The operators of Adelaide Airport say they are willing to fund and maintain a tram station outside the passenger terminal
THE operators of Adelaide Airport have offered to fund a tram station for passengers and staff if the State Government gives the green light to a light rail link to the airport.
THE operators of Adelaide Airport have offered to fund a tram station for passengers and staff if the State Government gives the green light to a light rail link to the airport.
The airport is reserving land at the airport site to ensure a tram service could drop passengers off at the terminal if a link from the city goes ahead.
The former state Labor government sought federal support for a light rail link to the airport and construction giant, the Downer group, last year proposed privately funding a $500 million tramline.
An airport tram wasn’t among the infrastructure priorities the Liberals took to the March state election but the new Government hasn’t ruled the idea out completely.
Adelaide Airport Limited has promised to keep land available for the project. “Following the state election in March 2018, AAL will continue to discuss the infrastructure principles with the new South Australian Government,’’ the company said in a submission to a Productivity Commission inquiry.
“In its Master Plan, AAL has provided land for a light rail corridor that would interconnect with the terminal and business precinct. AAL would construct and maintain a tram station to ensure that the passenger journey is seamless and easy.’’
The State Government has established an independent body, Infrastructure South Australia, to help it prioritise major projects.
In addition to backing a tram, Adelaide Airport Limited has defended the price of parking near the terminal and pushed back against calls for more regulation of Australia’s major airports.
It said the typical daily parking cost of $31 in the long-term car park and $40 in the terminal car park were closely linked to taxi charges and the offerings of competitors.
The Productivity Commission is investigating the economic regulation of airports.
Major airlines are pushing for greater oversight of airports to prevent them from misusing their market power to charge excessive fees.
But Adelaide Airport argues it has limited bargaining power when dealing with the airlines.
“In a globally competitive market, AAL is regularly reminded by individual airlines and representative groups that if airport charges and service quality expectations aren’t met then the airlines will choose other destinations,’’ the company said.
The SA Freight Council has used its submission to the inquiry to hit out at Qantas for failing to provide direct international flights for the SA market.