mandurah lines both before and after each show. But here's where it gets a bit tricky for some: trains on the direct Fremantle line will only operate post-show. So, if you're relying on the Fremantle line, plan for your return journey!
- Bus Services: Due to a partial line shutdown, replacement buses will be in operation between Midland and Bassendean stations. However, rest assured that train services will resume from Bassendean onwards. Additionally, the Suburban Event Bus Network is scheduled to run from 4 pm to 7 pm on both Saturday and Sunday, and will continue for 45 minutes after the concert concludes. For those looking for a scenic route, the Red CAT will also be running, transporting concertgoers from West Perth, through the Perth CBD, all the way to Matagarup Bridge.
And this is the part most people miss: Main Roads WA is anticipating crowds of upwards of 55,000 for each concert, so they've issued a warning about increased congestion in the area. A spokesperson advised, “Motorists should allow for extra travel time especially during afternoon peak as delays are expected. If you’re in the stadium precinct, be aware of heavy foot traffic and frequently stopping vehicles.”
A TransPerth spokesperson echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that services are expected to be very busy. They offered a friendly reminder: “If you’d like to sit back with your eyes closed while someone else does the driving or photograph the scenery as it whirls by your train or bus window, Transperth has you covered.” They further elaborated on the extensive services, noting, “On top of the special event buses we always put on for weekend events of this size at Optus, direct trains from Perth, Mandurah and Yanchep will drop you right at Perth Stadium Station before the show, and extra trains will be running to get people to and from the venue as quickly as possible.”
With tens of thousands of Ed Sheeran fans expected to utilize public transport, passengers are strongly encouraged to plan your journey, allow extra time to reach your destination, and please be patient with fellow travelers. Remember, Sheeran will be joined by local talents Vance Joy and Mia Wray, as well as the Irish all-female group BIIRD.
After his Perth shows, Sheeran is heading to Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and finally Adelaide on March 5th to wrap up his Australian tour.
Now, over to you: With such a massive turnout expected, do you think TransPerth's extra services will be enough to manage the crowds, or are you bracing for some significant delays? Share your thoughts in the comments below – we'd love to hear your predictions and experiences!
