Public transport needed in Murray Bridge
The city’s council is pressing state Infrastructure and Transport Minister Tom Koutsantonis to commit to better public transport and a new freight bypass.
This story is now free to read. Help us tell more stories like this by subscribing today.
Murray Bridge needs greater access to public transport and a new freight bypass, the local council says.
Mayor Wayne Thorley and CEO Heather Barclay have been lobbying state Infrastructure and Transport Minister Tom Koutsantonis and his department about the need for an investment in transport in the region.
Because Adelaide Metro does not provide a service to Murray Bridge, locals are forced to pay $24.20 for a trip to Adelaide, while their counterparts in Mount Barker pay just $4.25.
The only public transport services in Murray Bridge are those provided by Link SA:
- A bus service to Mount Barker which runs 13 times per week
- A dial-a-ride service within Murray Bridge
- School bus services within Murray Bridge and around the region
Public transport was one of the most important issues for local voters ahead of the last state election.
Yet Murray Bridge got nothing in a $19 million upgrade of Adelaide Hills public transport announced in January.
The government invested in 15 new buses and an extra 590 services per week for Mount Barker as a result of last year’s review of public transport in the region, while the Murraylands missed out.
Another priority for the Murray Bridge council is shifting truck traffic off Hindmarsh and Maurice Roads and onto a new route which would bypass the city’s fast-growing residential areas – perhaps by going through Monarto.
Mr Thorley said both public transport and reduced freight traffic were needed to support the city’s ongoing growth.
“We are committed to providing essential local insights and collaborating with Minister Koutsantonis to address this pressing issue, benefiting not just our community but also the Hills region,” he said.
“Partnerships in planning and delivery will be key and we are committed to just that, to ensure the Rural City of Murray Bridge is a place where growth and infrastructure development are aligned and people can live, work and invest in a thriving community.”
Councillor Airlie Keen has been public in her advocacy for on-demand bus service Keoride as a possible solution for Murray Bridge.
Both she and state MP Adrian Pederick have been lobbying for ride-share service Uber to be allowed to increase their local operations, too.
At present, Uber drivers must be registered either in the city or in regional South Australia, and cannot cross the boundary between the two areas.
“Regional people deserve better access to these services,” Mr Pederick said.
“As a local member for Hammond I’m always looking for better transport options for my community.”
- More information about Link SA services: Visit www.linksa.com.au/bus-routes or call 8532 2633.
