Perth's public transport authority has warned that people who refuse to wear masks on its services could be arrested, as Western Australia records 15 new local COVID-19 cases.
Transperth spokesperson David Hynes said there had been incidents in which transit guards had to physically remove people from trains for not wearing a mask or providing "bogus" medical exemptions.
"We sought legal advice and we've had it confirmed that our transit officers are approved persons," he said.
"If you if you don't toe the line, if you refuse to wear a mask or you've got a dodgy medical exemption form, they can ask you to leave a service and, if necessary, take you off and arrest you if that's what's required."
Speaking with Stan Shaw on ABC Radio Perth's Breakfast program, Mr Hynes said there was a certain amount of self-regulation on public transport and guards usually did not have to enforce the mandate.
"There's other people on the buses and trains who react quite strongly if somebody is on there without a mask," he said.
"If everyone's doing the right thing and somebody comes on and doesn't have a mask that becomes a little bit problematic, because there are some people who genuinely do have medical exemptions.
Transit guards have a limited supply of disposable masks they are able hand out should a passenger forget or misplace their mask.
What powers do transit guards have?
While on Public Transport Authority property, transit guards have many of the same powers as police officers, including the ability arrest and charge people who are not complying with regulations or commit an offence.
"Our transit officers have six months or so initial training and then regular refresher training in all aspects of security," Mr Hynes said.
"The primary training is — we always seek to de-escalate the situation and that will apply to bus drivers as well.
"We will explain things rationally and calmly and if that doesn't work, there's a number of other techniques.
Commuters are being urged to be patient when catching public transport for the City of Perth's Skyworks event tomorrow.
Mr Hynes said there would be extra services available tomorrow to deal with 200,000-strong crowd expected at the event.
Masks are also mandatory for all people attending City of Perth Australia Day events.
