Next stop for state govt transport review
A review into SA’s regional public transport system will start this month, with regional and metropolitan communities invited to give feedback on our state’s public transport system.
South Australians can have their say on SA’s Public Transport Strategy starting this week, both in metro Adelaide and the regions.
The Public Transport Strategy falls under the state government’s Transport Strategy, which was launched earlier this year. The strategy covers the next 30 years and addresses a growing population, rising traffic congestion and increasing public transport patronage.
Data released in November shows the number of trips on Adelaide’s public transport system has recovered significantly since the pandemic, but is still lower than pre-Covid levels.
There were 67,654,498 trips taken on Adelaide’s public transport system in the 2023-24 financial year.
Consultation for the Public Transport Strategy will run at the same time as a Regional Public Transport Review to inform the Department of Infrastructure and Transport’s decision-making.
The regional review aims to better understand how regional communities use public transport services and identify service gaps.
It will recommend ways to enhance the regional public transport network, which currently includes 148 routes across 20 regions.
Transport Minister Tom Koutsantonis said public transport “plays a crucial role in enabling social, economic and environmental benefits”.
“South Australia has committed to a reduction of at least 60 per cent in emissions by 2030 and net zero by 2025, and increased public transport usage can help that goal be achieved,” he said.
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Face-to-face feedback sessions will be run in regional hubs including Port Lincoln, Whyalla, Mount Gambier, Renmark and Victor Harbor we well as an online consultation.
The department says the feedback received through the regional review and the public transport strategy consultation will provide it with a full picture of SA’s public transport needs.
“We’re building on what the public has already told us in the Transport Strategy, finding out what’s really important to South Australians and visitors to our state,” Koutsantonis said.
“This will help us deliver a more resilient, reliable and accessible transport system, for an economically strong and sustainable future.”
You can give feedback by attending a face-to-face session or by completing the online survey.
