Planning, Transport and Infrastructure Department

In reply to the Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens) (27 September 2018). (Estimates Committee A)

The Hon. S.K. KNOLL (Schubert—Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government, Minister for Planning): I have been advised of the following

The concept solution identified $2500 per charging station to install and commission. The railway stations that have been proposed for the charging stations have two platforms, hence require two charging stations. The cost per station to install and commission is $5000. Ten railway stations will cost $50,000 to install and commission (based on the concept design).

The Department for Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI) staff have undertaken further consultation with contractors and also conducted research into similar installations in Australia and around the world. The information gathered noted that there were very few instances that could be found where mobile device charging stations were provided in unsupervised locations, either physical or remote through CCTV, such as an Adelaide Metro Railway Station.

DPTI considers that the charging stations may be subject to significant vandalism. Mitigation such as only installing at CCTV equipped railway stations and then adjacent emergency telephones will not eliminate the risk. The cost therefore includes an allowance for 8 hours of tradesperson labour per week that will account for approximately $60,000 in the first year.

The cost of solar power is not included in this estimate as the cost for implementation may exceed the benefits. In addition, there is a ready supply of appropriate voltage already on the stations, the incremental cost of power to the charging stations is negligible.

DPTI are exploring options that may provide the same benefits but through a different mechanism.