Citizens’ agenda: Hammond needs better public transport services

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No matter who wins the state election next month, Murray Bridge will get an Adelaide Metro bus service at last.

Both the Labor and Liberal parties have promised to introduce a regular service if they win government, bringing the price of a trip to Adelaide down from about $25 to $5, or even less if the Liberals get in.

But getting around Murray Bridge itself will still be a problem for many locals, long-term resident Jannette Coupland says.

It’s a big town, and not everyone is able to drive.

“A lot of older ones lose their licence at my age,” she says.

“People just can’t get around.

“It costs me $16 (in taxi fares) to go and see a doctor and $16 to get back … I can’t get the dial-a-ride bus because I can’t guarantee I’ll be there on time.”

What’s more, she says, she often sees families with young children making the long walk from the west end of Murray Bridge into the CBD for shopping, or to go to the swimming pool or cinema.

Don’t they deserve an easier option?

Public transport – both within and between our region’s communities – was by far the top issue in Murray Bridge News’ election survey this year.

Here’s what each of the candidates have to say about it.

Note: We will add comments from the Greens candidate after she is formally endorsed by the party, and any other candidates after they announce their nominations.

If elected, how will you improve public transport services in Hammond, both within our major towns and to and from Adelaide?

Simone Bailey, Labor

In Labor’s plan for Murray Bridge, announced by Premier Malinauskas, we have a comprehensive plan for public transport for Murray Bridge. We will bring Metro Card to Murray Bridge, including Metro Card prices: $4.55 a fare, or as little as 25c for students. We’ll deliver more buses for Murray Bridge and more often: 11 new buses, 15 new weekday services, and 10 new weekend services. That’ll include four new weekday trips from Murray Bridge through to Adelaide. We’ll also invest to bring the Footy Express to Murray Bridge, so those with a ticket to the footy can travel there safely, for free. In my conversations with locals, they have called for better, more reliable services. We have a real plan for not only cheaper public transport, but to actually improve the usability of our public transport too. By voting Labor, Murray Bridge has an exciting opportunity to get public transport moving again.

Ruby Eckermann, Animal Justice

In becoming a candidate on behalf of the Animal Justice Party for the state election, I am simply seeking to highlight animal justice issues, which include environmental sustainability. Regarding public transport issues, the Animal Justice Party is committed to emissions reduction and therefore any increase in public transport will move towards this aim. AJP would support and encourage the introduction of the (Adelaide) Metro system to encourage residents of Hammond to use this method of transport rather than their own cars, whenever possible. In addition, Metro Card transport will alleviate costs of petrol and parking and is therefore a win-win for people and the environment. I ask that people vote for me first, then their preferred candidate to be elected second, and the vote will at least register with the major parties that animal welfare and avoiding environmental degradation is important to people.

Lucas Hope, independent

Both major parties have put forward some truly compelling public transport policies that would deliver real benefits for Murray Bridge: stronger connections to Adelaide, more reliable local services and the infrastructure upgrades our growing community deserves. As an independent representative for Hammond, I will actively back the very best ideas, regardless of which side they come from. I’m not beholden to party lines; I’m beholden to you, our community. I’ll work constructively with whoever forms government to secure more frequent buses, timetables that actually suit workers, students and families, and affordable fares that make travel easier for everyone. Good policy isn’t about red or blue; it’s about getting people where they need to go, safely, on time, and without breaking the bank. Together, we’ll make it happen.

Airlie Keen, independent

On the back of our strong independent campaign, which has mounted sustained advocacy for over a decade, including through council, highlighting the need for better and more affordable bus services, including the Metro Card system, I’m thrilled that both major parties have responded with election pledges. This is a huge win for our community and a demonstration of the power of independent politics. Being marginal matters. However, I am concerned that Strathalbyn and Mannum have been overlooked. If elected, I will continue to push for better links right across Hammond and into Mannum and Strathalbyn, as well as improving within-township services.

Adrian Pederick, Liberal

Under the Liberal Party plan, for the first time Murray Bridge, Monarto, Callington and Kanmantoo residents will have access to a return metro bus service to Adelaide at just 50c each way. Students will pay only 25c and pensioners ride for free. There will be direct routes to Adelaide and also connecting routes through Monarto, Callington and Kanmantoo. This will ensure students can stay living in their local area but travel to Adelaide for university and other study. This policy also makes it very convenient for medical appointments, shopping and attending sporting events in Adelaide. This will compliment existing dial-a-ride, taxi services and the ability for rideshare to now operate in the Murraylands. Now that Murray Bridge is part of the Greater Adelaide Regional Plan, this sets up Murray Bridge for full connectivity through to the city.

Robert Roylance, One Nation

Public transport in Hammond has been overlooked for far too long. People in our region rely on safe and reliable transport to get to work, medical appointments, school, and essential services. Yet the further you live from Adelaide, the harder it becomes to access basic transport options. This is not good enough for a region that contributes so much to South Australia. If elected, I will push for improved bus services between our major towns and more frequent and reliable connections to Adelaide. I will also advocate for better transport links that support local workers, students, and older residents who depend on these services. Stronger investment in regional roads and infrastructure will also support safer and more efficient public transport. Hammond deserves the same level of service and respect as the city, and I will fight to make sure we get it.

• Meet the candidates: Come to Murray Bridge News’ Hammond election forum at the Bridgeport Hotel, Murray Bridge at 6.30pm on March 10, free of charge; RSVP at www.trybooking.com.