MP explores hybrid model for South Coast bus service

Posted July 18, 2017

Federal Member for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie is exploring a new option to increase South Coast bus services into Adelaide while still maintaining a direct bus route into the city centre.

The new option is being considered after a community public consultation process showed overwhelming support for extra bus routes from Goolwa and Victor Harbor to Adelaide but some concerns that new and existing services would travel to the Noarlunga Centre Interchange instead of the Franklin Street station.

A survey conducted through Rebekha’s office showed 84 per cent of respondents wanted the Noarlunga Centre interchange option, with new early morning and late evening services, while 16 per cent wanted to keep the existing service that went straight to the city.

The survey was filled in by 615 local people, either online or by phone call, letter or email.

“I think there is room for an early morning commuter service to Noarlunga as well as daytime direct services to Adelaide, and I will be advocating for both with Link SA and Transport Minister Stephen Mullighan,” Rebekha said.

“I will be speaking to both the Minister and Link SA this month, with a formal meeting scheduled for next month, so I would like to reassure the community that NOTHING will change until we have explored all the options and shared the feedback of the community with the Government.

“The survey response was very much in favour of changing the service but I am very mindful that there are residents on the South Coast who would find it difficult to catch two buses or a bus and train to reach the city.

“The comments we received in the survey showed people were in favour of more services, but those opposed had concerns about having to transfer to another bus or train, particularly if they had luggage or mobility issues or the grandchildren were coming down to visit.

“I can understand those concerns so I want to talk to the Government about keeping direct bus services to the city in the middle of the day while also offering more flexible early morning and late evening services.

“The South Coast does have a significant older population but it also has a large number of city commuters and young people who would like to use public transport to reach work or to go to university or TAFE.

“I’m positive we can work together to create the best of both worlds.”