PUBLIC TRANSPORT IS FAILING

One of our essential services is public transport and whilst probably not as important as Emergency Services it is important nonetheless.  Many people in the community rely soley on bus, train and tram services as their primary means of transport.

Many people that rely on public transport are often in the low socio-economic areas like Salisbury, Elizabeth, Hackham West, Mansfield Park, Smithfield etc etc. Unfortunately though most public transport services are sadly devoid of services whilst more affluent suburbs such as Norwood, Lockleys, Magill, Beaumont, Walkverille and the like are provided with high frequency services. 

The proof is on the pudding.  These high frequency services through the more affluent suburbs of Adelaide are usually well patronised because public transport is cheaper and more economical than using a car and the citizens have a reliable option.  Those people living in low income areas are not awarded the same priviledge, despite being more reliant on the service than others.  Theoretically, the service delivery should be reversed.

A good example of public transport failing the general populace is in the Northern suburbs.  Lets focus on Route 224 and the Gawler Central train services.  Route 224 operates from Elizabeth to the City and runs through Elizabeth South, Elizabeth Vale, Salisbury, Parafield Gardens, Mawson Lakes, Gepps Cross and Enfield.  It has been regarded for many years as one of the busiest (long distance) bus services in Adelaide.  Yet despite this tag, its first service in the morning departs Elizabeth at 5.21am and does not arrive in the City until 6.46am.  This virtually renders the service useless to many shift workers in the inner northern suburbs.  The last service leaves the City at 11.50pm which is a throw back to 1950 when the City stopped at Midnight.

The Gawler Central train does not fair much better with its first service not arriving in the City until 6.05am and the last service departs Adelaide at 11.50pm.  Both Route 224 and the Gawler Central train operate hourly after 8.00pm which in my view is completely inadequate in 2015.

Then there is the story of the numerous feeder service that radiate from various stations along the way into the hearts of the Northern suburbs Routes like 400, 401, 411, 442, 451, 461, 492 just to name a few.  These services are worse than Route 224 and the train and I will discuss them in another article.

Route 224 should have its first service departing Elizabeth at 4.00am and the last service departing the City at 1.00am. Along with this the service should operate to a 40 minute frequency.  This combined with Route 228 would provide a 20 minute frequency along the inner portion of Main North Road.

The Gawler Central train should operate to a 30 minute frequency at night.  This line should be awarded as the first in SA to operate 24/7.  Trains would depart Adelaide at 1.00am, 2.00am & 3.00am and stop only at Dudley Park, Kilburn, Mawson Lakes, Parafield, Salisbury, Elizabeth, Smithfield, Munno Para, Tambelin, Gawler and Gawler Central.

Well that's my view.

Until next time - stay safe.