GAWLER SUBSTITUTE BUS SERVICE

In reply to the Hon. K.L. VINCENT (28 September 2011) (First Session).

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Tourism, Minister for the Status of Women): The Minister for Transport Services has advised:

1. Accessible buses are being used to provide rail substitute services following the afternoon peak period on weekdays when they are not required for normal scheduled services and on weekends.

At other times, when the buses used to provide substitute services come from the older, inaccessible fleet it is recommended that customers requiring such services forgo rail substitute services and, as an alternative, utilise the existing Adelaide Metro bus service drawn from the regular bus fleet of which 82.8 per cent is accessible.

When it is not possible to use the regular Adelaide Metro bus service passengers are encouraged to contact the bus provider (SouthLink) as early as possible to request an accessible bus be provided for their rail substitute service. SouthLink has advised that it is preferable if they can be notified a day prior to travel however a request received in the morning for afternoon travel may be achieved.

An accessible taxi is provided for a customer if it is not possible to arrange for an accessible bus to operate on a requested rail substitute bus service.

2. As outlined above, accessible buses which do not require pre-booking are being used to provide rail substitute services following the afternoon peak period on weekdays and on weekends. At other times customers are required to pre-book.

3. There has been no change in policy regarding the accessibility of rail substitute buses. The system outlined above has been used for all rail line upgrade projects.

4. As stated in the response to question 1 above, accessible taxis will be arranged for passengers if they are not able to use the regular Adelaide Metro bus system and a request for an accessible substitute bus for a particular service is not able to be met.