ADELAIDE RAILWAY STATION

In reply to Ms CHAPMAN (Bragg—Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (16 October 2012).

The Hon. C.C. FOX (Bright—Minister for Transport Services, Minister Assisting the Minister for the Arts): I am advised:

The Adelaide Railway Station was closed during the quietest time of the year, between January 2 and February 3, 2013, for coordinated and accelerated major rail and project works. This included track upgrade and electrification works within the Adelaide Rail Yard.

During this time, the Outer Harbor and Grange line trains terminated at Woodville, with passengers then alighting and then boarding a bus substitute service from Woodville Station through to Adelaide.

Passengers who would normally catch a train at stations between Woodville and the Adelaide Railway Station boarded a bus substitute service or alternatively they could choose to use the regular Adelaide Metro bus services or a tram service.

Tailored substitute bus services matched as closely as possible, the train timetables they replaced. Services were designed to ensure all stations along the rail line were serviced where possible, with a mixture of express, limited stop and all stopping services.

Temporary timetables were released mid-November 2012, and passengers were encouraged to contact the Adelaide Metro InfoLine on 1300 311 108 for assistance in planning individual journeys if required.

As well as bus substitute services, a number of regular Adelaide Metro bus services were available from Stop 21, Port Road, Woodville, which is 550 metres from Woodville Station. These routes, including the 150, 155 and 157, are Go Zones and offer commuters a service every 15 minutes between 7.30am and 6.30pm Monday to Friday and every 30 minutes at night, on weekends and public holidays until 10.00pm.

The train journey from Grange to the City is approximately 22 minutes, with Grange to Woodville being approximately 8 minutes and Woodville to the City approximately 14 minutes. The bus journey from Woodville to the City takes approximately 24 minutes.

During the month-long closure of the Adelaide Railway Station, travelling on trains or substitute buses covering trains was free of charge. This was in recognition and appreciation of the way commuters have cooperated with upgrade disruptions.