PREMIUM CITY CENTRAL BUS STOPS

Ms THOMPSON (Reynell) (14:26): My question is to the Minister for Transport Services. Can the minister inform the house about the state government's safety initiative aimed at bus commuters travelling home after a late night in the city's West End?

The Hon. C.C. FOX (Bright—Minister for Transport Services) (14:26): Thank you to the member for Reynell and I note her commitment to late nights in the West End.

An honourable member interjecting:

The Hon. C.C. FOX: It's the redhead. It's the redhead. As we look to rejuvenate our city centre, safe and accessible public transport is a priority. This is why I am very pleased to announce today our Premium City Central Stops initiative. Bus stops featuring upgraded lighting, monitored CCTV and a regular police presence have been designated in the Adelaide CBD to assist patrons in getting home safely after a late night out in the city. The four premium city central stops have been designated in the Hindley Street precinct, providing dedicated stops for outbound after-midnight bus services. Every after-midnight bus service will stop at one of the dedicated premium city central stops where patrons can catch an hourly bus home. This initiative is about allowing our bus commuters to be able to plan a safe trip home after a late night in Adelaide's West End. We want to make a late night experience as safe and as happy as possible for the young people—

Mr Marshall interjecting:

The Hon. C.C. FOX: The member for Norwood may or may not be pleased; I am sure he will indicate that to us later on. It is important that young people feel that Adelaide is a safe and vibrant place where they can enjoy themselves and go home safely. These stops have been established in time for the busy festive season and, of course, event-packed February and March, and the service will actually begin this Saturday night or, I should say, Sunday morning. The stops are located on King William Street and Currie Street, and they have very clear signage. The public toilets in Topham Mall off Currie Street will also be open for the convenience of public transport customers.

To complement the initiative, an additional taxi rank is being tested on King William Street near the corner of Rundle Mall, pending a review to convert it to a managed taxi rank on weekends with a concierge service. Managed taxi ranks currently operate from the Morphett Street and Pulteney Street taxi ranks to provide a safe and orderly way to catch a taxi home. These ranks have been extremely successful since their establishment. Once again, I would like to point out that this is not just a commitment to public transport, but it is a commitment to young people in our state, to young people in our cities, who are, of course, the future of this state.