The Premier announced the government’s commitment to broadening public transport with Adelaide Hills MP Dan Cregan on Sunday (14 January). Photo: Facebook/Peter Malinauskas.
In a bid to improve public transport in the rapidly growing Adelaide Hills, the South Australian Government has announced a $19 million expansion of bus services within the community.
The State Government is set to deliver on its election commitment by providing 15 brand new hybrid-diesel buses and 590 more services each week.
Feedback gathered in the Mount Barker and Adelaide Hills Transport Study informed the changes and also led to the State Government’s $6 million investment in the upgrade and delivery of additional parking at the Crafers Park ‘n’ Ride facility.
Member for Kavel Dan Cregan said he was pleased to see this commitment being fulfilled as the State Government needed to keep investing in vital services, including public transport.
“The Hills are growing rapidly and Mount Barker will be the largest city outside of Adelaide in a generation,” he said.
Chief Minister Peter Malinauskas said Adelaide Hills commuters had been calling for better and more frequent services.
“By boosting bus services, we are not just improving mobility – we are enhancing the quality of life and connection for residents of these growing communities,” he said.
“I’m confident these significant changes can create better opportunities, reduce traffic congestion, and support a more sustainable transport future for the Adelaide Hills.”
The first phase of improvements, to be implemented on 29 January, is an extra 36 bus services during the weekday interpeak between Mount Barker and the city.
From 4 February, another 26 Sunday services will begin operating with the same frequency as on Saturdays.
The 15 buses will assist the new weekday Go Zone midway through the year, running via the South Eastern Freeway every six minutes during peak periods and up to a maximum of 15 minutes from 7 am to 7 pm.
Upon completing the Adelaide Hills update, there will be an additional 104 services each weekday, 22 on Saturdays and 48 on Sundays – representing an increase of 590 trips each week or 42 per cent more services.
For more information on the updated timetables, visit Adelaide Metro.
