A new app will allow Perth commuters to track their buses in real time.

The next-generation Transperth app will be trialled by about 5,000 users before it is released to the general public next year.

Commuters will be able to see exactly how far away their bus or ferry is. ( Supplied )

The trial begins today, with bus users urged to go to Transperth's website and sign up to be part of the beta testing group.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the technology was an important development for public transport users.

"Real-time data and real-time tracking, we've seen that a lot with on-demand transport where you can track your taxi or your Uber for example, so this is just keeping up with the times," she said.

"I think that users will really appreciate it."

Feedback from the trial will be used to ensure the app's interface is easy to use, and any technical issues are ironed out before its broader release.

Transperth is hoping about 5,000 commuters will sign up for the trial. ( ABC News: Andrew O'Connor )

The former Liberal WA government announced something similar in 2014, but it was not successful.

"I think there were some issues with the technology at that time I understand … there were some bugs in relation to that one … but this is now a large user trial and hopefully if it's successful we can allow everyone to get that app and track their buses," Ms Saffioti said.

"This feature of the Transperth app has been a while in development, but we are determined to get it right and make this as useable as possible.

"Technology like this makes it even more attractive for passengers to adopt public transport.

"It's really about making sure that people get the best information possible, and as a result hopefully more people catch buses because they can track them, know where they are and know that they're accessible."

'I can plan ahead': Passengers welcome app

Mubeen Saddique takes the bus from Mount Lawley to the city each morning, and said the technology would make his commute much easier.

Mubeen Saddique said the app would save him time waiting at the bus stop. ( ABC News: James Carmody )

"I live down the road [from the bus stop] so it's only a five-minute walk, so for me to plan my walk for when the bus is actually going to turn up would just make things more efficient in the morning," he said.

"That way I can see there's a backlog for whatever reason and I can plan ahead and don't need to stress.

"At the moment Google can tell you whether there's traffic, but it can't tell you whether your bus is late or not."

The new app will also allow passengers to manage their SmartRider account, travel alerts, SmartParker and bike shelter access, as well as report damage to bus stops.

Ms Saffioti said the Government was also working to update Transperth's SmartRider system to cater for future patronage growth, and was currently trialling free Wi-Fi on some services.