Better, faster and more frequent bus and tram services are just around the corner following the Marshall Government's announcement of new bus and tram service providers.
Following an extensive and rigorous procurement process, the State Government has today signed contracts for the provision of new bus and tram services. The successful proponents include;
- Outer North East - Torrens Transit;
- East West – Torrens Transit;
- Outer North - Torrens Transit;
- North South (light Rail) – Torrens Connect (a Joint Venture between Torrens Transit, UGL Rail Services and John Holland);
- Hills – Keolis Downer; and,
- Outer South – Busways South Australia.
Further information about the faster and more frequent services will be released in the coming weeks for consultation with the community.
The former Labor Government outsourced the delivery of bus services in 2005 and 2011 from private providers, including Torrens Transit and Keolis Downer.
"These new bus service contracts are going to deliver better, faster and more frequent services for South Australians," said Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and local Government Stephan Knoll.
"In the coming weeks we will be releasing details about the bus service improvements that will benefit South Australians ahead of a consultation period we will undertake.
"Now the contracts have been signed, we can begin working with the providers to deliver the best possible bus and tram network for South Australians.
"This new bus services contract is the single biggest leaver we have to improve bus and tram services and drive patronage growth.
"We know that public transport patronage flatlined under the former Labor Government.
"More people caught a bus, train or tram 10 years ago than when Labor left Office in 2018.
"That's why the Marshall Government has taken this opportunity to reinvigorate our bus service network and provide better, faster and more frequent services."
The new bus and tram service providers will commence on 1 July 2020, for a period of eight years.
Torrens Transit and Keolis Downer are currently existing providers of bus services in South Australia.
