Opposition calls for free rides after Gawler line upgrades blow out to November

Gawler commuters have been left in the lurch, facing a three hour daily commute as rail upgrade times blow out. But an end to the works is in sight.

Commuters and business owners have reacted to news the Gawler rail line will remain closed until November after delays to reopening the line were announced in parliament last week.

The opposition has made renewed calls for substitute bus services to be free with local MP Tony Piccolo saying the delays will force Gawler residents to continue to travel for more than an hour and a half to the city.

“It should be free, we have people now driving to work which ends up being an extra cost to them, especially with parking,” said Mr Piccolo.

Local MP Tony Piccolo at the Gawler Rail Station. Picture Supplied

“Families will then end up spending another $100 a week just to go to work.

“This has made it much harder for people in the north to be connected, I’ve been told people just won’t go into the city for any social or cultural activities anymore.

“I have heard they will be offering additional express services which is good news, there hasn’t been an equivalent service until now.”

Transport Minister Corey Wingard said opening the line in November was not out of the original timeline for the project and COVID-19 disruptions, combined with the collapse of Structural SA, were to blame for the adjustment.

“It’s terrible the people of the north have been forced to wait so long for an electrified train line but we are focused on getting it done and open as quickly as possible,” Mr Wingard said.

“Extended business and manufacturing closures across Victoria throughout 2020 along with border restrictions have complicated the delivery, as has the recent collapse of the project’s steel supplier Structural SA.

“We inherited a very poorly planned project because Labor signed the contract with only five per cent design work complete which is just ludicrous.”

Owner of the Gawler Heritage Cafe in the rail station Marie San Gabriel only heard about the original rail closures through the stations PA, and says the extended closure is yet another blow to her already-suffering business.

Business owner Marie San Gabriel has grave concerns for her cafe in the Gawler Railway Station Picture: Jason Katsaras

“I’ve had a little bit of business with the rail projects workers, but I’m really holding out until the line reopens to get more business,” said Ms San Gabriel.

“I only heard the line was delayed again through customers, that extra month just adds a lot of extra stress.”

Gawler local Chris Turner, 33, said the current bus commute is substantially longer.
“I understand why it's happening, I wouldn’t be opposed to the service being free though.”

The government announced on Thursday two express services from Gawler to Adelaide will operate in the peak morning period from late April.