More frequent, comfortable and convenient bus services are on the way for Adelaide Hills residents, with a $19 million commitment set to deliver 15 brand new buses and 590 more services each week.
From Monday, 29 January 2024, the first phase of service improvements will add an extra 36 bus services during the weekday interpeak between Mount Barker and the city.
This will see a 15-minute frequency via route T840 services each weekday, between 9am and 3pm.
An additional 26 services on Sundays will also start from 4 February 2024 to provide the same frequency as Saturdays, delivering a 30-minute frequency between approximately 7am and 6pm via route 864F.
This is great news for the Hills community, significantly increasing the current weekday interpeak and Sunday frequency to better meet demand for public transport as these communities continue to grow.
As part of the $19 million election commitment, 15 new hybrid-diesel buses are expected to join the fleet this year – offering a quieter, more comfortable and accessible ride.
The delivery of these new buses will support the introduction of a new weekday Go Zone from mid-2024, with buses running via the South Eastern Freeway every 6 minutes in peak periods and at least every 15 minutes from 7am to 7pm.
Once fully implemented, Hills commuters will benefit from 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.
Feedback gathered during the Mount Barker and Adelaide Hills Transport Study has helped to inform these service changes, with the State Government also committing $6 million towards the upgrade and delivery of additional parking at the Crafers Park ‘n’ Ride facility.
For updated timetables and more information, please visit the Adelaide Metro website at adelaidemetro.com.au.
Quotes
Attributable to Peter Malinauskas
Adelaide Hills commuters have been calling for better, more frequent services and we’re delivering on our commitment to ensure public transport is a great option to get people where they need to go.
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.
I’m confident these significant changes can create better opportunities, reduce traffic congestion, and support a more sustainable transport future for the Adelaide Hills.
Attributable to Tom Koutsantonis
Beginning later this month, we’ll be significantly increasing the number of bus services for Hills commuters during the weekday interpeak and on Sundays.
This is just the start of our plans to dramatically improve bus services to and from the Adelaide Hills - with our $19 million commitment set to deliver an extra 590 services each week and 15 new hybrid buses to better service the region by mid-2024.
Hills commuters will also benefit from a rapid connection to the CBD – with a 6-minute Go Zone via the South-Eastern Freeway during peak periods. These frequent services can be easily accessed from Park ‘n’ Ride facilities, with the Crafers facility currently receiving a $6 million upgrade which will further expand parking options.
Attributable to Member for Kavel Dan Cregan
The Hills are growing rapidly and Mount Barker will be the largest city outside of Adelaide in a generation.
We need to keep investing in vital services, including public transport, so I’m very pleased to see this commitment being fulfilled.
