The number of AFL fans taking advantage of the free rides on Adelaide Metro's Footy Express has passed one million for the second season in a row.
Adelaide Metro data shows 1,046,500 boardings were recorded on free train, tram and bus services this season, and that's before tomorrow night's blockbuster between the Crows and the Western Bulldogs at Adelaide Oval.
And with so many fans choosing public transport to get to the footy each year, the State Government will expand Footy Express to Murray Bridge from next season, making it easier for supporters from the Murraylands to travel to and from Adelaide Oval.
The new service will connect one of the state's fastest-growing regional centres with Adelaide Oval on match days.
Footy Express services carry on average 23,500 footy fans every week, with the deals proving particularly popular during Gather Round when Adelaide Metro carried around 48 per cent of spectators attending matches at Adelaide Oval and 65 per cent of the crowd attending Barossa Park.
Patronage has increased every year since 2022, more than tripling over the period and demonstrating strong and sustained demand for the service. More than four million boardings have been recorded on Footy Express services over the past four years.
Each season, Adelaide Metro puts on about 300 extra bus, train and tram services for every Adelaide Crows and Port Adelaide home game, as well as every match during Gather Round.
In 2025, almost 1.5 million free trips were taken across 61 major ticketed music and sporting events, including the Ashes Test, the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant, the SANFL Grand Final, City-Bay and LIV Golf.
The State Government also introduced free travel for Seniors Card holders in July 2022, giving more than 430,000 South Australians more choice and independence while collectively saving more than $44 million in fares.
You can find out more about the Footy Express service at the Adelaide Metro website (external site) .
