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RAA has released a comprehensive plan to improve South Australia’s public transport network making it more affordable, accessible and able to support the state’s housing and population boom.
South Australia has the lowest rate of public transport patronage of any mainland state, recording only 46 trips per person annually compared to 84 in Melbourne and over 100 in Sydney.
A recent survey of RAA members also showed the convenience and availability of routes was the main factor (53%) for people when deciding whether or not to use public transport, followed by travel time (24%), safety concerns (9%) and cost of fares (8%).
The State’s peak motoring body has made short, medium and long-term recommendations in response to the State Government’s Public Transport Strategy consultation, including:
Short term: Make public transport affordable, accessible and cater for changing patterns
Medium term: Expand services in metro and regional areas
Long-term: Expand the rail network to better connect the north and south
RAA Chief Executive Officer Nick Reade said investing in South Australia’s public transport network would help make the state more liveable and the network more sustainable.
“RAA wants to see a public transport network that is convenient, affordable, accessible and easy to use – and that’s what our members are telling us too,” Mr Reade said.
“A better public transport network that has more routes, frequency and options for commuters will encourage more people to catch a bus, train or tram.
“By getting more people onto a bus, train or tram – you take more cars off the road, which reduces congestion on our roads, cuts travel times and prolongs the life of our road network.
“That is particularly important as we see the explosion of housing and population in our northern and southern suburbs.
Mr Reade said the medium and long-term priorities would help future proof Adelaide’s public transport network for the next generation and ensure our state remains a liveable.
“If we’re serious about delivering a public transport network that more and more people want to use in the long-term – then we need serious investment,” Mr Reade said.
“The long-term goal is to have a fully integrated and connected network – from the north to the south – that will transform the way people move around Adelaide and reduce pressure on our road network.
Read the full Public Transport Strategy submission on the RAA website.