Article: Calls for tramline to Adelaide Airport

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Airtram anyone?

The Advertiser -> click here

There are growing calls for a tramline to Adelaide Airport.

THE growing use of budget airlines has prompted a call by tourism groups for a tramline to Adelaide Airport.

Such a link would not only relieve vehicle congestion but help interstate football fans access the redeveloped Adelaide Oval.

Tourism and Transport Forum chief executive John Lee told The Advertiser many people came to Adelaide for events in the CBD and would now be visiting the redeveloped Torrens precinct.

"So the idea of having a direct link from North Tce to the airport would make a lot of sense," he said. "I have been to a game at AAMI Stadium and it's a torrid trip."

The key tourism and transport body also warned unless public transport systems to the airport were improved, the reliance on private cars as the primary means of travel to the airport will "simply be unsustainable".

An upgrade of Sir Donald Bradman Drive by adjusting traffic signals and grade separation with South Rd also is recommended to improve traffic flow between the airport and the city centre.

The move for the tramline was first revealed in 2009 when airport management committed to a light rail option in its master plan, reserving a transport corridor within the airport boundary to the passenger terminal.

It has been estimated building the line down West Beach Rd and Sir Donald Bradman Drive to the airport could cost more than $60 million.

Adelaide Airport has more than seven million passengers a year and 100,000 aircraft movements.

The Greens, the Adelaide City Council and the Property Council also support a light rail link to the airport - possibly linked to the Keswick rail terminal.

The Tourism and Transport Forum has put a submission to the Productivity Commission calling for investment in the line.

The submission says in the next 20 years, forecasts indicate annual passenger movements at capital city airports will grow to 235 million from 100 million.

The TTF says the rise of low-cost carriers has meant more budget travellers were now accessing major airports.