Sensational-Adelaide.com

Splashmo wrote:At least we have a ticketing system - on the Gold Coast you get printed out a receipt that looks like a shopping docket.

Splashmo wrote:At least we have a ticketing system - on the Gold Coast you get printed out a receipt that looks like a shopping docket.

The Scooter Guy wrote:Sometimes when ticket validators accept a bus ticket, it doesn't come out and the red X lights up continuously!

COMMUTERS can expect better scheduling of public transport services "early in the new year" because of a major overhaul in the management of the network.

Transport Minister Patrick Conlon told The Advertiser the Government planned a "fundamental restructure" of public transport organisation, so buses, trams and trains operated under one umbrella.

It would be the biggest overhaul in management of the network since TransAdelaide was formed in 1994.

At present, TransAdelaide manages trains and trams while the Transport Department's Public Transport division is in charge of routes and schedules for buses.

The changes also are expected to provide money savings through more efficient management.

"We want to restructure it so one organisation is responsible for the provision of public transport," Mr Conlon said. "The key point is it doesn't make any sense for there to be two separate public agencies."

Mr Conlon said the Government "would have more to say about the restructure early in the new year."

Tourism and Transport Forum Australia executive director Brett Gale said integrating management of all public transport had been successful interstate.

"We've seen that sort of model work quite well in Victoria and in New South Wales, where they moved about eight months ago to put in an integrated transport department and brought the roads department under that as well," he said. "It's about efficiency of planning and expenditure."

People for Public Transport Secretary Margaret Dingle said the restructure would be positive move if it ensured an "overall vision for the public transport system".

"Buses, trains and trams should be regarded as one whole system," she said. "As long as it helps co-ordinate everything and gets services where they need to be, it could be good."

Dean Brown's Liberal government created TransAdelaide through its controversial Public Transport Bill passed in May 1994, which also gave private operators access to 50 per cent of the public transport system.

Patrick Conlon announces public transport smartcards

* From: AdelaideNow
* February 08, 2010 2:18PM

ADELAIDE'S public transport tickets will be replaced with a smartcard system - but not for another three years.

Transport Minister Pat Conlon today announced the $30 million contract had been awarded for the ATLAS system, which would be introduced by 2013.

The system has previously been used in cities including Montreal and Houston.

Travellers can "top up" the cards, which are then swiped against onboard validators.

Mr Conlon said the Government was confident of overcoming technical problems associated with the changeover witnessed in other states.

He said the current cardboard ticket system had "served us well", but that change was necessary as the Government continued upgrading the public transport network.

He deflected as "cynical" suggestions the announcement and looming completion of the Entertainment Centre tramline extension were timed as pre-election vote winners.

Mr Conlon said the current tickets would remain valid after the introduction of the new system and the smartcards and magnetic tickets could be used on the same machines.