[Greens-Media] PARNELL: Public transport number drop-off is alarming

[Parnell]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday 9th August 2012

Public transport number drop-off is alarming 

Another major fall in public transport passenger numbers should be ringing alarm bells with the State Government, say the Greens.

According to AdelaideNow there have been 2.44 million fewer passenger trips in buses, trains and trams in the last year, to make a drop of almost 5 million trips or 7% since the peak of 2009/10.

"Something's not adding up. Our population is increasing. Services appear to be getting more and more crowded.  Yet according to the official figures, public transport patronage is well down," said Greens Parliamentary Leader Mark Parnell.

"With so many late, overcrowded or unreliable buses, it's no wonder passengers are voting with their feet.  Despite all the fanfare of the recent timetable changes many bus services are still not up to scratch.

 "Just as concerning is the recent budget decision to scrap the electrification of the Gawler and Outer Harbor train lines.  So all the sacrifice of those passengers who had to use alternatives while the initial electrification works commenced has not been rewarded. 

"And even tram numbers are down, which indicates a deeper loss of faith in the whole metro-wide system.

 "The Minister for Transport Services is presiding over a system that is declining, rather than growing.  How, by any measure, can that be claimed as a job well done?

 "The answer is simple:  provide fast, reliable and safe services and passenger numbers will soar. 

"The Government has got to stop treating our buses, trains and trams as the poor cousins of the metropolitan transport system," he said. 


For more information contact Craig Wilkins on 0434 007 893