ADELAIDE RAILWAY STATION

The Hon. S.W. KEY (Ashford) (14:59): My question is directed to the Minister for Transport Services. Minister, can you outline to the house the communication campaign underway engaging commuters about the pending closure of the Adelaide Railway Station?

The Hon. C.C. FOX (Bright—Minister for Transport Services) (15:00): I thank the member for this question. Planning of bus substitute services for the line closures is well underway with operators in relation to bus number requirements, proposed routes, associated infrastructure and communication plans.

As with all previous rail line closures, some key principles are applied to bus substitute services, namely services to match as closely as possible to existing train timetables. Bus substitute services will also collect passengers from or at locations nearest to existing train stations. During the month-long Adelaide Railway Station closure, travelling on trains or substitute buses covering trains will be free.

The Hon. M.J. Atkinson: Hear, hear!

The Hon. C.C. FOX: Thank you. This is in recognition and appreciation of the way commuters have cooperated with upgrade disruptions. Consultation with affected councils is underway with respect to associated infrastructure and temporary bus stops. Since the announcement of the Adelaide Railway Station closure, the following communication activities have been undertaken: Adelaide Metro info teams distributed 20,000 project brochures to train commuters at the Adelaide Railway Station; more than 300 signs have been installed across the network; 8,000 brochures were distributed to all Adelaide Metro information bars across metropolitan Adelaide; and additional signage will be installed in the ARS and on trains in the coming weeks.

Adelaide Metro InfoCentres are also collecting feedback from customers. InfoCentres are also distributing project brochures to commuters, and this feedback is going to be used to assist the department with finalising planning of the substitute bus timetables. Train commuters will receive timetables and information about substitute bus services six weeks prior to the Adelaide Railway Station closure as is standard practice for all service changes.

Ms Chapman interjecting:

The Hon. M.J. Atkinson: Never see you on public transport.

The Hon. C.C. FOX: No, she went once with Isobel, there was a thing about the ladies. Engagement with residents adjacent to the affected rail corridors will continue as the project progresses. It is important to note that the timing of the closure was selected to take advantage of the quietest time of the year for public transport due to the school holiday period, and we did that so that we could minimise disruption to all our train commuters. Thank you.