Bus Services

Ms LUETHEN (King) (15:18): Today, I rise to speak about the state government's proposed bus service changes which have been put out to community consultation. The Minister for Transport has told us the proposed changes are in response to the government's aim to explore how we can optimise public transport services for the people of South Australia and encourage more people in South Australia to use public transport.

The minister also told me that a statewide review of the current network, and the current and future needs of users, has been ignored by the former government for over a decade. As a result, Adelaide has one of the lowest use rates of public transport in Australia with only 8 per cent of people catching public transport, and South Australia also has the highest percentage of people who choose to drive to work, compared with any capital city in Australia.

I am told that, in preparation for this proposal, Adelaide Metro has conducted market research to understand what South Australians think would improve public transport, and then they worked with the operators to redesign this new proposed bus network. The minister has told me that the 53 proposed Go Zones in King are new to the electorate of King, and that we do not currently have any Go Zones in King. Go Zone services operate approximately every 15 minutes between 6.30am and 6.30pm Monday to Friday. They operate every 10 minutes or more in peak times and every 30 minutes at night, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays until 10pm.

I am strongly encouraging my community members to go to the Adelaide Metro website and explore if the proposed new zones, routes, times and changes will be beneficial to people currently using public transport, and secondly, whether this might encourage more people in King to use public transport.

For existing public transport users, you simply need to enter your bus route number to see what is planned. The website will then offer a summary of the new bus numbers, which in many cases replace the existing number. For example, the 545 becomes the bus No. 2, which is a new high-frequency Go Zone. Then, and most importantly, you have the ability to have your say, which is absolutely critical to this consultation process and critical to me to understand your feedback. If you cannot work out how the changes impact you, or you know—

Members interjecting:

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order!

Ms LUETHEN: I know you do not like community consultation, but I do, and that is why I am encouraging people to have their say. You never did it genuinely, and we absolutely are now. So, if you cannot use the website, there is also an Adelaide Metro—

Members interjecting:

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! The Leader of the Opposition is called to order.

Ms LUETHEN: —number for people to call: 1300 577 720. Alternatively, as I am always here to help, we can do this for constituents who may have challenges—

Mr Malinauskas interjecting:

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: The Leader of the Opposition—

Ms LUETHEN: —going online or even making calls to government departments.

Members interjecting:

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! Member for King, could you take your seat for a minute, please. The Leader of the Opposition knows he is out of order; I have called him to order once, and I am warning him now. The member for King can speak.

Ms LUETHEN: Thank you. I understand they are doing that because they do not want people in King to understand or have a say on these proposed changes, but I am very, very keen for people to have a look at the individual impact and have their say. To date, the people of King have been very generous with their time and feedback to me on local and state issues and this has helped me best represent them in this place.

I am pleased to note that people in Greenwith advocated for a service from Greenwith to Mawson Lakes and, with this government's support, I have been able to deliver this. The current bus network is complex and I need the help of everyone living in King to help me understand the impact for them. The King electorate is also unique; it has many steep killer hills such as Target Hill Road and Spring Hill Drive. Walking 500 metres, if that is the outcome in King, for an improved service may not be desirable or even possible for everyone.

Furthermore, as one in five South Australians self-report as having a disability, I recognise public transport plays an important role in promoting and preserving the quality of life for many individuals. We must have people's feedback to ensure that the changes to deliver a more accessible and easy-to-use service will be met, so absolutely have your say.

During this community consultation, it is important to do three things: (1) go online and accurately assess the impact—do not listen to the fearmongering coming from the opposition; (2) if you cannot do that, call Adelaide Metro or contact me and my office; and (3) please provide your feedback.

Members interjecting:

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: The Leader of the Opposition is warned by me for a second time.