Affordable transport promise for the South Coast and Alexandrina

Posted March 09, 2018

Federal Member for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie has joined SA-BEST Leader Nick Xenophon and SA-BEST candidates for Finniss and Mawson, Joe Hill and Hazel Wainwright, in announcing a State Election commitment for a Regional Public Transport Plan for the Fleurieu Peninsula and Alexandrina.

“The Regional Transport Plan will connect the regional communities of the Fleurieu Peninsula,” Rebekha said.

“The Victor Harbor – Goolwa region is the third-largest Significant Urban Area in South Australia and the community deserves better access to public transport.”

The Plan offers new routes to address demand while improving on the changes to the existing Goolwa – Victor Harbor – Adelaide service successfully advocated for by Rebekha.

The State Election commitment also includes a fully operational, metro-ticketed coach service between Goolwa, Victor Harbor and Adelaide with;

• Weekday early morning commuter services with connections to Seaford, Colonnades and Marion;
  
• Mid-morning direct services between Goolwa, Victor Harbor and Adelaide;
  
• Twice daily direct services between Goolwa, Victor Harbor and Adelaide on weekends.
  
• Metro tickets for the service to simplify the process and reduce ticket costs.

In addition, the plan will use smaller “community coasters” to operate the following routes;

1. A twice-daily service between Carrickalinga and Noarlunga, travelling through Normanville, Yankalilla, Myponga and Seaford train station;

• This service will provide residents of the west coast of the Fleurieu with public transport that allows them to access the amenities of Seaford and Noarlunga Centre.

1. A loop service running from Goolwa to Yankalilla servicing Middleton, Port Elliot, Hayborough, Victor Harbor and Encounter Bay;
   

• This will provide residents of Yankalilla with ease of access to Victor Harbor, while also providing a shuttle service for South Coast residents to travel between towns.

1. A daily service running from Clayton Bay to Mount Barker, travelling through Milang and Strathalbyn;

• This service will allow residents of Clayton Bay and Milang to access the shopping and medical services provided at Strathalbyn.

In addition, SA-BEST will commit to having buses operating between Strathalbyn and Mount Barker on all days, including weekends, to allow ease of access for residents in the Adelaide Hills. These changes will also include changing the ticketing system so that a passenger travelling from Strathalbyn to Adelaide will not need to purchase a separate ticket at Mount Barker.

“South coast communities have been denied access to an affordable bus service for far too long,” Joe Hill said.

“This Plan – which SA-BEST will send out to public tender - will provide greater access, particularly for young people and senior citizens, to health services, shops and employment while also addressing the barriers of social isolation.”

Hazel Wainwright said: “Talking to people along the Fleurieu, particularly the elderly, I find one of their main concerns is the infrequency of public transport and the fact that this contributes to a sense of isolation.”