Adelaide metro public transport tickets price cut for bus, tram and train routes

THE daily commuter will be up to $306 better off each year after bus, train and tram fares are slashed today. See how much you’ll save here.

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THE State Government has struck the first blow to ease cost-of-living pressure for SA families, cutting $306 off annual bus, train and tram fares.

The ticket-price cuts which begin today match an election commitment to savings that the previous Labor government had announced before the March 17 election.

The biggest savings will be on the 28-day pass used by commuters who are committed to almost daily travels to and from work.

After a $25.50 discount their new fee will be $99 for 28 days, which is $45.80 less than the cost for passengers who purchase one-off tickets for each trip.

Based on taking 40 trips – to and from work for a month – the new regular 28-day pass will mean an average cost of $2.47 per trip, a saving of 32 per cent over the regular fare of $3.62. Concession card holders will now pay $49 for the 28-day pass, a saving of $13.20, or $22.60 less than passengers would pay to purchase one-off tickets.

Transport Minister Stephan Knoll said he would also commission a review of public transport fares looking for further improvements and seek to increased patronage.

“If we are going to increase patronage numbers we need to make public transport more reliable and more affordable,” he said.

“Easing the cost of living will be a constant objective of the Marshall Government.

“Getting more people on to public transport will make Adelaide more liveable by reducing traffic congestion and reducing vehicle pollution.”

The Liberal Party campaigned heavily on easing cost-of-living pressures for South Australians during the State election, and said it would match and honour the changes announced by former Transport Minister Stephen Mullighan during the campaign.

Another policy to is establish an independent infrastructure body to determine projects on their merits, and avoid criticism that projects such as the $160 million O-Bahn tunnel and tram extensions were designed to benefit marginal seat voters.

Adelaide Metro will also be selling a new 14-day-pass at a cost of $60 for regular customers, $29.50 for concessions and $15.10 for students.

For new metroCARD purchasers, there will no longer be a $5 fee, or a $3.50 fee for concession card holders.

Free group travel will also be introduced for primary schools between 9.30am and 3pm Monday to Friday, including school holidays, as well as for four accompanying adults.