Public Transport

Mr PICTON (Kaurna) (14:41): Thank you, Mr Speaker. My question is to the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure. Can the minister update the house on the recent GOVchat session on public transport?

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The minister.

The Hon. S.C. MULLIGHAN (Lee—Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Minister Assisting the Minister for Planning, Minister Assisting the Minister for Housing and Urban Development) (14:41): They are all looking at me, except one, Mr Speaker. I thank the member for his question and for his keen interest in improving public transport services and infrastructure around metropolitan Adelaide and, indeed, South Australia. As part of the government's commitment to improving our public transport system, and the government's commitment to continue consulting with more South Australians, last week I joined the Premier and senior staff from the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure to participate in the government's first GOVchat session.

Last Thursday's GOVchat session provided the opportunity for members of the public to call in over the period of two hours to talk directly to the government about public transport issues important to them. Overall, almost 400 people called in and made the most of the opportunity to speak with the Premier and myself or senior transport public servants. Others who were unable to get through on the phone line due to the high volume of calls were able to submit a question through the government's YourSAy website.

Mr Tarzia interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for Hartley is warned for the second and final time.

The Hon. S.C. MULLIGHAN: Topics included bus services and timetables, train and tram services, taxis and associated infrastructure that supports public transport, such as the very popular park-and-rides. Of the 71 email responses received, almost half raised issues with the frequency of bus services, suggestions about how buses can be better scheduled to provide connections between services and also to be provided to more locations. Some emails praised the public transport system, including how changes to bus services and the electrification on the Seaford rail line have improved the service for them.

Taking advantage of direct calls to the Premier, myself or senior executives, a large number of calls came from our regional areas regarding the provision of public transport services and infrastructure, and many suggestions have been taken on board. I noted with interest that the first two calls that I personally took related to bus services within the electorate of Hammond, a week after these same issues were raised with me by the member for Hammond.

All of the calls and emails will be responded to in the following days and, importantly, the comments and ideas received will be considered in the government's current and future public transport planning. I should also take this opportunity to note that GOVchat is only one of the ways now in which this government engages with the community on public transport.

Of course, the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure speaks directly to commuters on a daily basis, whether it is face to face at our information centre or at our Adelaide Railway Station, or direct contact with the Adelaide Metro staff, including passenger service assistants, the Adelaide Metro telephone information line, and of course the department's social media presence. I look forward to participating in a future GOVchat on public transport.