O-Bahn extension should go via Modbury Heights, council says

The proposed extension of the O-Bahn from Tea Tree Plaza to Golden Grove may go via Modbury Heights.

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A proposed O-Bahn extension to Golden Grove Rd may go via Grenfell Rd, Modbury Heights, Tea Tree Gully Council says.

Tea Tree Gully Council’s acting director of assets and environment, Justin Robbins, told the The Messenger he understood “the government is looking to extend the O-Bahn to Golden Grove Rd” from Tea Tree Plaza.

However, Mr Robbins said an “alternative route may be needed” down Grenfell Rd rather than straight down Golden Grove Rd.

“This is the view of council’s consultants and we eagerly await the results of the North East Public Transport Study,” Mr Robbins said.

A council report showed the extension could involve an “exclusive corridor” along Golden Grove Rd for buses.

The full details of extension is expected to be revealed in the State Government’s North East Public Transport Study — likely to be completed this year.

The study will consider several O-Bahn options including a dedicated corridor, similar to the existing one between Tea Tree Plaza and Gilberton.

Council documents discussing the extension refer also to the likelihood of “on-road priority bus lanes similar to those installed along Hackney Rd”.

Transport Minister Stephan Knoll told Parliament on April 4 the study was set to come across his desk “within the next few weeks”.

The State Government is not saying when it will be released.

Mr Knoll said the government was “exploring a possible extension” of the O-Bahn to Golden Grove.

“Ultimately any decisions around a possible O-Bahn extension is a decision for the State Government, not the local council,” Mr Knoll said.

Meanwhile, the council will consider introducing resident parking permits for streets east of Tea Tree Plaza and a driverless bus to ease congestion in the Modbury precinct, following the release of its own transport plan.

Tea Tree Gully Council is considering a driverless bus to ease congestion around the Modbury precinct, like the one introduced at the Tonsley Innovation District and used by Xavier, Elsa and Livia. Picture: AAP/Tait Schmall.

The council will consider enforcing permits between North East Rd and Smart Rd, but refuses to say which streets in particular will be affected.

Mr Robbins said some streets south of the Modbury Hospital had been under pressure “from time to time” by hospital staff members’ parking.

The council was considering a trial of a driverless “autonomous” bus service, similar to the Olli vehicle at Glenelg and the FLEX at the Tonsley Innovation District.

“This idea is still only conceptual as a way to promote other modes of transport in the Modbury Precinct, other than driving and parking,” Mr Robbins said.

In addition, an on-demand bus service to the plaza and the civic centre was a possibility.

The council also says it will consider lobbying the State Government on:

• A plan for more direct and regular bus services between the Lyell McEwin and Modbury hospitals.
• Modbury Hospital implementing higher rates of paid parking for workers with fees that are higher than Metrocard fares to encourage more public transport usage and to discourage parking in local side streets close to the hospital.

An earlier version of the story contained incorrect information supplied by Tea Tree Gully Council