Fans’ anger after AdelaideMetro fails to put on enough buses, trains for AFL Grand Final

Thousands of footy fans were left stranded while others were packed in like sardines on trains and buses as AdelaideMetro struggled to cope with 53,000 fans at the Crows grand final.

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Thousands of footy fans were left stranded while others were packed in like sardines on trains and buses as AdelaideMetro’s public transport system struggled to cope with huge demand before and after the AFLW Grand Final.

While the State Government initially expected about 20,000 to 25,000 spectators at Adelaide Oval on Sunday to watch Adelaide Crows defeat Carlton, a record crowd of more than 53,000 converged on the stadium instead — throwing the public transport system into chaos.

Disgruntled fans took to Twitter to vent their frustration at the lack of extra services available.

“No extra carriages put on for GF day...no room to get on at Seacliff stop. Disappointed,” one person said.

Fans head into Adelaide Oval before the AFLW Grand Final match between the Crows and Carlton. More than 53,000 people attended — far more than expected, putting a huge strain on public transport. Picture: Daniel Kalisz/Getty

“Trying to get to the @CrowsAFLW grand final but have been left on the seacliff station because of @AdelaideMetroSA incompetence, the 10.50 service was sardines,” another person posted.

“Seriously @AdelaideMetroSA how can you get it soooo wrong!”

Another said trains were not even stopping at stations.

“Trying to get to the @CrowsAFLW Final and three trains have gone straight past,” he said.

“Then we go to a bus stop and the bus doesn’t come?”

Well done @AdelaideMetroSA..
.no extra carriages put on for GF day...no room to get on at Seacliff stop. Disappointed 😵 pic.twitter.com/zm6nMsZBOP

— Kelly Brown (@KellyBr84728439) March 31, 2019

@Adelaide_FC trying to get to the @CrowsAFLW grand final but have been left on the seacliff station because of @AdelaideMetroSA incompetence, the 10.50 service was sardines. Seriously @AdelaideMetroSA how can you get it soooo wrong!

— Ricebubbles09 (@ricebubbles09) March 31, 2019

@AdelaideMetroSA trying to get to the @CrowsAFLW Final and three trains have gone straight past. Then we go to a bus stop and the bus doesn’t come? Good from you 👍

— Liam Fiddick (@FiddickLiam) March 31, 2019

Train on the way to #aflw grand final at Adelaide Oval. 3 carriages at capacity, Seaford line. Probably should've put a few footy express buses on hey @AdelaideMetroSA ? #carnthecrows #weflyasone #aflwgrandfinal #crowsaflw pic.twitter.com/dER2e2Y0LL

— Tanya Blazewicz (@tanyablazewicz) March 31, 2019

Massive fail on that front. Massive. 🤣

— James M, just another digital idiot (@dotrat) March 31, 2019

2 carriages on 321pm Belair line. Not only is train packed, platform full of people who will miss this one. Not a good look @AdelaideMetroSA why not 3 carriages at least??? pic.twitter.com/qTCR3KmOjY

— Daniel Bennett (@DJB_LA) March 31, 2019

1 train every half hour for a major sporting event?

— Harry Sires (@H_Sires) March 31, 2019

Opposition transport spokesman Tom Koutsantonis said the State Government “let down AFLW fans”.

“There were warning signs after 15,000 fans attended the preliminary final at Adelaide Oval and voiced complaints about the lack of public transport to cater for the crowd,” he said.

“They clearly don’t get it and they don’t care.

“Steven Marshall and Stephan Knoll owe AFLW footy fans an apology, especially those who missed the game or turned up late due to the long delays.

“Women’s elite sport deserves better.”

Transport Minister Stephan Knoll took to Twitter during the game to advise that more buses and trains would be running after the game to ease congestion.

“Official crowd is now over 53,000!!! This is double the expected crowd,” he tweeted.

“As soon as the huge numbers became apparent we moved to increase the post match transport services.

“My apologies to all those who had to wait to get to the ground.

“On another note #GoCrows #AFLWCrowsBlues.”

Official crowd is now over 53,000!!! This is double the expected crowd

As soon as the huge numbers became apparent we moved to increase the post match transport services

My apologies to all those who had to wait to get to the ground.

On another note #GoCrows #AFLWCrowsBlues

— Stephan Knoll (@stephanknoll) March 31, 2019