Adelaide Metro data reveals which bus, train and tram services are likely to run late

HERE’S the evidence you need to show your boss that turning up late to work isn’t necessarily your fault. The Sunday Mail has analysed which Adelaide Metro services are the most and least punctual.

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COMMUTERS who catch the bus from the inner northern and southern suburbs have the most valid reason to be late for work.

Those services are the least punctual based on analysis of public transport running times by the Sunday Mail.

Latest 2017 figures show buses in the North-South region, operated by Light-City, ran to schedule 88.5 per cent of the time.

By comparison, SouthLink operated buses in the Outer South region had an on-time rate of 95.8 per cent.

Meanwhile, train passengers using the Outer Harbor line waited longest for their service, which ran to schedule 87.2 per cent of the time.

The Seaford line was the most punctual at 96.3 per cent. The Transport Department, however, says rail projects caused delays on the Outer Harbor and Gawler lines.

According to the Adelaide Metro website, trains and trams are considered on time if they arrive at the destination within five minutes of the time stated on the timetable.

Buses are also considered on time if they are within five minutes of the time stated on the timetable.

Transport Minister Stephen Mullighan said Adelaide Metro network punctuality had improved “significantly” from 90.4 per cent in 2013.

“More of our buses, trams and trains are running on time across the network,” he said.

Mr Mullighan said that, until March this year, trains and trams were considered on-time if they arrived at their destination within five minutes and 59 seconds.

He said the State Government was trialling “bus priority” at traffic lights where an approaching bus was given a green light under the Operation Moving Traffic initiative.

Trams between Glenelg and the Adelaide Entertainment Centre were the best performing services for punctuality, running to schedule 97.7 per cent of the time.

This service will expand with lines to the Festival Plaza and East End as part of the $80 million tram extension project, which is due to be completed early next year.

Here are the figures which show which public transport services are most likely to run late.

BUSES

Buses are considered on time if they are no later than four minutes and 59 seconds after the time stated on the timetable.

All services 91.6%

Outer South 95.8%

Outer North 94.6%

Outer Northeast 93.2%

Hills 91.3%

East-West 90.3%

North-South 88.5%

TRAINS

Trains are considered on time if they arrive at their destination no more than four minutes and 59 seconds after the time stated on the timetable.

All services 92.4%

Seaford 96.3%

Belair 94.2%

Gawler 90.7%

Outer Harbor 87.2%

TRAMS

Trams are considered on time if they arrive at their destination no more than four minutes and 59 seconds after the time stated on the timetable.

All services 97.7%

The State Government says construction projects affected times during some weeks.

Source: Adelaide Metro (figures from January 1, 2017 to October 7, 2017)