Adelaide Metro items of interest

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https://twitter.com/AdelaideMetroSA/status/1051592095683641345

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https://twitter.com/AdelaideMetroSA/status/1056702225446137856

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The Advertiser --> Would you be happy to hop on and off multiple public transport options to get to work?

PUBLIC transport users would be forced to hop between buses, trains and trams to get to their destination quicker under an ambitious plan to be considered by a newly created government agency.

Infrastructure Minister Stephan Knoll will ask the government's new South Australian Public Transport Authority to draw influence from other cities, where using multiple forms of transport for one commute are common.

Mr Knoll said a more integrated public transport network would help improve low patronage.

In a move that could draw significant political heat, the authority will also have to consider whether such a system could be delivered under the current ownership structure of public transport assets, or if a shake-up would be required.

In the greater Adelaide region, tram and train services are run by Government-owned AdelaideMetro but bus services are run by Torrens Transit and SouthLink.

The State Government will, in coming days, put out a tender for the development of the framework and operating model for the authority, which was a pre-election commitment. Mr Knoll has told The Advertiser that Adelaide's public transport system was not as efficient as those in other cities.

"This is the start of a long conversation the new Marshall Government will be having with the people of South Australia about public transport reform," Mr Knoll said.

"There's no doubt that public transport networks in other capital cities around the country are faster, more cost effective and ultimately provide a better service for commuters," he said. "The key is a highly integrated public transport network which South Australia hasn't achieved compared with other cities."

Mr Knoll said public transport use in South Australia was comparatively low when compared to other Australian cities and part of the reason why the state only recovered around 20 per cent of the costs associated with delivering public transport.

He said a more integrated model would lead to faster commute times.

"An integrated network means South Australians might have to take more than one mode of transport to get to where they want to go," Mr Knoll said.

"That could be a bus service to a more efficient train line, or a first and last mile service to the O-Bahn. It works well in other cities because they have the frequency of services on their arterial lines to support an integrated model."

There are transport corridors across the Adelaide metropolitan area where multiple bus routes run alongside, or close to, train or tram lines and where efficiencies may be found.

Mr Knoll said despite catching more than one mode of transport, passengers in other cities were able to get people where they want to go faster.

"That's something we need to seriously consider," he said.

"This is one of the questions SAPTA needs to answer, how can we better integrate our public transport network to provide a better, faster and most cost effective service for South Australians?"

It was revealed in September's State Budget that bus routes and train services with low patronage will be scrapped in a bid to improve efficiencies in the public transport network.

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https://twitter.com/AdelaideMetroSA/status/1059274349675347969

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The Advertiser --> Cuts for bus trips that only carry the driver, and some with fewer than five passengers

More than 30 Adelaide bus routes will have 110 trips slashed, some of the scheduled runs dubbed "ghost buses" by the State Government because the only person on board is the driver.

Buses which closely follow train lines are among the 32 routes to have service cut. While there will be fewer trips on the affected routes, no routes will be cancelled altogether.

The cuts are the beginning of funding cuts to public transport, announced in this year's State Budget, of $14.8 million per year by 2019/20.

The cuts, to be announced on Thursday, will save $3.5 million annually over the next four years, and Transport Minister Stephan Knoll said further savings would be identified by bus companies themselves when they tendered to renew contacts in coming years.

"The State Government has a responsibility to provide services that represent best value for South Australian taxpayers,'' he said.

"Why should the taxpayers of South Australia pay for a service that no one is using?

"Taxpayers are paying for ghost buses to run with no one on them.''

Bus companies are currently contracted to run 9800 trips per day, making the 110 axed around one per cent of daily services.

Mr Knoll said of the routes to have scheduled runs cut, all averaged less than five passengers per trip.

The Advertiser revealed in September some passengers on low-patroned services were effectively being subsidised by more than $90 per trip.

Mr Knoll said scheduled runs with no passengers were costing taxpayers "an exorbitant amount of money''.

"For example, the outbound service on the 734 route at 11:40pm on Saturday had an average of zero passengers in the whole month of August and cost the taxpayer money to run,'' he said.

In one case of a duplicated service, the bus route 150 follows closely the Outer Harbor line but takes 36 minutes longer during peak hour inbound, and some runs will be cut.

The changes will take effect from January 27, with final timetables to be released mid January.

The vast majority are the first and last services of the day which are the most poorly patronised, and some general details of how each route will change are available at the bottom of this story.

In one change, nudists will no longer be able to travel from Maslin Beach on Monday to Friday at 5.12am.

Mr Knoll said the savings would go into public transport initiatives announced previously by the government.

"The estimated full year savings are $3.5 million, with the remainder of the savings target identified in the State Budget to be realised through other initiatives including potential new bus services contracts over the coming years,'' he said.

"We're investing $33.5 million in four new Park 'n' Rides at Paradise, Golden Grove, Klemzig and Tea Tree Plaza.

"The Marshall Government also secured $220 million in Federal Government funding to complete the electrification of the Gawler line to provide a better, faster and more reliable service, and is delivering the Flinders Link and Port Adelaide spur rail extensions.

"We're also establishing the South Australian Public Transport Authority (SAPTA) that will inform the development of a comprehensive public transport strategy that is customer focused, more reliable, accessible and better suits the needs of South Australians.''

Mr Knoll said other savings of the total $14.8 million yearly will be made through previous announcements about school holiday and festive season timetables and the review of the Adelaide Oval express.

Adelaide bus timetable changes >> https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/8BsPq/2/

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https://premier.sa.gov.au/news/public-transport-review-provides-more-efficient-network

Public transport review provides more efficient network

20.12.2018

Stephan Knoll MP

Better Services

The State Government has completed the review of public transport services announced in the State Budget to improve the efficiency throughout the network and provide better services.

As announced in September, the review has identified low patronised bus services with an average of under five passengers per trip and routes that are duplicated by existing train lines that provide a more efficient service.

"The State Government has a responsibility to provide services that represent best value for South Australian taxpayers," said Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government Stephan Knoll.

"Some of these routes have been identified because they run side by side along a much more efficient and faster train line which just doesn't make sense.

"For example, bus route 150 from Osborne to City via Port Adelaide will have reduced interpeak frequency because it runs along the Outer Harbor train line all the way into the city.

"Other routes have extremely low patronage or in some cases none at all, costing the taxpayer an exorbitant amount of money.

"For example, the outbound service on the 734 route at 11:40pm on Saturday had an average of zero passengers in the whole month of August and cost the taxpayer money to run.

"Why should the taxpayers of South Australia pay for a service that no one is using?

"Taxpayers are paying for ghost buses to run with no one on them.

"By making efficiencies in parts of the public transport network that are duplicated, we can invest more and provide a better service in the highly used areas of our network.

"We've ensured that there are still services to get people where they want to go.

"That's why we're investing $33.5 million in four new Park 'n' Rides at Paradise, Golden Grove, Klemzig and Tea Tree Plaza.

"The Marshall Government also secured $220 million in Federal Government funding to complete the electrification of the Gawler line to provide a better, faster and more reliable service, and is delivering the Flinders Link and Port Adelaide spur rail extensions.

"We're also establishing the South Australian Public Transport Authority (SAPTA) that will inform the development of a comprehensive public transport strategy that is customer focused, more reliable, accessible and better suits the needs of South Australians.

"These are necessary savings that will enable the government to improve the overall efficiency of the public transport network, ultimately providing a better service for South Australians."

Other savings will be made through school holiday and festive season timetables and the review of the Adelaide Oval express.

The estimated full year savings are $3.5 million, with the remainder of the savings target identified in the State Budget to be realised through other initiatives including potential new bus services contracts over the coming years. 

The majority of changes are expected to come into effect on 27 January 2019 and new timetables will be available mid-January.

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The Advertiser --> Route 150 trippers adamant they want their service to stay

"So this is one of those ghost buses that nobody catches, is it?'' jokes Margaret Colmer as she indicates with a wave of her hand some of about 20 people around her.

Ms Colmer mocked a State Government claim that bus service cuts announced yesterday were because some routes were almost unused.

Regular users will know most bus trips are completed in silence, but many of the 56 passengers on our midday route 150 round trip to and from Osborne are happy to talk, at least about one issue.

The State Government is cutting the frequency of their services, part of $3.5 million annual savings it hopes to make by cutting runs which have less than an average of five people, or are close to rail lines.

In the case of Route 150, Transport Minister Stephan Knoll argues it is very close to the Outer Harbor rail line, which during morning peak hour can get commuters to the city 36 minutes faster than the bus. The bus route is facing reduced frequency of runs between 9.40am and 3.25pm, Monday to Friday, under the cuts.

James Tollefsen, who is disabled by diabetes and walks with the aid of a cane, said he would have to walk 20 minutes to the nearest train station "even if I could make it with my bung leg".

"The bus stop is two minutes away and it is convenient, and if I couldn't get that I would only get around by getting a lift,'' Mr Tollefsen, 49, said.

"I was disgusted and it will do nothing to help the public.''

One of several trained nurses on the 150 yesterday said mobility was an important issue in maintaining the service.

Jess Quinn, heading into the city for Christmas shopping, said it would be much further for people to walk to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital if they caught the train.

"My train station at Woodville is creepy at night and it is an extra 10-15 minutes walk to get there,'' she said.

Felicity Williams, 69, was visiting her sister in Allenby Gardens, and said she took the 150 or a similar route every few days.

"It is much longer to walk to the train and I am getting a bit older,'' she said.

"There are more and more elderly people reliant on public transport and I am surprised to hear about the cuts because I think they should be making the service better and that would mean more people would use the service as well.''

Hannah Taylor, 22, said she caught the train into the city through her school years but train stations were more dangerous after dark than bus stops.

"The bus route is also not always close to the train line all the way into the city,'' she said.

"There is an increasing older population towards Port Adelaide also, and in areas nowhere near the train line, so the service will be more important. The trains are also often flooded with schoolchildren, which makes it difficult for the elderly.''

One passenger, Mick, said he was angry when he read The Advertiser yesterday and discovered 110 trips would be cut from 30 routes.

"I think it stinks, but I think there are some routes they could cut,'' he said.

Sasha St George, 45, and Lillian Opitz, 24, were hurrying to a 1pm appointment at Semaphore.

"There is a different crowd on the trains and I feel a lot safer on the bus and it takes the same amount of time,'' Ms St George said.

We will fight them on the buses – Labor

The State Opposition will champion the cause of stranded commuters and fight a Government decision to cut 110 bus runs from 30 routes.

The Advertiser yesterday revealed the first $3.5 million in cuts from $46 million to be slashed from public transport, announced in the September Budget. Some services cut from January were axed because fewer than five people a day on average use them, and others because the bus routes were duplicated by rail lines.

Opposition Leader Peter Malinauskas condemned the plan after visiting his nearby bus stop at 5.30am yesterday.

"The Government's calculation here is that this is a group of people who don't have a voice, well we are going to give them one,'' he said.

"The Marshall Liberal Government is treating public transport users with contempt.''

Mr Malinauskas rejected the Government's decision to cut services where the daily average dipped below five passengers.

"Some of these services may only have a few people on them, but shift workers rely on these buses to get them to and from work,'' he said.

"Many are on lower incomes and can't afford to drive themselves to work and pay for parking. Public transport is for people, not profit.''

UnitingCare Wesley spokesman Mark Henley said he was open to the argument that bus services could be reduced if they ran along a rail line.

"But public transport is an essential service for people who have no other way of getting around,'' he said.

"There is an economic argument as well because especially for people in the outer suburbs good public transport is essential to pursue job opportunities."

Many of the bus runs to be cut are the first and last trips of the day, and Mr Malinauskas also claimed Labor-held seats had been targeted.

"I was up and about at 5.30am at a bus stop in Brompton and there were real people on the bus, working in shift jobs, going into town to make coffee for people, cleaning the hospitals,'' he said.

"We will fight them on the bus cuts, because the whole idea of public transport is it is there to provide a service.''

The State Government argued in the Budget that the cuts were needed as part of an overall repair strategy for SA finances, which required $715 million in cuts by 2021-22.

Changes to timetables will not be finalised until mid January and will not begin until January 27.

Mr Malinauskas said the Liberal Government had already shown its disapproval of public transport by:

CUTTING funding for Footy Express services.

AXING free services for the Christmas Pageant.

CANCELLING trains during the Adelaide Test Match.

REDUCING services over Christmas.

Reaction among The Advertiser readers to the changes was largely mixed.

"We can see Marshall's true colours slash spending on transportation for the disadvantaged but make money freely available to build a hotel where it is not needed," Tim wrote on advertiser.com.au

Another reader, Heath, said: "Adelaide's bus network needs to be simplified."

Woodles said: "Is it any wonder SA has the lowest percentage of public transport using commuters in the Country. Backward thinking."

Ann: "I imagine there will be people who cannot get to work due to these changes."

Shane: "Finally a government who is fiscally responsible and doesn't just spend."

Transport Minister Stephan Knoll denied claims that the bus runs being axed in January were all on routes that ran through Labor electorates.

Additional savings are expected to be made when bus companies tender for new contracts to operate Adelaide's services. Mr Knoll would not rule out more service cuts like those in January, but said there were none planned at this stage.

Nothing new about Adelaide public transport cuts

2001-06

Bus travel times increased by as much as 20 per cent over five years as the service is run down.

2006

Less used bus routes lose some runs to give more to 15-minute Go Zones near the city.

2007

The Wandering Star buses running between 12.30am and 5am to get people safely home on Fridays and Saturdays, are axed.

2012

After major route changes almost half of the bus services to the northeast are either running late or not at all and bus companies are fined; Transfield $121,345, Southlink $50,455 and Torrens Transit $46,043.

2014

Public transport services cut for 12 days over the festive season to save $150,000. One hundred bus routes, trams and trains run on reduced services.

2015

Four footy express bus routes dropped for the 2015 AFL season to save money.

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https://twitter.com/AdelaideMetroSA/status/1077013508125061120

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https://twitter.com/AdelaideMetroSA/status/1085347111288201216

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The Advertiser --> State Government outlines what they expect Adelaide's new bus operators to deliver

A new operator for Adelaide's bus network would be expected to scrap underperforming services, deliver better services for less money and adapt to new emerging transport options.

The State Government will this week release a tender asking interested bus operators what they can do differently to overhaul the network servicing the greater Adelaide area.

Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government Stephan Knoll said the tender was the next step in reforming the state's public transport network.

"Adelaide's public transport system is stuck in the 20th century and this new contract is an opportunity to bring 21st technology and service delivery methods to Adelaide to benefit commuters," Mr Knoll said.

But the Opposition has warned it is not possible to do "more with less".

It says the State Government's reforms could lead to drops in quality, cleanliness, security, routes and frequency.

The State Government push comes amid criticism and a concerted Opposition campaign against cuts to bus services across the city.

It is the step before asking companies to tender for the state's bus contract.

New bus contract operators will be asked to be responsive to innovation, including new emerging modes of transport and reduce the costs of delivering services.

They will also be asked to grow patronage and enable:

SIMPLIFICATION of Adelaide's metropolitan network

IMPROVED integration of bus services with other public transport modes

MORE frequent and faster services

LESS under-utilised services

GREATER collaboration with customers, stakeholders and local councils

Bus services are run by Torrens Transit and SouthLink, with both contracts expiring on June 2019 after eight years.

Mr Knoll said bus operators would be required to deliver higher levels of customer satisfaction: "At the heart of this tender will be the need to make our public transport network more customer focused."

Opposition transport spokesman Tom Koutsantonis said Mr Knoll's aspirations were not possible after the State Government announced $46 million in efficiencies for the public transport system in last year's State Budget.

"The only thing that will improve services will be reversing the cuts," Mr Koutsantonis said.

About 1170 bus services are to be axed or shortened as part of the State Government's bid to claw back about $46 million in efficiencies by 2022.

Reductions to bus routes are set to save the Budget $3.5 million, a fraction of the overall cuts.

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The Advertiser --> Overhaul aims to boost Adelaide public transport usage with bus, tram, train integration

Bus passengers will be forced to transfer to trains and trams under a proposed public transport overhaul aimed at reversing declining patronage and getting commuters to their destination faster.

The State Government will today release the first of two tenders for operation of the metropolitan bus system.

A key part of the lucrative contracts — expected to cost taxpayers $1.5 billion over eight years — would be that operators work within a system whereby commuters would be forced to hop between buses, trains and trams to speed-up travel times.

This ambitious and likely contentious plan is being considered by the Government's new South Australian Public Transport Authority, which has been asked to draw upon experience of other cities where commuters commonly use multiple modes of transport for one trip.

Transport Minister Stephan Knoll told The Advertiser the tender was the "single biggest lever" the Government had to pull to provide better public transport.

"Over the last three years we've seen a decline in bus patronage across our network," Mr Knoll, pictured, said.

"At around 8 per cent, Adelaide has one of the lowest rates of public transport usage in the country and the highest percentage of people who choose to drive to work of any capital city.

"We also have the worst level of integration between the different modes of public transport."

Transport department figures show there were 49.6 million paid bus trips last financial year, down 0.55 per cent on a year earlier and 1.16 per cent on 2015-16. The department said total paid public transport patronage had declined by 1.34 per cent between 2016-17 and 2017-18, but it was unable to provide a figure for the total number of trips.

Mr Knoll said only "incremental" changes had been made to the public transport network over the past 20 years.

"I think it's fair to say that we're not getting the results we want with respect to customer satisfaction and patronage levels," he said.

The successful company, or companies, would have to offer more frequent and faster services and scrap poorly used routes.

They would also have to be responsive to social and technological changes and reduce the cost of delivering services.

The first tender will service the eastern and western suburbs, the O-Bahn and the Adelaide Hills. The second tender, to be released in July, will cover the rest of metropolitan Adelaide.

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The Advertiser --> SA Opposition Leader says forcing multi-mode transport will worsen public patronage of system

Plans to fine-tune Adelaide's public transport system are a way of cutting services, the Opposition has claimed.

The State Government has advertised a bus tender contract for the operation of services in Adelaide.

Infrastructure Minister Stephan Knoll described the tender as the "single biggest lever" the Government had to pull to provide better public transport amid dropping patronage.

But Opposition Leader Peter Malinauskas said the tender was part of ongoing cuts to public transport.

"It started in last year's State Budget when Steven Marshall announced a $46 million cut to public transport services," Mr Malinauskas said.

"We saw 1170 services cut earlier this year and late last year and now what we are seeing as part of the tender process is the State Government trying to realise the full amount of the $46 million worth of cuts.

"As part of that, they are going to cut services and make people catch two or even three public transport services when they used to be able to rely upon one.

"If you cut services to make people change from buses to trams or trains, you're going to result in a driving down of public transport patronage."

Mr Knoll wants operators to fix what he has described as "the worst level of integration between the different modes of public transport".

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The Advertiser --> Train passengers are enduring more cramped conditions as carriages are cut from runs

Carriages have been cut from the Outer Harbor, Grange and Belair train lines since January, as part of the State Government's target to deliver $46 million worth of public transport savings.

Transport Minister Stephan Knoll confirmed the changes this week, after previously rejecting Opposition claims that train services had been reduced.

Mr Knoll clarified the situation after a disabled passenger complained that he could no longer find a seat on his overcrowded train.

In a letter to Opposition leader Peter Malinauskas, Mr Knoll said a review of 2018 data found average passenger numbers during evening and weekend off-peak periods were "well within the seating capacity of single railcars".

"As a result, single railcar runs were reintroduced on these lines for those off-peak periods in January 2019,'' Mr Knoll wrote.

At a media conference on Wednesday, Mr Knoll said there had been "no change to train frequency on our network''.

"We put our train carriages where they can carry the most people," Mr Knoll said.

He said the Transport Department advised the disabled passenger to ask someone to give up their seat.

Mr Malinauskas said the changes would drive down patronage.

"It is incredibly concerning the Minister, as part of his $46 million cuts to public transport, we find it is not just buses he is after but trains as well,'' he said.

"There are now less seats for patrons to use, and the elderly and disabled are no longer able to rely on the seats provided for them.''

People for Public Transport spokeswoman Josephine Buckhorn said when services were downgraded fewer people would use them, resulting in even more cuts.

"We are worried about the cuts all the time, and this does discourage people in general from using trains, and to say that disabled people who need a seat can just ask people to move is not really good enough,'' she said.

Passengers have taken to social media since January to complain about new overcrowded conditions.

Extra carriages will be added for events such as AFL matches, Mr Knoll said.

[SurfRail]

The issue there is fuel consumption.  It makes little sense to run a 2 car Grange or Belair train, especially at night when it is basically little more than a bus anyway and the buses to many places on the line are more direct.  The marginal cost of fuel between a 1 and 2 car diesel is much more than the difference in power usage between say a 3 and 6 car EMU.

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https://twitter.com/RailExpressNews/status/1128517908253032448

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The Advertiser --> Minister orders U-turn to retrieve lost Adelaide train, tram and bus passengers

More than a million passenger trips disappeared from Adelaide's public transport system in only three years, prompting plans for a revival.

Transport Minister Stephan Knoll has ordered the new South Australian Public Transport Authority (SAPTA) to "leave no stone unturned" to get Adelaide people back onto buses, trains and trams.

Mr Knoll was commenting on the release of the latest official patronage figures showing in the last three years of the Labor government to the end of the 2017-18 financial year, patronage slumped from 66.3 million trips to 65.2 million.

And despite population increase over 10 years, the figure was 1.3 million trips lost.

The overall drop happened despite increases in tram passengers when the North Tce extension came online and O-Bahn bus numbers when the new tunnel was finished.

"It's unbelievable more people caught public transport in 2009-10 than any of the last three years — we need to turn this around," Mr Knoll said.

"The former Labor government were spinning their wheels on public transport patronage for the last decade. We will leave no stone unturned."

But Opposition transport spokesman Tom Koutsantonis accused Mr Knoll of a policy backflip and broken promise by weakening SAPTA, the body Mr Knoll now hopes will come up with solutions.

In an organisational structure leaked to the Opposition, SAPTA is shown answering to the CEO of the Transport Department, not Mr Knoll as previously promised.

"It appears the SA Liberals have broken another promise and will no longer be setting up a stand alone agency as per their election commitment,'' Mr Koutsantonis said. Mr Knoll said several key initiatives would be behind the revival in numbers, including:

BUS providers being able to use different vehicle sizes for the first time

TRIAL of on-demand bus services

FLEXIBILITY in new bus service contracts for companies to come up with innovative improvements to service

ELECTRIFYING the Gawler line

BUILDING more Park 'n' Rides

AUTONOMOUS buses to take passengers from the final stop to their actual destination.

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https://twitter.com/theTiser/status/1132782833401884673

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The Advertiser --> Tonsley and Seaford trains to get charging stations in $10,000 plan to boost convenience, commuters

Adelaide train commuters can now charge up their phones and tablets while in transit, as the State Government moves to install USB connection ports on carriages.

The service will go live on the Seaford and Tonsley lines today, starting with five trains.

By the end of next month it is to be rolled out on all trains that service those two lines, with 24 USB charging units on each.

They'll be installed near seats and in walls to provide access even during peak times.

The $100,000 program replaces plans in last year's State Budget for 10 charging stations across suburban train stops.

The State Government will review the scheme before considering whether to expand it to other parts of the network.

Transport Minister Stephan Knoll said charging stations would help encourage more people to use public transport.

"People rely on technology more and more for work and to stay connected with loved ones and we all know how frustrating it is when your phone goes flat," he said.

"We want to bring our public transport network into the 21st Century.

"We're investing in new technologies and fresh ideas."

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ABC News --> Public transport users to be slugged $150 extra a year as two-section fares scrapped

Two-section fares are to be scrapped as part of the overhaul of Adelaide's public transport network, a move that will cost regular users an extra $150 a year.

Transport Minister Stephan Knoll told a forum run by the Conservation Council on Monday night that there would be "uncomfortable change" over the next 12 to 18 months for public transport users.

He told ABC Radio Adelaide that this included axing the two-section fare option, which enabled users travelling short distances a fare reduction of up to $2 for a single trip.

For example, a two-section metroticket costs $3.50 as opposed to $5.50 for a full fare, while the tap-on metrocard difference is $2 versus $3.70.

Mr Knoll suggested regular users switch to the 28-day pass, which would amount to "somewhere south of 50 cents a day difference".

"That does mean an increase of somewhere just under $150 over the course of a year, but about less than $3 a week."

He argued the current ticketing system was hard to enforce because, unlike those interstate, there was no tap-off facility to track a journey and charge accordingly, except for people travelling to Adelaide Railway Station.

"Up to one in four people who are using a two-section ticket are doing so fraudulently," Mr Knoll said.

"It is a massive rort that almost 25 per cent of people are using by buying those tickets.

"We think that's fundamentally unfair and it's why we made the decision to get rid of it."

Mr Knoll added that recent department figures revealed public transport use had declined by 1.3 million trips over the past three years.

'Blatant cash grab'

Opposition treasury spokesman Stephen Mullighan said there was no justification to remove the two-section fare and called it a "blatant cash grab".

"There is no evidence, that the Minister is able to produce, that one quarter of two-section ticket holders are rorting the system," he said.

"Certainly, fare evasion continues to be a problem on public transport, but it's not two-section fare holders who are the problem.

"It's the people who don't buy a ticket at all and jump on a train station midway down the line then jump off a few stations later."

The former transport minister said patronage numbers increased by two million people under the Labor government between 2008 and 2017.

"If it's gone backwards in the past 12 months, we look forward to getting the details about what's happened since Stephan was Minister," Mr Mullighan said.

Major changes

He added that any decline in usage was likely caused by interruptions to services during recent major works, including the electrification and extension of the Seaford line, the O-Bahn upgrade, and those at the Goodwood and Torrens junctions.

"There have been interruptions that still affect patronage, but overall patronage has gone up," Mr Mullighan said.

Mr Knoll has made a series of controversial statements and changes to public transport since the Liberals came into power last year, including announcing the cessation of Adelaide metropolitan bus service contracts by 2020, which the union has said would amount to 1,170 bus route reductions.

The Minister suggested replacing underutilised bus routes with Uber-style bus services, and has also refused to rule out privatising the city's tram and train network.

Mr Knoll asked his critics to judge the Government in 12 to 18 months' time, once the results of change were visible.

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https://twitter.com/DPTI_SA/status/1139434534091411457

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ABC News --> Tonsley train station closure will force commuters with disabilities to stay home

Jodie Pearce describes the Tonsley railway station in Adelaide's south as her lifeline.

Key points:
The Tonsley railway line is being extended to Flinders University
The work will require the closure of Tonsley station to construct a rail bridge
One local is concerned the station might not reopen once work is complete
For Ms Pearce, who uses a wheelchair to get around, the station offers a vital means of transport into the CBD, about 12 kilometres away.

"I can only drive short distances, so I can't go to the city — I need the train to do that, to go to appointments," she said.

"It is my lifeline. It's my only safe accessible way of getting around."

But the Tonsley station is facing an uncertain future.

It will close, at least temporarily, from June 28 to allow work to begin on extending the railway line by 650 metres to Flinders University and Flinders Medical Centre.

The $125 million Flinders Link project includes creating a rail bridge over Main South Road, which will mean the current track at Tonsley station has to be raised by 4m.

"Removal of this station will condemn a lot of residents — people with disabilities and frailties, and the elderly — into their homes.

"They won't be able to get out."

Next week's state Budget will include $8 million to allow some of the work, as well as consultation, to get underway — but the SA Government has stopped short of committing to reopening it or rebuilding it on the current site.

"It would make sense that, if at all possible, we would include an upgraded station as part of that project," Transport Minister Stephan Knoll said.

"The feedback from the community has been fairly strong. Their needs are much broader than just where the station is.

"They've told us they want improved frequency, that they want improved services, that they want safer services, and also that they want a station that is accessible to everybody."

The Tonsley line is one of Adelaide's six metropolitan railway routes.

Concept plans released by the SA Government show a "new Tonsley station" just metres from the site of the current Clovelly Park station, near the Tonsley innovation hub.

While Tonsley station is closed, residents who rely on it will be forced to travel to Clovelly Park.

If it does not reopen once work is completed, they will also have the option of heading to the new Flinders station.

But Ms Pearce said that would be difficult, especially for people with disabilities.

"The proposed new station is out of the walkable catchment for our area ... the pathway in our suburb is dangerous and impassable and impossible for me," she said.

The Government has committed to ongoing consultation to determine a solution for Tonsley.

"Whilst we wait for the public consultation to be undertaken, what we are doing is making sure there is money on the table to provide the solution when that is decided," Mr Knoll said.

Mr Knoll expects work on the project to be completed by the end of 2020.

[verbatim9]

Tram network expansion on hold except to the Airport and Henley Beach

Adelaidenow.com.au------->https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/business/sa-business-journal/the-10-projects-that-could-lift-sas-fortunes-amid-fears-of-an-australian-recession/news-story/453b281b3021a9599f994797a910e59a

Trams

Proposals by state and federal Labor to expand Adelaide's tram network have been put on the backburner by the State Government.

However, the expansion of light rail or trackless trams to Henley Beach, that would also service the Adelaide airport, is heavily supported by the public.

[verbatim9]

Tram network expansion on hold except to the Airport and Henley Beach

Adelaidenow.com.au------->https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/business/sa-business-journal/the-10-projects-that-could-lift-sas-fortunes-amid-fears-of-an-australian-recession/news-story/453b281b3021a9599f994797a910e59a

Trams

Proposals by state and federal Labor to expand Adelaide's tram network have been put on the backburner by the State Government.

However, the expansion of light rail or trackless trams to Henley Beach, that would also service the Adelaide airport, is heavily supported by the public.

^^The Airport line is needed. Not sure why Trackless trams are being considered? Wouldn't one try and integrate a new line into the existing network. This can allow for extensive timetabling and use of existing Tram/LRT stock.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/AdelaideMetroSA/status/1140826984152387584

[ozbob]

Messenger --> Mitchell Park residents fear their voices are unheard in Tonsley station community engagement

After weeks of community engagement, residents in Adelaide's south are no closer to finding out where the new Tonsley railway station will be built.

After eleven "listening posts" and a workshop, residents in Adelaide's south are no closer to finding out where the new Tonsley railway station will be built.

The existing station will see its last service on June 28, with Thursday night being the community's last chance to provide feedback at a second workshop.

A new station will be built to accommodate the planned $125 million line extension to Flinders University and surrounding biomedical precinct.

But regular rail users in the area say they have been left in the dark, despite Transport Minister Stephan Knoll citing the importance for community engagement.

"We're in consultation at the moment, that's an extremely important part, but we're going to wait until the community has finished telling us what it is they want before going into the next steps," Mr Knoll told reporters on Saturday.

Elder MP Carolyn Power said the consultation process was a Liberal election pledge.

"It's important that the community is able to have their say, share their ideas and concerns and discuss their needs," she said.

Fresh artist impressions sent to the media on the weekend suggests the Transport Department are eyeing a location just south of Alawoona Ave, a location that many residents, including wheelchair-user Jodi Pearce, reject.

While only concept designs, she believes it is too far north for the users of the existing Tonsley station to walk and will force people with disabilities and frailties to stay home.

"People with disabilities and those of us without the financial means of universities have been treated as an afterthought and were not considered during the initial design and engineering phase of the Flinders Link project," Ms Pearce said.

"There have been artists impressions released publicly regarding a proposed new Tonsley Station location, but they are not final or definitive designs," a Transport Department spokesperson said.

Some residents have reported seeing construction workers on that location already "working on the track" prematurely.

The Transport Department, however, told The Messenger these were minor works for the greater Flinders Link Project, rather than the new station.

Gould Thorpe Planning, who have been commissioned by the government to independently head the Tonsley line community sessions, declined to speak.

Ms Pearce, who attended the first workshop on June 13 and runs the Save Tonsley Station campaign, has been left wondering if the community engagement period is merely a show.

"The lack of transparency and conflicting, ambiguous and inconsistent information from the DPTI ... has frustrated residents and eroded any trust that may have existed."

Ms Pearce and other supporters are planning to gather in protest at the Tonsley station next Friday when the last service departs.

The 'Save Tonsley Station' petition has nearly 2,000 signatures.

[ozbob]

My only visit to Tonsley was in January 2016

[ozbob]

The Advertiser --> Budget 2019: Data shows more South Australians starting to use public transport

State Budget documents have helped the Government to declare that its public transport reform program is on track to take make more South Australians use it to travel further.

More South Australians are using public transport and travelling further, State Budget documents show.

An extra 500,000 boardings are expected on trains, buses and trams this financial year, taking the numbers to 75.5 million — up from 75 million the year before.

The boost in numbers, although lower than the State Government's target of 76.4 million, has prompted Transport Minister Stephan Knoll to say its public transport program is on track.

However, Opposition transport spokesman Tom Koutsantonis said the minister was attempting to a "self-fulfilling prophecy".

The Government announced $46 million in cuts for the public transport system in last year's Budget. About 1170 bus services are to be removed or shortened as part of the bid to claw back about $46 million in efficiencies by 2022.

"After public transport patronage has decreased over the last three financial years, we're now seeing green shoots in 2018/19," Mr Knoll said.

"In the first full financial year under the Marshall Government, we've seen an increase in both service kilo­metres and patronage. This shows our public transport measures are providing a better service that more South Australians are choosing to use. This is before we realise the benefits of our other investments in public transport, including building more Park 'n' Rides along the O-Bahn, electrifying the Gawler rail line and extending the Tonsley rail line through the Flinders Link project."

The Budget papers show that passengers will travel an estimated 53.9 million kilometres during the 2018/19 financial year — up from 52.8 million kilometres the year before.

Opposition transport spok­es­man Tom Koutsantonis war­ned cuts to public transport had only just started.

"They are about to get a lot worse," he said. "What the Minister is trying to do is make this a self-fulfilling prophecy."

Retired farmer Donna Meyer, who was catching a tram to the Royal Adelaide Hospital on Thursday, said she was a big supporter of public transport.

"I don't use it every week but I do use public transport whenever I got to events, or the Art Gallery or the theatre," Ms Meyer, of Henley Beach South, said. "I think public transport is important and is essential to any civic society."

Ms Meyer said she had heard there "were not as many options anymore" so was a little surprised about the increased patronage.

[ozbob]

The Advertiser --> Rail extension to heart of Port Adelaide in doubt due to cost blowout

The State Government has shelved a planned rail extension to the heart of Port Adelaide after a study found it would go significantly over budget.

A planned rail spur to the heart of Port Adelaide has been delayed after a detailed review found it would go $24 million over budget.

The State Government will instead conduct a study into public transport options in the northwestern suburbs that might suggest a cheaper option — such as a bus interchange.

The previous Labor government budgeted $16 million in 2017 for an extension of the Port Adelaide train line to Port Dock Station, opposite the new $168 million Dock One housing development.

It awarded a contract for the project to construction firms McConnell Dowell, Mott MacDonald and Arup in January 2018.

However, a new study into the project has found it would go well over budget and cost $40 million.

Transport Minister Stephan Knoll said the original funding was provided without any planning and the Government had identified other possible ways to improve public transport in Port Adelaide and the northwestern suburbs.

The study would also investigate "enhanced land use" in the district.

"A responsible State Government needs to assess if this significant increase in expenditure will deliver the best public transport solution for the people of Port Adelaide and surrounding areas," Mr Knoll said.

"That's why we will undertake a comprehensive study for the north western area, so we get this right."

Port Adelaide Enfield Mayor Claire Boan said the council and locals "definitely wanted" the spur line.

Nearby businesses and developers had expected it to increase visitor numbers.

"I brought to the minister's attention that Starfish (Developments) and Pirate Life Brewing have been looking forward to this spur line going in," Mrs Boan said.

"We're glad a plan will be in place but in the short-term consideration this isn't what we were expecting.

"We really do hope this process will happen as quick as possible."

Port Adelaide Labor MP Susan Close hit out at the project delay and claimed it was part of a "war on public transport".

"This news is devastating for the Port — for every business that invested on the understanding that the train was coming, for the museums, and for the residents," Ms Close said.

"This government has taken every opportunity to betray Port Adelaide whether it's tearing down our heritage, wrecking our public transport or letting down businesses by promising one thing and doing another."

Trains to the centre of Port Adelaide stopped in 1981.

The station was demolished in 1989 to make way for the Port Adelaide police station.

The current railway station is about 1km from the centre of the business district.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/BombardierRail/status/1144603695163813888

[SurfRail]

Franchised operation of trains and trams coming

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-07-01/adelaide-trains-and-trams-to-be-privatised/11267236

https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/6250184/sa-to-privatise-adelaide-trams-trains/?cs=14264

https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/sa-government-to-privatise-adelaide-train-and-tram-services/news-story/85cc6fc3b81a7a75b6fd365d0cbe5786

IIRC they were previously operated by some private operator for a short period following the old STA days before being taken back in house.

[verbatim9]

I am not surprised as it was always hinted. I wonder who will run the trams and trains there? DB for the trams? TransDev for the trains?

[#Metro]

ABC article is not quite right.

Sydney has privatised trains on the metro, operated by MTR trains.

[verbatim9]

ABC article is not quite right.

Sydney has privatised trains on the metro, operated by MTR trains.

Yeah left wing media seems to blow things out of proportion sometimes. But I wouldn't be surprised if city rail now (Sydney Trains) is run by a private operator in the future? With the Government just focusing on infrastructure improvements instead of juggling operations and infrastructure as one.

[#Metro]

Cities such as Perth and Adelaide could have excellent rail networks through automation. Their networks are much smaller, and thus cheaper to convert.

Perth is very close to a true metro standard, would only take a minor frequency upgrade to have trains every 10 minutes, all day.

[ozbob]

Government spent millions on canned rail project https://t.co/On6s590eaV #saparli

— RAIL_BoT_Forum (@railbotforum) July 31, 2019

[ozbob]

Adelaide's public transport system has been rated one of the best in Australia, leading the opposition to question why the state government is proceeding with its privatisation plans. @RoryMcClaren9 #9News pic.twitter.com/gCELptlbO2

— Nine News Adelaide (@9NewsAdel) August 22, 2019

[#Metro]

A lot of naysaying about how Queensland Rail trains couldn't be operated by a private operator.

Not the case... Auckland and Melbourne already do. As do many international cities.

Success or failure is very much about the form of the contract and its design.

Franchises linked to patronage numbers tend to be a mess, whereas the model that TL has developed with BCC buses where operators are paid for the service km they provide, and not patronage, could work really well.

If Adelaide manages to do it well... it will be yet another example that it can be done, and done well.

[Gazza]

Government spent millions on canned rail project https://t.co/On6s590eaV #saparli

— RAIL_BoT_Forum (@railbotforum) July 31, 2019

Oh good, it was a dumb idea from the start.
Basically a 1 station spur halfway along the line, so you'd be running some terrible infrequent stopping pattern to service the spur.

[ozbob]

The Advertiser --> South Australia's Children's Commissioner calls for overhaul of public transport fines for young people

Young people from low-income families should travel free on public transport and those wearing school uniforms should not be asked to prove they are eligible for a student fare, the state's Children's Commissioner says.

After surveying young people and examining current policies Helen Connolly is calling for a review of how fines are issued to youths who take public transport.

She has released a report making six recommendations, including that young people who are fined on buses, trains or trams should face a lower penalty than adults.

They also should not have to pay the $60 Victims of Crime levy.

The "Public Transport: It's not fine" report finds many teens feel unfairly targeted by transport authorities and resources are being wasted on pursuing "trifling" offences when many fines are eventually waived.

Data in the report shows SA Police issued 467 fines to teenagers in 2017-18, including 204 for boarding without a ticket or failing to immediately buy a ticket.

Another 171 fines were given to young people who did not have a valid student or concession card.

In the same year 107 children were taken to the Youth Court over 374 transport-related offences, including not paying a fare or not having ID, but Ms Connolly's report says "only nine" were convicted of an offence.

She argued "precious" court resources should be "channelled to address more important matters" because "ending up in court for failing to have a student ID is clearly a trifling matter".

Ms Connolly said imposing fines on young people who came from low-income families could "create a financial crisis for many students", particularly those without a job or living on benefits.

"These children know only too well that asking for financial support from their families will be stressful," she said.

"It is not surprising then that sometimes these children cannot pay their transport fares and risk being caught instead."

Ms Connolly suggests they should "where possible" be allowed to simply pay the fare back and leniency should be shown when a student's ID had recently expired.

In Victoria, fines issued to young people are less than half the value of those imposed on adults - an approach Ms Connolly urges the SA Government to consider.

Ticket collectors also should not penalise students for not having their ID "while travelling home on the bus from school ... wearing a school uniform", she said.

South Australia's public transport system recorded more than 75 million passenger trips in 2017-18, including 12 million by primary and secondary school students and about 23 million by concession card holders, including tertiary students.

Authorities issued 11,848 cautions and 19,780 fines to passengers of all ages.

Data over the four years to May, 2018, shows almost 20 per cent of fines imposed on young people using public transport (amounting to more than $850,000) were waived or written off.

[ozbob]

The Advertiser --> Scania Australia wins 10-year contract to supply replacement buses for Adelaide's metropolitan fleet, including local construction

Scania Australia has won a 10-year contract to supply replacement buses for Adelaide's metropolitan fleet, under a deal that will include at least 29 being made locally each year.

Transport Minister Stephan Knoll last year put on ice a process that began under the former Labor government, saying he needed to be sure it would deliver needed outcomes.

He said the deal announced on Sunday would allow changes to be made to the types of buses used in SA, including possible electric and driverless options, as needs change and evolve.

About 340 buses are expected to be produced under the decade-long deal. A demonstration hybrid bus will be provided by next year.

All buses will have driver security screens, duress alarms, CCTV and a fire suppression system.

Mr Knoll said the Government wanted to build a "better public transport network that will deliver more customer focused services for South Australians".

"We know that public transport patronage growth has stalled over the last 10 years and we need to keep improving our service offering to drive patronage and encourage people to catch public transport," he said.

"Beginning in 2020, the fuel-efficient and low emission Euro 6-compliant Scania-powered bus chassis will be fitted with locally made bus bodies.

"Excitingly we will see more diesel-electric hybrid bus on Adelaide's streets."

The Government manages 990 buses in the Adelaide Metro system.

New buses are purchased each year to replace existing buses, which are no longer fit for purpose or have reached the compulsory retirement age of 25 years.