Adelaide visit January 2016

[ozbob]

Will be spending three days in Adelaide early January 2016.

Ticketing is a breeze ..

3 day visitors pass --> http://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/Visitor-Pass-Campaign/Home

$25 unrestricted train, tram & bus (including airport bus), I think I will get my money's worth  LOL 

Airport bus --> https://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/Timetables-Maps/Special-Services/Airport-services

[pandmaster]

Adelaide is such a lovely place. I spent a few days there earlier this month (to go on the Jumbos partially and missed on them due to their retirement by a matter of weeks) and had a fantastic trip. Tickets are very prices are very reasonable ($3.48 IIRC for a two-hour ticket). Some unusual aspects though. I arrived on the Overland, where they announced on the train that there was no public transport nearby. However, GSR operate a shuttle service so you can cough up some money to them. Buses and trains are actually a short walk away, however there is nowhere to get a Metrocard (not even at the brand new Adelaide Showground station, where a ticket machine is nowhere to be found). Ticket machines onboard are unusual, as is the requirement to touch on onboard the train, even after going through the gates at Adelaide station (I nearly got fined for that). 2-section Metrocards are unusual as well: why not calculate that automatically on a standard card if applicable. During my trip I managed to do all the lines (Belair SG only), the tram and the O-Bahn. You will no doubt have a blast there, OzBob.

[red dragin]

Adelaide - a destination that does not need a DeLorean to travel back in time to 

[ozbob]

 

Thanks for the info.

I plan to catch the Overland from Adelaide on the 8th Jan 2016, timetables still not confirmed yet for 2016, but it should be OK.

>> http://www.greatsouthernrail.com.au/fares_and_timetables/timetables/the_overland_timetables/

[ozbob]

Bus  >> https://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/timetables/buses

Train >> https://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/timetables/trains

Tram >> https://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/timetables/trams

Interchange maps >> https://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/Timetables-Maps/Interchanges

[ozbob]

The metroCARD Visitor Pass - availability

>> http://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/Visitor-Pass-Campaign/Where-To-Buy

[ozbob]

Adelaide O-Bahn  >> https://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/Timetables-Maps/Special-Services/Adelaide-O-Bahn

[petey3801]

Thanks for the info.

I plan to catch the Overland from Adelaide on the 8th Jan 2016, timetables still not confirmed yet for 2016, but it should be OK.

>> http://www.greatsouthernrail.com.au/fares_and_timetables/timetables/the_overland_timetables/

Just checked their site, bookings for the first half of 2016 are now open on the Overland!

[ozbob]

Thanks Petey, rippa Rita!!

Booked !  Been a while since I have been on the Overland ... 

[ozbob]

August 2012

The OVERLAND - Melbourne to Adelaide Passenger train
Filmed from the Drivers Cab of Locomotive NR63 in 2012
Between Dimboola and Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

[ozbob]

October 2011

The Overland through the reverse curves at Kiata

[ozbob]

GSR are pulling Motorail services from 1 Nov 2015

>> http://www.greatsouthernrail.com.au/fares_and_timetables/motorail/

From 1 November 2015 Motorail services to and from Sydney, Melbourne, and Alice Springs will no longer be available.

[ozbob]

What is the best bus service to go out on the O-Bahn ?

[ozbob]

What is the best bus service to go out on the O-Bahn ?

548 seems to go the end of the O-Bahn  at Tea Tree Plaza Interchange ..

[ozbob]

Twitter

Adam Hegarty ‏@ajhegarty 48m

Seaford and Belair rail lines to close over holiday period for maintenance. Wire issues. @TenNewsADEL

===============



Problems with the overhead wire I understand.  Has to be replaced.  Might miss out on riding on the new sparks ..

[ozbob]

Phew ... looks like will be finished before I arrive ...  thank you rail gods!

Will be bus though Brighton to Seaford ....

============================

Coordinated maintenance and upgrade works on Belair and Seaford rail lines

>> https://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/Announcements/Planned-Disruptions/Coordinated-maintenance-and-upgrade-works-on-Belair-and-Seaford-rail-lines#


Belair and Seaford rail line closures will be in place during the Christmas and New Year period to undertake important maintenance and electrical wire replacement works. Substitute buses will operate during all closures.

Works have been scheduled to be undertaken at the quietest time of the year for public transport to reduce inconvenience to passengers.    

Belair rail line

The Belair rail line will close for four full days from last service on 25 December 2015, with normal services resuming on 30 December 2015. 

Seaford rail line

Seaford rail closures will take place during January 2016 to undertake electrical wiring replacement works.

A full closure of the line will take place from 8pm on 27 and 28 December 2015 and all day on 2 and 3 January 2016. Substitute bus services will be operating at all stations. 

From Monday 4 January, the Seaford rail line will close between Brighton and Seaford stations with normal services resuming on Tuesday 26 January. Substitute bus services will be in place between Brighton and Seaford stations. Trains will continue to operate between Brighton and Adelaide.

More information >> https://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/Announcements/Planned-Disruptions/Coordinated-maintenance-and-upgrade-works-on-Belair-and-Seaford-rail-lines#

[ozbob]

Adelaide weather forcast:

>> http://www.bom.gov.au/sa/forecasts/adelaide.shtml?ref=hdr

Pleasant days.  Max 33oC.

[ozbob]

Received this update from GSR:

If you have difficulty viewing this email please click here. Dear Robert, Thank you for choosing to travel on The Overland. The Great Southern Rail team looks forward to welcoming you on board very soon. Experience the most relaxing way to travel between Melbourne and Adelaide as you soak up the ever-changing landscape from your window. Before you start to pack, the Great Southern Rail team wants to ensure you have everything you need for a truly memorable journey. Our friendly staff will assist with your every need throughout your journey. For your onboard comfort, we would recommend the following items be brought along in your hand luggage: • Itinerary and travel documents • A jumper or jacket for air-conditioned carriages • Cash or credit cards for beverages, snacks, merchandise and tours • A book or a game to enjoy with family and friends • A personal music device As a guest on The Overland, we invite you to bring a small bag on board as your hand luggage. You can also bring up to two pieces of luggage (each under 20kg) per person to be stored in the luggage compartment.   We're pleased to introduce to you Colleen Aldridge who will be your Train Manager for your journey.   Colleen Aldridge "I've been working as a Train Manager since 2009, I enjoy a workplace where everything - including the views - are constantly changing. I look forward to meeting you on board soon!" Thank you for booking with Great Southern Rail. If you have any questions before your departure, please don't hesitate to contact us on 13 21 47. Kind regards, Colleen Aldridge Great Southern Rail Train Manager For bookings, please call 13 21 47 or visit greatsouthernrail.com.au eDM_OV_RE_2_e2 Train Manager

[ozbob]

[ozbob]

M44 --> https://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/content/download/299130/1612318/file/544-M44_250115_routemap.pdf

Tea Tree Plaza Interchange end of the busway.

[ozbob]

Tram to Glenelg --> https://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/content/download/667/6077/file/Glenelg-Tram_270114_routemap.pdf

[ozbob]

Adelaide rail map http://www.railmaps.com.au/adelaide.htm



Train Belair --> https://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/content/download/378/2832/file/Belair_train_121014_routemap.pdf

Train Brighton --> https://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/content/download/181516/101326/file/Seaford_&_Tonsley_train_timetable_200714_routemap.pdf

Train Gawler --> https://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/content/download/5216/94191/file/Gawler_train_040213_routemap.pdf

[ozbob]

Adelaide Network Map  https://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/Timetables-Maps/Network

>> https://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/content/download/304951/1642770/version/2/file/15003_NetworkMap_Jan2015_WEB.pdf 4.5MB

Adelaide Metro City map

>> http://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/content/download/388620/2072484/version/1/file/City_Network_Map_WEB.pdf 0.4 MB

[ozbob]

J1, J2, 162 Glenelg Interchange, Harbour Town, West Beach & Adelaide Airport to city.

>> https://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/content/download/655/5933/file/J1-J1X-J2-162_250115__routemaps.pdf

[ozbob]

Interesting video, bit of a primer  ...

[ozbob]

At BNE.  Came in on the Airport Flyer ' bus ' service early this morning.

Good option when trains not running early. Very reasonable fares too.

> http://www.theairportflyer.com.au/service-regions/ipswich-brisbane-west/

>> http://www.theairportflyer.com.au/home/

[ozbob]

Made it.  Half of my clothes are damp ...  got wet on the tarmac at Brisbane, thank you QANTAS .. ffs ... anyway, I have clothes lying around the room drying .. however ..




^ BNE  wet, the chariot for Adelaide.

Anyway, first impressions here in Adelaide are positive.  I caught the J1 bus to Adelaide CBD.  Went for a walk around, crikey people everywhere. It is because of the cricket on tonight I discovered talking to some locals. Everyone is very friendly here.  I am friendly ..  it will be a fun time! 

The bus driver had a chuckle when I touched off.  You don't do that here he told me  ..    It was instinct I exclaimed! 

Some pics.





^ note ticket machine.  I purchased a 3 day visitor pass (from outlet at the airport), all you can eat for $25 - unlimited bus, train and tram.





^ dedicated bus lane on approach to Adelaide CBD





^ trams working well.


Photographs R Dow 5th January 2016

[verbatim9]

That dedicated bus lane was very contraversial when first implemented a couple years back. It has improved reliability of the busses. I think it should be a 24 hour corridor along Currie/Grenfell St, not just business days. Or a East West Bus tunnel under the CBD with dedicated bus stations. But they have no money either.

[verbatim9]

Made it.  Half of my clothes are damp ...  got wet on the tarmac at Brisbane, thank you QANTAS .

The bus driver had a chuckle when I touched off.

^ note ticket machine.  I purchased a 3 day visitor pass

[verbatim9]

Made it.  Half of my clothes are damp ...  got wet on the tarmac at Brisbane, thank you QANTAS .

The bus driver had a chuckle when I touched off.

^ note ticket machine.  I purchased a 3 day visitor pass

Thought Qantas and Virgin relied on Aero bridges and JQ and Tiger didn't @ Bne
   

Visitor pass good value and don't know why Metro made it touch on only? They are missing out on touch off stats for further timetable improvements. (Cheap off the shelve system).

[James]

Made it.  Half of my clothes are damp ...  got wet on the tarmac at Brisbane, thank you QANTAS .. ffs ... anyway, I have clothes lying around the room drying .. however ..

Baggage handlers have never been the brightest tools in the box. As a rule, I generally travel with a hard case suitcase (even when it is far too large for the task at hand) as it offers protection for rain, wind and snow.

[verbatim9]

Oh the bag got wet not the people themselves lol! Usually when it rains the baggage handlers have tarps that go over the luggage before its taken out to the tarmac.("Not today then.")

[ozbob]

The rolling stock here at Adelaide is in very very good shape.



>>  https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/684231286727127040

[verbatim9]

The rolling stock here at Adelaide is in very very good shape.



>>  https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/684231286727127040

They are! Yet the emus are only a couple years old. Don't you think it would be nice to have Qld's new rolling stock with different colour schemes? Red or Blue, Yellow, Purple or Maroon livery on the outside as well as different colour schemes inside?

[Gazza]

Made it.  Half of my clothes are damp ...  got wet on the tarmac at Brisbane, thank you QANTAS .

The bus driver had a chuckle when I touched off.

^ note ticket machine.  I purchased a 3 day visitor pass

Thought Qantas and Virgin relied on Aero bridges and JQ and Tiger didn't @ Bne
   

Visitor pass good value and don't know why Metro made it touch on only? They are missing out on touch off stats for further timetable improvements. (Cheap off the shelve system).

Adelaide is flat fare for all intents and purposes, so no need to touch off.
If you want to take advantage of cheaper 2 section fares, you need to buy a 2 section MetroCard, but the number of people using them is miniscule.

[ozbob]

Presently at Glenelg..  Tram was full on the way down. O-bahn was impressive..  As one of my twitter pals said sure does use a lot less asphalt then plain road bus way.

[ozbob]

Tram to Glenelg






















Outer Habour





















Photographs R Dow 6th January 2016

[ozbob]

Travelled Tonsley, Brighton, Belair, Gawler and Grange today.  Very enjoyable.

[ozbob]

Photographs R Dow 7th January 2016

[red dragin]

How ate the 4000's compared to our 160/260 series? There was a lot of gunzel whinging about them, with noisy A/C a main complaint.