News & Discussion: Adelaide Metro Buses

[SBD]

Sealink has taken over the parent company of Torrens Transit.

https://indaily.com.au/news/business/20 ... -services/

East-West Buses will now run twice daily on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays with a service on Sundays during school holidays. Bikes will be allowed on buses but will cost you an extra $240 each way.

Transit Systems' CEO Clint Feuerherdt will become CEO of Sealink Travel Group and own 2.6% of the company. Its co-founder and chairman Neil Smith will also join the SeaLink Board of Directors and own 15.3% shareholding of the company.

[PeFe]

Some controversy over the awarding of bus on demand contracts for Mt Barker and the Barossa Valley.
From Auntie...

Wine region first to trial Uber-style buses in SA as Keolis Downer wins $1.7m grant

The Barossa and Mount Barker will be the first to receive a bus-on-demand service after the South Australian State Government awarded a $1.7 million grant to public transport provider Keolis Downer.

Key points:
Buses to be ordered through an app in a similar fashion to ride-sharing services like Uber
Trial locations were chosen due to infrequency or non-existent services
The Opposition is questioning the relationship between the provider and the State Government
The two six-month trials will enable customers to book, track, and pay for a bus utilising a phone app in the same manner as ride-sharing services, although some walking is expected for pick-ups from key locations.

It follows trials in New South Wales where some 20 on-demand zones are active in the regions and across greater Sydney, with a one-way trip in the city costing about $3.10.

Transport Minister Stephan Knoll said his own electorate in the Barossa wine region had been chosen because it lacked a regular bus service linking towns together, while Mount Barker's fixed loop service in the Adelaide Hills ran on a "pretty low frequency".

"We think on-demand bus services work better in low frequency areas, which is precisely why we think these are good areas to trial this," he told ABC Radio Adelaide.

"There was an independent tender evaluation process that decided where the best areas were to do this ... they weren't chosen by me."

On-demand buses have been in service in Australia and overseas for decades, with many regional areas and dependent people relying on them as a key mode of public transport.

Gawler, at the edge of the Barossa for example, already has a dial-a-bus service that operates within allocated hours.

Tender closed to the public
Keolis Downer is a joint venture between the Downer Group (Australia and New Zealand) and French transport company, Keolis.

Opposition transport spokesperson Tom Koutsantonis questioned why the $1.7 million grant was only open to eight bodies in a select market approach rather than an open tender.

"The Minister has given an unbelievable advantage to Keolis Downer, who have been awarded this trial without it going to open tender," he said.

"Who chose the bodies to bid?"

But Mr Knoll said the former treasurer was trying to create an issue "where there is no issue" and there had been "absolutely no issue with the probity or anything around the process".

"What we've got is an exciting new technology," he said.

"We just want to get on and see how we can bring it to Adelaide."

Keolis Downer relationship re-questioned
Keolis Downer is considered a leading contender to win the first contract for Adelaide's soon-to-be-privatised tram operations.


Last month, Mr Koutsantonis announced Freedom of Information documents had revealed an email sent by the company's executive general manager of customer and government partnerships, Sasha Grebe, to Minister Knoll's office.

The email was an apparent effort to shore up the Government's case to privatise Adelaide's passenger train and tram network by offering quotes that supported the move — purportedly made by Mr Koutsantonis during his tenure as former state treasurer and by former transport minister Stephen Mullighan.

The quotes were later found to have been fabricated for a fake newspaper article posted on April Fools' Day.

"Why did Sasha Grebe feel so comfortable to send that email to Mr Knoll?" Mr Koutsantonis asked.

"It quite frankly raises a lot of questions about the contact Keolis Downer had with the Minister's office in the lead-up to announcing the privatisation tender.

"I have grave concerns about these tender processes."

The Downer Group has distanced itself from the email sent by Mr Grebe —a former high level Liberal advisor to Prime Minister Scott Morrison and former federal treasurer Joe Hockey — and said the email was never "sanctioned or approved".

Mr Knoll previously said Mr Grebe's email was never acted upon and the tender process for tram and train operations was being "conducted at arm's length from me and my office" through the Transport Department's chief executive.

He further pointed out that in 2015, the former government awarded Keolis Downer a contract as well — to run parts of Adelaide's bus system.

Trials to begin next year
The six-month trials for bus on-demand services are expected to start early next year.

Mr Knoll said users could expect to be picked up from their home or within a proposed distance of between 60 to 130 metres from their location.

People for Public Transport president Josephine Buckhorn previously welcomed the announcement to trial on-demand buses, provided they were complementary to fixed routes and did not result in service reductions.

Dr Sekhar Somanahalli, from the University of South Australia's School of Natural and Built Environments, believes they could be used as "feeder services" to transport hubs.

However, the Transport Workers Union said the Sydney trials had not stacked up economically and had cost taxpayers about $714,000 a month to subsidise.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-11-13/ ... s/11700496

[Eurostar]

Some controversy over the awarding of bus on demand contracts for Mt Barker and the Barossa Valley.
From Auntie...

Wine region first to trial Uber-style buses in SA as Keolis Downer wins $1.7m grant

The Barossa and Mount Barker will be the first to receive a bus-on-demand service after the South Australian State Government awarded a $1.7 million grant to public transport provider Keolis Downer.

Key points:
Buses to be ordered through an app in a similar fashion to ride-sharing services like Uber
Trial locations were chosen due to infrequency or non-existent services
The Opposition is questioning the relationship between the provider and the State Government
The two six-month trials will enable customers to book, track, and pay for a bus utilising a phone app in the same manner as ride-sharing services, although some walking is expected for pick-ups from key locations.

It follows trials in New South Wales where some 20 on-demand zones are active in the regions and across greater Sydney, with a one-way trip in the city costing about $3.10.

Transport Minister Stephan Knoll said his own electorate in the Barossa wine region had been chosen because it lacked a regular bus service linking towns together, while Mount Barker's fixed loop service in the Adelaide Hills ran on a "pretty low frequency".

"We think on-demand bus services work better in low frequency areas, which is precisely why we think these are good areas to trial this," he told ABC Radio Adelaide.

"There was an independent tender evaluation process that decided where the best areas were to do this ... they weren't chosen by me."

On-demand buses have been in service in Australia and overseas for decades, with many regional areas and dependent people relying on them as a key mode of public transport.

Gawler, at the edge of the Barossa for example, already has a dial-a-bus service that operates within allocated hours.

Tender closed to the public
Keolis Downer is a joint venture between the Downer Group (Australia and New Zealand) and French transport company, Keolis.

Opposition transport spokesperson Tom Koutsantonis questioned why the $1.7 million grant was only open to eight bodies in a select market approach rather than an open tender.

"The Minister has given an unbelievable advantage to Keolis Downer, who have been awarded this trial without it going to open tender," he said.

"Who chose the bodies to bid?"

But Mr Knoll said the former treasurer was trying to create an issue "where there is no issue" and there had been "absolutely no issue with the probity or anything around the process".

"What we've got is an exciting new technology," he said.

"We just want to get on and see how we can bring it to Adelaide."

Keolis Downer relationship re-questioned
Keolis Downer is considered a leading contender to win the first contract for Adelaide's soon-to-be-privatised tram operations.


Last month, Mr Koutsantonis announced Freedom of Information documents had revealed an email sent by the company's executive general manager of customer and government partnerships, Sasha Grebe, to Minister Knoll's office.

The email was an apparent effort to shore up the Government's case to privatise Adelaide's passenger train and tram network by offering quotes that supported the move — purportedly made by Mr Koutsantonis during his tenure as former state treasurer and by former transport minister Stephen Mullighan.

The quotes were later found to have been fabricated for a fake newspaper article posted on April Fools' Day.

"Why did Sasha Grebe feel so comfortable to send that email to Mr Knoll?" Mr Koutsantonis asked.

"It quite frankly raises a lot of questions about the contact Keolis Downer had with the Minister's office in the lead-up to announcing the privatisation tender.

"I have grave concerns about these tender processes."

The Downer Group has distanced itself from the email sent by Mr Grebe —a former high level Liberal advisor to Prime Minister Scott Morrison and former federal treasurer Joe Hockey — and said the email was never "sanctioned or approved".

Mr Knoll previously said Mr Grebe's email was never acted upon and the tender process for tram and train operations was being "conducted at arm's length from me and my office" through the Transport Department's chief executive.

He further pointed out that in 2015, the former government awarded Keolis Downer a contract as well — to run parts of Adelaide's bus system.

Trials to begin next year
The six-month trials for bus on-demand services are expected to start early next year.

Mr Knoll said users could expect to be picked up from their home or within a proposed distance of between 60 to 130 metres from their location.

People for Public Transport president Josephine Buckhorn previously welcomed the announcement to trial on-demand buses, provided they were complementary to fixed routes and did not result in service reductions.

Dr Sekhar Somanahalli, from the University of South Australia's School of Natural and Built Environments, believes they could be used as "feeder services" to transport hubs.

However, the Transport Workers Union said the Sydney trials had not stacked up economically and had cost taxpayers about $714,000 a month to subsidise.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-11-13/ ... s/11700496

The 838 service in Mount Barker doesn't service many of these new estates including Bluestone which has a nice boulevard that a bus could easily navigate.

The Barossa Valley area especially the main towns of Tanunda and Nuriootpa can be busy places. A regular bus service between Gawler Central and Nuriootpa via Lyndoch and Tanunda should be trialled

[1NEEDS2POST]

Then just replace it with Uber. I mean, that will probably be cheaper than giving their mates the $1.7 million grant.

[Spotto]

Adelaide bus stops axed to speed up city commute
Lesley Johns | Dec 5, 2019

The South Australian Government is axing 31 bus stops on four arterial routes in Adelaide to speed up travel times to the city.

Transport Minister Stephan Knoll said the changes will ease congestion on Magill Road, Grange Road, South Road and The Parade.

"Earlier this year we reduced clearway times across key arterial roads and have previously moved a number of bus stops along Marion Road, and other key arterial roads, which has reduced travel times and helped traffic flow," said Minister Knoll.

The bus stops to be removed have been tagged with an information sign informing commuters.

The move has been met with criticism by commuters, with many saying they'll have to walk further to catch a bus. Others have told 9NEWS that if the changes improve travel times to the city it will be good for everyone.

The Marshall Government has defended the measures saying, it will help reduce travel times for passengers catching our buses and motorists getting to work or home in peak hour.

The South Australian Opposition said the move is yet another attach on public transport commuters.

"Commuters now face a much longer walk to catch a bus, making their lives that bit harder. I fear there are more cuts to come on other routes across the city as the Marshall Liberal Government continues to unleash its cuts," said spokesman Tom Koutsantonis.

Buses (and trams) don’t stop at every stop. How will this help?

[SRW]

I’m sorry, did that article say they reduced clearway times? How is that helping travel times?

[SBD]

I’m sorry, did that article say they reduced clearway times? How is that helping travel times?

I assume Mr Koutsantonis will pick up on that mis-statement too. The news story from April said "extend clearway times. https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/sou ... 1c93bce125

[Brucetiki]

I’m sorry, did that article say they reduced clearway times? How is that helping travel times?

Half the time Knoll opens his mouth to change feet. This is just another example.

[EBG]

Several bus stops disappeared on Glen Osmond Rd earlier this year, stops 2,4 & 7 I think. These were very close together and this has speeded up the traffic with only minor inconvenience to users.

[NTRabbit]

Adelaide bus stops axed to speed up city commute
Lesley Johns | Dec 5, 2019

The South Australian Government is axing 31 bus stops on four arterial routes in Adelaide to speed up travel times to the city.

Transport Minister Stephan Knoll said the changes will ease congestion on Magill Road, Grange Road, South Road and The Parade.

"Earlier this year we reduced clearway times across key arterial roads and have previously moved a number of bus stops along Marion Road, and other key arterial roads, which has reduced travel times and helped traffic flow," said Minister Knoll.

The bus stops to be removed have been tagged with an information sign informing commuters.

The move has been met with criticism by commuters, with many saying they'll have to walk further to catch a bus. Others have told 9NEWS that if the changes improve travel times to the city it will be good for everyone.

The Marshall Government has defended the measures saying, it will help reduce travel times for passengers catching our buses and motorists getting to work or home in peak hour.

The South Australian Opposition said the move is yet another attach on public transport commuters.

"Commuters now face a much longer walk to catch a bus, making their lives that bit harder. I fear there are more cuts to come on other routes across the city as the Marshall Liberal Government continues to unleash its cuts," said spokesman Tom Koutsantonis.

Buses (and trams) don’t stop at every stop. How will this help?

It'll further reduce patronage, strengthening the Liberal argument to axe bus services because of low patronage

[PeFe]

Proposal for removal of bus stops on The Parade
https://www.dpti.sa.gov.au/__data/asset ... oposal.pdf


Proposal for removal of bus stops on Grange Road
https://www.dpti.sa.gov.au/__data/asset ... oposal.pdf


Proposal for removal of bus stops on South Road
https://www.dpti.sa.gov.au/__data/asset ... oposal.pdf


Proposal for removal of bus stops on Magill Road
https://www.dpti.sa.gov.au/__data/asset ... oposal.pdf

[ml69]

Proposal for removal of bus stops on The Parade
https://www.dpti.sa.gov.au/__data/asset ... oposal.pdf


Proposal for removal of bus stops on Grange Road
https://www.dpti.sa.gov.au/__data/asset ... oposal.pdf


Proposal for removal of bus stops on South Road
https://www.dpti.sa.gov.au/__data/asset ... oposal.pdf


Proposal for removal of bus stops on Magill Road
https://www.dpti.sa.gov.au/__data/asset ... oposal.pdf

I agree with all of this.

Let’s do the same with some of the silly train stations located 600m away from another station!

[rubberman]

Proposal for removal of bus stops on The Parade
https://www.dpti.sa.gov.au/__data/asset ... oposal.pdf


Proposal for removal of bus stops on Grange Road
https://www.dpti.sa.gov.au/__data/asset ... oposal.pdf


Proposal for removal of bus stops on South Road
https://www.dpti.sa.gov.au/__data/asset ... oposal.pdf


Proposal for removal of bus stops on Magill Road
https://www.dpti.sa.gov.au/__data/asset ... oposal.pdf

I agree with all of this.

Let’s do the same with some of the silly train stations located 600m away from another station!

Yeah. If people want 600m spacing, then trams do a better and cheaper job. Heavy rail comes into its own with either long distances or huge crowds or preferably both.

[PeFe]

Reduced public transport during the Festive season.

Stuck this in the buses thread because most services affected are buses.

Reduced bus and tram services during the festive season
When: From Friday 27 December 2019 to Friday 3 January 2020

Adelaide Metro services are reduced each year over the holiday period in line with significantly reduced passenger numbers. Up to 50% less passengers travel in late December and around 36% less in the first week of January.

Adelaide Metro will operate reduced bus and tram service timetables for the following days:

Friday 27, Monday 30 and Tuesday 31 December 2019
Thursday 2 and Friday 3 January 2020

Festive season timetables
Timetable Included routes
Hills 823, 838, 839, 840, 860, 861, 863, 864, N864, T843
South 640, 681, 682, 683, 719, 720, 721, 722, 723, 724, 725, 733, 734, 737, 741, 743, 744, 745, 747, 750, 751, 752, 755, 756, 721F, T721, T722,
North 222, 225, 228, 400, 401, 403, 404, 405, 411, 415, 421, 430, 440, 441, 442, 443, 451, 452, 461, 462, 491, 492, 493, 494, 900
Outer North East 163, 500, 501, 502, 503, 506, 507, 528, 530, 540, 541, 542, 543, 544, 545, 546, 548, 556, 557, 559, 578, 591A, 591C, C1, C2, G40, J1, J2, M44
East - West & North - South 98, 99, 100, 101, 106, 110, 112, 115, 117, 118, 140, 141, 142, 144, 147, 150, 155, 157, 167, 168, 170, 171, 172, 174, 176, 178, 178X, 190, 195, 196, 197X, 200, 202, 203, 206, 208, 209F, 230, 232, 235, 238, 239, 241, 245, 248, 251, 252, 253, 253X, 254, 254X, 262, 263, 265, 271, 273, 281, 286, 287, 288, 300, 320, 333, 361, 528, 530, 578, 579, 580, 600, 601, 605, 645, 646, G10, G20, G21, G22X, G30F, H20, H21, H22, H23, H24, H30, H30C, H32, X30
Trams Glenelg

Please note:
Trains will operate to their normal timetable with a reduced number of carriages.
The usual public holiday timetables applies on public holidays: 25 December (Christmas Day) and 26 December 2019 (Proclamation Day) as well as 1 January 2020 (New Year’s Day).
Reduced bus services will not impact events at Adelaide Oval or New Year’s Eve with additional services to run as normal for these days. See separate web pages prior to these events for travel details.
There will also be extra buses ready to respond to areas of high demand on 26 December (Proclamation Day) given the extended shop trading hours across metropolitan Adelaide.
For bus services not listed
Services that are not listed in the reduced bus timetables will operate to their standard weekday, weekend and public holiday timetable, depending on the day. Please check your normal timetable for details.

Real Time travel information
Get your travel information in Real Time. All reduced Adelaide Metro buses will display on Real Time, along with your special event and New Year’s Eve timetables as events approach. Check the Real Time page for details when you’re ready to travel.

https://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/Announ ... ive-season

[Eurostar]

Friday and Monday is a non public holiday is it not, and it looks like the Main North Road Go Zone will be a lie as it will be half hourly wait opposed to the weekday daytime frequency of quarter hourly wait