Legislative Council - Fifty-Second Parliament, First Session (52-1)
2011-09-28 Daily Xml

Contents

GAWLER SUBSTITUTE BUS SERVICE

The Hon. K.L. VINCENT (15:07): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the minister representing the Minister for Transport questions regarding the Gawler train line substitute.

Leave granted.

The Hon. K.L. VINCENT: My honourable colleagues may remember that back in March I asked the Minister for Transport some questions regarding the bus replacements which were being used while the Noarlunga to Oaklands train line was being worked on. Most of the buses used in that situation were not accessible and that caused some of my constituents issues.

Over the last week I have been receiving calls from constituents about the buses being used as substitutes while the Gawler train line is being upgraded. The majority of these buses are reportedly not accessible either. My constituents have suffered delays because of not being able to board the buses and in some cases have not been able to travel at all. My questions are:

1. What accessible transport options are being provided for South Australians who would usually travel on the Gawler train service?

2. Are these accessible options available regularly, or must the traveller pre-book the service?

3. Has the government made any changes in policy regarding the accessibility of substitute transport services in view of the accessibility failure of the Oaklands to Noarlunga substitute?

4. Will the government provide travellers with accessibility needs with an accessible taxi if the regular service is not available?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Public Sector Management, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister for Gambling) (15:08): I thank the honourable member for her most important questions and will refer them to the relevant minister in another place and bring back a response.