Ferry services will play an increasing role in Perth's public transport plans, Transport Minister Troy Buswell has said, while announcing a trial of late night services.
The service linking South Perth to the city centre will run for an extra three hours from Monday to Saturday nights, and an extra hour on Sundays.
Mr Buswell, after steering the South Perth ferry for the cameras on Tuesday, admitted current services were lacking.
"We live on this beautiful river but we have, relative to other capital cities, limited ferry services," he told reporters.
"I think ferries will play an increasing role in moving people around the city in the next five to 10 years."
He did not commit to any expansion in services along the Swan River to help bring in commuters from the suburbs, but said he had "no doubt" that would be investigated. With more people living in Perth, more people will look to using the water, the minister believes.
"Clearly, there is a changing dynamic on the river. I think that will lead to greater demand for transport," he said.
"I have no doubt that in the medium to long-term future in public transport, extended ferry services will play a part."
The trial service is intended to encourage more people to head across the river to enjoy restaurants and other facilities in South Perth.
"We hope that, as with the late-night trains, people will vote with their feet and use the extended service. It will help open up a late-night link between South Perth and the city and lead to an injection of activity in South Perth," Mr Buswell said.
South Perth MLA John McGrath said he would continue to push for further ferry services in metropolitan Perth, including one to Burswood to serve the casino.
"We have got to get more people out of their cars," he said.
The extended hours for the South Perth ferry will start on December 16 and run until the end of April next year. The government will fund the trial of late night services at a cost of about $50,000.
