17 February 2022
Free weekend public transport over the Festival season is a welcome announcement, but shouldn’t be limited to weekends only, say the Greens.
Last week, the Greens called on the State Government to provide free public transport to and from the city to boost our foot traffic for struggling businesses.
“It’s terrific to see initiatives encouraging more visitation to the city over the festival season, but it’s disappointing this is a one-off weekend measure, which will end on March 20,” said the Greens Spokesperson for Transport and the City of Adelaide, Robert Simms MLC.
“Ongoing free public transport to and from the city, all week round, would boost city visitation - helping struggling businesses while helping our environment by reducing carbon emissions.
“While bus and tram services will be running this weekend, it’s disappointing to hear the Minister confirm that trains will not be included in the service for opening weekend, due to works on the Gawler electrification project.
“This is a project that is almost two years overdue – surely for opening weekend the Minister could ensure that all public transport options are available?” said Mr Simms.
The Greens have a fully costed plan to make public transport free right across the state. Free public transport to and from the CBD is an easy first step that could be taken to provide an instant boost to the city economy.