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Buses in Adelaide
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<h2 id="history">History</h2> <p>Buses in Adelaide have been known under several names. The <a href="/facts/State_Transport_Authority_(South_Australia)/Ag2XlJvc">State Transport Authority</a> (STA) combined the metropolitan rail operations of the former <a href="/facts/South_Australian_Railways/J38BSwIC">South Australian Railways Commission</a>, and the bus and tram operations of the former <a href="/facts/Municipal_Tramways_Trust/sqGUwrc5">Municipal Tramways Trust</a> in December 1975. In July 1994, the STA was abolished and government public transport services were transferred to <a href="/facts/TransAdelaide/3SvAk54w">TransAdelaide</a>, a publicly owned corporation.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:1" href="#fn:1"><sup>1</sup></a> </p><p>In 1995–96, there was a partial tendering out of bus services. <a href="/facts/TransAdelaide/3SvAk54w">TransAdelaide</a> retained three contract regions, <a href="/facts/Serco/dkwA0FRC">Serco</a>, in its first Australian bus operation, won two contract regions, and Hills Transit, a TransAdelaide company, won the Adelaide Hills operating contract.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:2" href="#fn:2"><sup>2</sup></a> Services were run and marketed under each operator's name, presenting a disjointed network to the public. </p><p>The 2000 round of tenders saw the end of TransAdelaide's (and therefore the Government's) direct operation of bus services in Adelaide, although it retained tram and rail services. Serco won the North–South, Outer North, and Outer North-East contract areas, <a href="/facts/Torrens_Transit/YRaktYH1">Torrens Transit</a> the east–west contract area and City Free services, <a href="/facts/Australian_Transit_Enterprises/ugYy58ID">Australian Transit Enterprises</a> (ATE) trading as <a href="/facts/SouthLink/jECR7yeb">SouthLink</a> the Outer South contract area, and <a href="/facts/Transitplus/L2PhtJ9E">Transitplus</a>, a joint venture between ATE and TransAdelaide, the Hills Contract area.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:3" href="#fn:3"><sup>3</sup></a> At this time the Adelaide Metro brand was implemented across all transport operators,<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:4" href="#fn:4"><sup>4</sup></a> appearing to the public as a unified network, with common livery, timetable designs and a city Information centre. </p> <h2 id="fleet-and-vehicles">Fleet and vehicles</h2> <p>The Adelaide Metro bus fleet consists primarily of <a href="/facts/Scania_AB/GooUkEzI">Scania</a> <a href="/facts/Scania_4-series_(bus)/3q84MPkH">L (4-series)</a> (L94UB, L94UA) and <a href="/facts/Scania_K_series/1bDjAuwk">K-series</a> (K230UB, K280UB, K320UB, K320UA, K360UA) buses with various body styles from <a href="/facts/Custom_Bus/CBxIDRIm">Custom Bus</a> (CB60, CB60 Evo II, CB80) and <a href="/facts/BusTech/LeGdVsKM">BusTech</a> (VST). There is also a significant number of older MAN buses of several models and with several bodies.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:5" href="#fn:5"><sup>5</sup></a> Smaller numbers of other buses also service the network. Contract operators also own some vehicles, with Torrens Transit/Transit Systems having a diverse fleet of buses transferred from other operations around Australia. </p><p>As of 2020, deliveries of Scania K320UB hybrid diesel-electric buses with BusTech VST bodies. In September 2022, the Minister for Transport announced that the final pure diesel bus have been delivered, and that all future deliveries would be hybrid diesel-electric or full electric.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:6" href="#fn:6"><sup>6</sup></a> </p> <h2 id="operators">Operators</h2> <p>Adelaide Metro buses are split up geographically into six contract regions. </p><p>The current contracts, awarded in March 2020, began on 5 July 2020 for a period of eight years.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:7" href="#fn:7"><sup>7</sup></a> </p> <table><tbody><tr><th>Region</th><th>Current Operator<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:8" href="#fn:8"><sup>8</sup></a></th><th>Depot(s)</th><th>Notes</th></tr><tr><td>North-South</td><td><a href="/facts/Torrens_Transit/YRaktYH1">Torrens Transit</a></td><td>Morphettville, Port Adelaide</td><td>Integrated bus and light rail contract, includes 300 Suburban Connector and <a href="/facts/Glenelg_tram_line/kJnsCsSq">Glenelg tram line</a></td></tr><tr><td>East-West</td><td><a href="/facts/Torrens_Transit/YRaktYH1">Torrens Transit</a></td><td>Mile End, Newton</td><td>Includes Free City Connector services</td></tr><tr><td>Outer North East</td><td>Torrens Transit</td><td>St Agnes</td><td>Includes <a href="/facts/O-Bahn_Busway/jfnAhUfy">O-Bahn</a> services</td></tr><tr><td>Outer South</td><td><a href="/facts/Busways/FXo2wjpQ">Busways</a></td><td>Lonsdale, Seaford</td><td>All 700 services.</td></tr><tr><td>Outer North</td><td>Torrens Transit</td><td>Edinburgh North</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Hills</td><td><a href="/facts/SouthLink/jECR7yeb">SouthLink</a></td><td>Aldgate, Mount Barker</td><td>Operates all 800 services.</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>Former operators which had operated Adelaide Metro services in the past but no longer operate in Adelaide are: </p> <ul><li><a href="/facts/Light-City_Buses/ySG0bqjA">Light-City Buses</a> - operated the North–South (including the 300 Suburban Connector) and Outer North East contract areas (including O-Bahn services) from 2011 until its purchase by Torrens Transit in 2018.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:9" href="#fn:9"><sup>9</sup></a><a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:10" href="#fn:10"><sup>10</sup></a></li> <li><a href="/facts/Transitplus/L2PhtJ9E">Transitplus</a> - operated the Hills contract area from 2000 until 2010 when joint owner TransAdelaide was abolished and services were taken over by joint owner Australian Transit Enterprises (SouthLink).<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:11" href="#fn:11"><sup>11</sup></a></li> <li><a href="/facts/Serco/dkwA0FRC">Serco</a> - operated the North-South, Outer North and Outer North East contract areas. Serco ended its contract in 2004, at the contracted half-term break-point. Outer North services were taken over by SouthLink while North-South and Outer North East services were taken over by Torrens Transit.</li></ul> <h2 id="system-features">System features</h2> <h3>Go Zones</h3> <p>Many arterial roads leading towards the city have several routes servicing them, allowing for high frequency with a maximum wait of 15 minutes between 7.30am and 6.30pm on weekdays and every 30 minutes at night on weekends until 10pm.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:12" href="#fn:12"><sup>12</sup></a> These are: </p> <table><tbody><tr><td><ul><li><a href="/facts/Kensington_Road%2c_Adelaide/VyoBec9M">Kensington Road</a></li><li><a href="/facts/Lower_North_East_Road/TbUcXevr">Lower North East Road</a>/<a href="/facts/Payneham_Road/TbUcXevr">Payneham Road</a></li><li>Montacute Road/Payneham Road</li><li><a href="/facts/Glen_Osmond_Road/JwzlnYDT">Glen Osmond Road</a></li><li><a href="/facts/Magill_Road/qbc1FAbb">Magill Road</a>/Magill to West Lakes</li><li>The Parade/<a href="/facts/Rosslyn_Park%2c_South_Australia/Bam0pShY">Rosslyn Park</a></li><li>Magill Road/Coorara Avenue</li><li><a href="/facts/North_East_Road/XrE11khb">North East Road</a></li><li>Bridge Road/Walkleys Road</li><li>Para Hills/Kelly Road</li><li>Fairview Park</li><li><a href="/facts/Tea_Tree_Gully/Pgo4y0gk">Tea Tree Gully</a></li><li>Hope Valley</li><li>Golden Grove</li></ul></td><td><ul><li>Hampstead Road</li><li>Galway Avenue</li><li><a href="/facts/Main_North_Road/HaH5NU7j">Main North Road</a>/Mawson Lakes Boulevard</li><li>Churchill Road</li><li><a href="/facts/Prospect_Road/YPC0dd6w">Prospect Road</a></li><li>Duthy Street</li><li>Unley Road</li><li><a href="/facts/King_William_Road/Mm4K2oCb">King William Road</a></li><li><a href="/facts/Anzac_Highway/8uBtSDsr">Anzac Highway</a></li><li><a href="/facts/South_Road/8pVT4B89">South Road</a></li><li><a href="/facts/South_Road/8pVT4B89">Main South Road</a></li><li><a href="/facts/Goodwood_Road%2c_Adelaide/EDEycqcU">Goodwood Road</a>/Prospect Road</li><li><a href="/facts/Marion_Road/wYxvrn5R">Marion Road</a></li><li>Winston Avenue</li></ul></td><td><ul><li><a href="/facts/Glenelg%2c_South_Australia/9JFmzeUF">Glenelg</a> to <a href="/facts/Adelaide_Entertainment_Centre/kGsHqMDD">Entertainment Centre</a></li><li>Crittenden Road/Tapleys Hill Road</li><li><a href="/facts/Port_Road%2c_Adelaide/z9PsRhvM">Port Road</a></li><li>Richmond Road/Galway Avenue</li><li>Croydon Park</li><li><a href="/facts/Torrens_Road/yUPBYQUU">Torrens Road</a>/Hawker Street</li><li>Liberty Grove</li><li>Hanson Road</li><li>Valetta Road/Ashley Street</li><li>Grange Road/West Lakes to Magill</li><li><a href="/facts/Henley_Beach_Road/RCxUPVLb">Henley Beach Road</a>/Torrensville</li><li>Henley Beach Road</li><li><a href="/facts/Sir_Donald_Bradman_Drive/KkERPXh0">Sir Donald Bradman Drive</a></li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table> <p>There is a Mega Go Zone on the Adelaide O-Bahn which has a 15 minutes maximum wait, 7 days a week. Mega Go Zone buses service Tea Tree Plaza Interchange, Paradise Interchange, Klemzig Interchange and the city.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:13" href="#fn:13"><sup>13</sup></a> </p> <h3>Limited stop services</h3> <p>Limited stop services combine limited stops with express services to reach the outer metropolitan areas of <a href="/facts/Adelaide/H2Ilhpbt">Adelaide</a>. Limited stop services include: </p> <ul><li>C1 <a href="/facts/Elizabeth_railway_station%2c_Adelaide/BsaoVqXo">Elizabeth Interchange</a> via <a href="/facts/O-Bahn_Busway/jfnAhUfy">O-Bahn</a>, <a href="/facts/Golden_Grove_Village/yaNHxgyb">Golden Grove Village</a> and <a href="/facts/Main_North_Road/HaH5NU7j">Main North Road</a></li> <li>C2 <a href="/facts/Greenwith/6R3LLUrB">Greenwith</a> via <a href="/facts/O-Bahn_Busway/jfnAhUfy">O-Bahn</a> and <a href="/facts/Golden_Grove_Village/yaNHxgyb">Golden Grove Village</a></li> <li>500 <a href="/facts/Elizabeth_railway_station%2c_Adelaide/BsaoVqXo">Elizabeth Interchange</a> via <a href="/facts/O-Bahn_Busway/jfnAhUfy">O-Bahn</a>, Ingle Farm and <a href="/facts/Salisbury_railway_station%2c_Adelaide/NYQPJw9y">Interchange</a></li> <li>501 <a href="/facts/Mawson_Lakes_railway_station%2c_Adelaide/9eKrQXss">Mawson Lakes Interchange</a> via <a href="/facts/O-Bahn_Busway/jfnAhUfy">O-Bahn</a>, <a href="/facts/Ingle_Farm/GDqtj3RL">Ingle Farm</a> and <a href="/facts/University_of_South_Australia/sTsjwxcP">University of South Australia</a></li> <li>502 <a href="/facts/Salisbury_railway_station%2c_Adelaide/NYQPJw9y">Salisbury</a> via <a href="/facts/O-Bahn_Busway/jfnAhUfy">O-Bahn</a>, Ingle Farm and Bridge Road</li> <li>G40 <a href="/facts/Golden_Grove_Village/yaNHxgyb">Golden Grove Village</a> to <a href="/facts/Flinders_University/NyvnInTh">Flinders University</a> via <a href="/facts/O-Bahn_Busway/jfnAhUfy">O-Bahn</a>, <a href="/facts/Adelaide_city_centre/1GLabAGc">City</a> and <a href="/facts/Goodwood_Road%2c_Adelaide/EDEycqcU">Goodwood Road</a></li> <li>M44 <a href="/facts/Golden_Grove_Village/yaNHxgyb">Golden Grove Village</a> to <a href="/facts/Westfield_Marion/q4l6ECCp">Marion Centre Interchange</a> via <a href="/facts/O-Bahn_Busway/jfnAhUfy">O-Bahn</a>, <a href="/facts/Adelaide_city_centre/1GLabAGc">City</a> and <a href="/facts/Marion_Road/wYxvrn5R">Marion Road</a></li> <li>T721 <a href="/facts/Noarlunga_Centre_railway_station/5vcrFuGh">Noarlunga Centre</a> via <a href="/facts/South_Road/8pVT4B89">South Road</a></li> <li>T721X <a href="/facts/Noarlunga_Centre_railway_station/5vcrFuGh">Noarlunga Centre</a> via South Road and <a href="/facts/Southern_Expressway_(South_Australia)/WwgKWVCA">Southern Expressway</a></li> <li>T722 <a href="/facts/Seaford%2c_South_Australia/nsGXJtQp">Seaford</a> via South Road and Panatalinga Road</li> <li>T840 <a href="/facts/Mount_Barker%2c_South_Australia/LlkJdjHL">Mount Barker</a> via <a href="/facts/South_Eastern_Freeway/ygHcJVsU">South Eastern Freeway</a></li> <li>T842 <a href="/facts/Nairne%2c_South_Australia/tBw2waLf">Nairne</a> via South Eastern Freeway</li> <li>T843 <a href="/facts/Mount_Barker%2c_South_Australia/LlkJdjHL">Mount Barker</a> via South Eastern Freeway and Hahndorf</li> <li>T863 <a href="/facts/Aldgate%2c_South_Australia/qGkRwuYP">Aldgate</a> via South Eastern Freeway and Stirling</li></ul> <h3>Airport services</h3> <p>JetBus airport services were introduced in August 2005. These are direct routes that link <a href="/facts/Adelaide_Airport/NXbVlLYQ">Adelaide Airport</a> with the city and other key destinations.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:14" href="#fn:14"><sup>14</sup></a> However, not all services are equipped with upright luggage rack facilities. On 10 November 2014, a new Jet<i>Express</i> bus, namely route J1X began running an express service between Adelaide Airport and the city with a <a href="/facts/BusTech/LeGdVsKM">BusTech</a> CDi with <a href="/facts/Cummins_L_Series_engine/PAmDjEpF">Cummins ISL</a> engine double-decker bus, equipped with a luggage rack on the lower deck.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:15" href="#fn:15"><sup>15</sup></a> This bus is the first one of its kind operating in Adelaide public transport system after double-decker trolleybuses were removed from service in 1958.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:16" href="#fn:16"><sup>16</sup></a> Bus routes are: </p> <ul><li>J1 <a href="/facts/Glenelg%2c_South_Australia/9JFmzeUF">Glenelg Interchange</a> to <a href="/facts/Adelaide_city_centre/1GLabAGc">City</a> via <a href="/facts/Harbour_Town/A7Su8TJf">Harbour Town Centre Interchange</a>, <a href="/facts/Adelaide_Airport/NXbVlLYQ">Adelaide Airport</a> and <a href="/facts/Sir_Donald_Bradman_Drive/KkERPXh0">Sir Donald Bradman Drive</a> <ul><li>J1A <a href="/facts/Adelaide_city_centre/1GLabAGc">City</a> to <a href="/facts/Adelaide_Airport/NXbVlLYQ">Adelaide Airport</a></li></ul></li> <li>J1X <a href="/facts/Adelaide_Airport/NXbVlLYQ">Adelaide Airport</a> to <a href="/facts/Adelaide_city_centre/1GLabAGc">City</a> via <a href="/facts/Grote_Street/2qKp01p2">Grote Street</a>, <a href="/facts/Wakefield_Street/bwXzzb5x">Wakefield Street</a>, <a href="/facts/Pulteney_Street/o4UbeVK7">Pulteney Street</a>, <a href="/facts/North_Terrace%2c_Adelaide/BycIo2z5">North Terrace</a> and <a href="/facts/Sir_Donald_Bradman_Drive/KkERPXh0">Sir Donald Bradman Drive</a></li> <li>J3 <a href="/facts/Harbour_Town/A7Su8TJf">Harbour Town Centre Interchange</a> to <a href="/facts/Adelaide_city_centre/1GLabAGc">City</a> via <a href="/facts/West_Beach%2c_South_Australia/CU4uuKqQ">West Beach</a>, <a href="/facts/Adelaide_Airport/NXbVlLYQ">Adelaide Airport</a> and <a href="/facts/Sir_Donald_Bradman_Drive/KkERPXh0">Sir Donald Bradman Drive</a></li> <li>J7 <a href="/facts/Westfield_West_Lakes/Wmc3CGdp">West Lakes Centre Interchange</a> to <a href="/facts/Westfield_Marion/q4l6ECCp">Marion Centre Interchange</a> via <a href="/facts/Queen_Elizabeth_Hospital%2c_Adelaide/FLTxPlDI">Queen Elizabeth Hospital</a>, <a href="/facts/Adelaide_Airport/NXbVlLYQ">Adelaide Airport</a> and <a href="/facts/Marion_Road/wYxvrn5R">Marion Road</a></li> <li>J8 <a href="/facts/Westfield_West_Lakes/Wmc3CGdp">West Lakes Centre Interchange</a> to <a href="/facts/Westfield_Marion/q4l6ECCp">Marion Centre Interchange</a> via <a href="/facts/Torrens_Road/yUPBYQUU">Torrens Road</a>, <a href="/facts/Arndale_Central/JSHWgxnA">Arndale Centre Interchange</a>, <a href="/facts/Queen_Elizabeth_Hospital%2c_Adelaide/FLTxPlDI">Queen Elizabeth Hospital</a>, <a href="/facts/Adelaide_Airport/NXbVlLYQ">Adelaide Airport</a> and <a href="/facts/Marion_Road/wYxvrn5R">Marion Road</a></li></ul> <h3>Free city services</h3> <p>Free City Connector buses are zero-fare, wheelchair-accessible circuit routes that service the <a href="/facts/Adelaide_city_centre/1GLabAGc">Adelaide CBD</a> and <a href="/facts/North_Adelaide/SR8AaJY2">North Adelaide</a> daily which are joint of initiative of <a href="/facts/Government_of_South_Australia/UtMwfla0">Government of South Australia</a>, <a href="/facts/City_of_Adelaide/exzswfWD">Adelaide City Council</a> and <a href="/facts/Adelaide_Metro/j9eGzKxN">Adelaide Metro</a>, on four routes: </p> <ul><li>98A 98C <a href="/facts/Adelaide_city_centre/1GLabAGc">City</a> & <a href="/facts/North_Adelaide/SR8AaJY2">North Adelaide</a> Loop Bi-directional loop via <a href="/facts/North_Terrace%2c_Adelaide/BycIo2z5">North Terrace</a>, <a href="/facts/Currie_Street/RCxUPVLb">Currie Street</a>, <a href="/facts/Hutt_Street/hMeQH7Ko">Hutt Street</a>, <a href="/facts/Halifax_Street/k0l9CLaB">Halifax Street</a>, <a href="/facts/Sturt_Street%2c_Adelaide/onrngsc3">Sturt Street</a>, <a href="/facts/Grote_Street/2qKp01p2">Grote Street</a>, <a href="/facts/Morphett_Street/aoN1EUD2">Morphett Street</a>, Jeffcott Street, Ward Street, Hill Street, Tynte Street, Finiss Street and <a href="/facts/Frome_Road/EUbsMfVc">Frome Road</a>. The 98A service is an anti-clockwise loop while the 98C is clockwise.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:17" href="#fn:17"><sup>17</sup></a><a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:18" href="#fn:18"><sup>18</sup></a></li> <li>99A 99C <a href="/facts/Adelaide_city_centre/1GLabAGc">City</a> Loop Bi-directional loop via <a href="/facts/North_Terrace%2c_Adelaide/BycIo2z5">North Terrace</a>, <a href="/facts/Currie_Street/RCxUPVLb">Currie Street</a>, <a href="/facts/Hutt_Street/hMeQH7Ko">Hutt Street</a>, <a href="/facts/Halifax_Street/k0l9CLaB">Halifax Street</a>, <a href="/facts/Sturt_Street%2c_Adelaide/onrngsc3">Sturt Street</a>, <a href="/facts/Grote_Street/2qKp01p2">Grote Street</a>, <a href="/facts/Victoria_Square%2c_Adelaide/PnEJuX0S">Victoria Square</a>, <a href="/facts/King_William_Street%2c_Adelaide/Mm4K2oCb">King William Street</a>. This service operated under the '99C' only and it was only in 2014 that the name change took place. The 99A service is an anti-clockwise loop while the 99C is clockwise.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:19" href="#fn:19"><sup>19</sup></a></li> <li>The 97A bus ran for a few months, so did the Beeline.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:20" href="#fn:20"><sup>20</sup></a><a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:21" href="#fn:21"><sup>21</sup></a></li></ul> <p>There is another free service which only runs during the <a href="/facts/Adelaide_500/pCU39ECu">Adelaide 500</a>.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:22" href="#fn:22"><sup>22</sup></a> </p> <h3>O-Bahn Busway</h3> <p class="note">Main article: <a href="/facts/O-Bahn_Busway/jfnAhUfy">O-Bahn Busway</a></p> <p>The Adelaide Metro's most frequented route is the O-Bahn <a href="/facts/Guided_bus/nF71Wx2D">guided busway</a> to <a href="/facts/Modbury%2c_South_Australia/XARlUXlF">Modbury</a> carrying around 9 million passengers a year. It is the world's fastest and until 7 August 2011 the world's longest guided busway, with a maximum permitted speed of 100 km/h (62 mph) and a length of 12 km (7.5 mi). It has three stations, <a href="/facts/Klemzig_Interchange/M2qVbWGe">Klemzig Interchange</a>, <a href="/facts/Paradise_Interchange/FVux9REF">Paradise Interchange</a>, and <a href="/facts/Tea_Tree_Plaza_Interchange/mYd5deoa">Tea Tree Plaza Interchange</a> at the Modbury end. Buses leave the track at Paradise or Tea Tree Plaza to continue services on normal roads, eliminating the need for passenger transfer. </p> <h3>After midnight services</h3> <p>Available only on Saturday nights, these <a href="/facts/Night_service_(public_transport)/pdNcL2V6">night services</a> run from midnight until 5am Sunday morning, departing the <a href="/facts/Adelaide_city_centre/1GLabAGc">City</a> every hour.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:23" href="#fn:23"><sup>23</sup></a> </p> <ul><li>N1 <a href="/facts/Tea_Tree_Plaza_Interchange/mYd5deoa">Tea Tree Plaza Interchange</a> / <a href="/facts/Golden_Grove%2c_South_Australia/yaNHxgyb">Golden Grove Village Interchange</a> to <a href="/facts/Adelaide_city_centre/1GLabAGc">City</a> via Golden Grove Road and <a href="/facts/O-Bahn_Busway/jfnAhUfy">O-Bahn</a> <ul><li>N1T <a href="/facts/Adelaide_city_centre/1GLabAGc">City</a> to <a href="/facts/Tea_Tree_Plaza_Interchange/mYd5deoa">Tea Tree Plaza Interchange</a></li></ul></li> <li>N10 <a href="/facts/Westfield_Marion/q4l6ECCp">Marion Centre Interchange</a> to <a href="/facts/Adelaide_city_centre/1GLabAGc">City</a> via <a href="/facts/Goodwood_Road%2c_Adelaide/EDEycqcU">Goodwood Road</a></li> <li>N21 <a href="/facts/Adelaide_city_centre/1GLabAGc">City</a> to <a href="/facts/Aberfoyle_Park/oXyEEK0W">Aberfoyle Hub</a> via <a href="/facts/Goodwood_Road%2c_Adelaide/EDEycqcU">Goodwood Road</a> and <a href="/facts/Westfield_Marion/q4l6ECCp">Marion Centre Interchange</a></li> <li>N22 <a href="/facts/Adelaide_city_centre/1GLabAGc">City</a> to <a href="/facts/Wattle_Park%2c_South_Australia/CEUXssYv">Wattle Park</a> via <a href="/facts/The_Parade%2c_Adelaide/7QSRI2UR">The Parade</a></li> <li>N30 <a href="/facts/Westfield_West_Lakes/Wmc3CGdp">West Lakes Centre Interchange</a> to <a href="/facts/Adelaide_city_centre/1GLabAGc">City</a> via Military Road and <a href="/facts/Henley_Beach_Road/RCxUPVLb">Henley Beach Road</a></li> <li>N178 <a href="/facts/Newton%2c_South_Australia/Klsult5f">Newton</a> to <a href="/facts/Adelaide_city_centre/1GLabAGc">City</a> via Montacute Road and <a href="/facts/Payneham_Road/TbUcXevr">Payneham Road</a></li> <li>N202 <a href="/facts/Ingle_Farm/GDqtj3RL">Ingle Farm</a> to <a href="/facts/Adelaide_city_centre/1GLabAGc">City</a> via <a href="/facts/Portrush_Road/zR4Cc6no">Hampstead Road</a> and <a href="/facts/Adelaide-Mannum_Road/XrE11khb">North East Road</a></li> <li>N224 <a href="/facts/Gawler/9Uf8LqIz">Gawler</a> to <a href="/facts/Adelaide_city_centre/1GLabAGc">City</a> via <a href="/facts/Mawson_Lakes/sD07t8aA">Mawson Central Interchange</a> and <a href="/facts/Main_North_Road/HaH5NU7j">Main North Road</a></li> <li>N254 <a href="/facts/Semaphore%2c_South_Australia/9HKGbF8I">Semaphore</a> to <a href="/facts/Adelaide_city_centre/1GLabAGc">City</a> via <a href="/facts/Port_Adelaide/ohrMhfXz">Port Adelaide</a>, <a href="/facts/Arndale_Central/JSHWgxnA">Arndale Centre Interchange</a> and <a href="/facts/Torrens_Road/yUPBYQUU">Torrens Road</a></li> <li>N262 <a href="/facts/Westfield_Marion/q4l6ECCp">Marion Centre Interchange</a> to <a href="/facts/Adelaide_city_centre/1GLabAGc">City</a> via <a href="/facts/Glenelg%2c_South_Australia/9JFmzeUF">Glenelg</a> and <a href="/facts/Anzac_Highway/8uBtSDsr">Anzac Highway</a></li> <li>N502 <a href="/facts/Salisbury_railway_station%2c_Adelaide/NYQPJw9y">Salisbury Interchange</a> via <a href="/facts/O-Bahn_Busway/jfnAhUfy">O-Bahn</a> and <a href="/facts/Paradise_Interchange/FVux9REF">Paradise Interchange</a></li> <li>N541 <a href="/facts/Fairview_Park%2c_South_Australia/C3qrp7X0">Fairview Park</a> via <a href="/facts/O-Bahn_Busway/jfnAhUfy">O-Bahn</a> and Hancock Road</li> <li>N721 <a href="/facts/Moana%2c_South_Australia/szqg9M0X">Moana</a> via <a href="/facts/Westfield_Marion/q4l6ECCp">Marion Centre Interchange</a> and <a href="/facts/Reynella%2c_South_Australia/LXLtbaoD">Reynella</a></li></ul> <h3>Roam Zone</h3> <p>The Roam Zone concept began operation in the <a href="/facts/Hallett_Cove%2c_South_Australia/DxL2Wxl0">Hallett Cove</a>, <a href="/facts/Sheidow_Park/DtoMvVQ2">Sheidow Park</a> and <a href="/facts/Trott_Park/nqT0XE6f">Trott Park</a> area in September 2001. At specified times passengers can be dropped off or picked up away from bus stops, taking them to their door (or as near as the bus could get). Having done this, the roaming bus returns to its scheduled route. Roam Zones have bright blue bus stops located throughout. Adelaide Metro now features one Roam Zone: </p> <ul><li><a href="/facts/Hallett_Cove%2c_South_Australia/DxL2Wxl0">Hallett Cove</a>, <a href="/facts/Sheidow_Park/DtoMvVQ2">Sheidow Park</a> and <a href="/facts/Trott_Park/nqT0XE6f">Trott Park</a> (from 7pm until last service daily)<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:24" href="#fn:24"><sup>24</sup></a> <ul><li>681 <a href="/facts/Hallett_Cove_Beach_railway_station/JYVTuwKn">Hallett Cove Beach station</a> to <a href="/facts/Flinders_University/NyvnInTh">Flinders University</a> <ul><li>681A <a href="/facts/Hallett_Cove_Beach_railway_station/JYVTuwKn">Hallett Cove Beach station</a> to <a href="/facts/Hallett_Cove%2c_South_Australia/DxL2Wxl0">Hallett Cove</a></li></ul></li> <li>682 <a href="/facts/Hallett_Cove_Beach_railway_station/JYVTuwKn">Hallett Cove Beach station</a> to <a href="/facts/Sheidow_Park/DtoMvVQ2">Sheidow Park</a></li> <li>683 <a href="/facts/Hallett_Cove_Beach_railway_station/JYVTuwKn">Hallett Cove Beach station</a> to <a href="/facts/Hallett_Cove%2c_South_Australia/DxL2Wxl0">Hallett Cove South</a></li></ul></li></ul> <h3>Adelaide Oval Footy Express</h3> <p>Adelaide Metro provide services between <a href="/facts/Adelaide_Oval/K5Ig1pmt">Adelaide Oval</a> and areas across South Australia. Tickets for the games also act as the ticket to travel free on any Adelaide Oval Footy Express bus, train or tram, in order to alleviate overcrowding on regular services. Most services offer early arrival times and some routes will have services that leave an hour after the final siren.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:25" href="#fn:25"><sup>25</sup></a> The locations in metropolitan Adelaide include: </p> <ul><li>AO8 <a href="/facts/Old_Reynella/zn8RqFsa">Old Reynella Interchange</a> to <a href="/facts/Adelaide_Oval/K5Ig1pmt">Adelaide Oval</a> via <a href="/facts/Brighton_railway_station%2c_Adelaide/pk8L3PcT">Brighton station</a>, <a href="/facts/Westfield_Marion/q4l6ECCp">Marion Centre Interchange</a> and <a href="/facts/South_Road/8pVT4B89">South Road</a></li> <li>AO10 <a href="/facts/Aldgate%2c_South_Australia/qGkRwuYP">Aldgate</a> to <a href="/facts/Adelaide_Oval/K5Ig1pmt">Adelaide Oval</a> via <a href="/facts/South_Eastern_Freeway/ygHcJVsU">South Eastern Freeway</a> and <a href="/facts/Glen_Osmond_Road/JwzlnYDT">Glen Osmond Road</a></li> <li>AO11 <a href="/facts/Paradise_Interchange/FVux9REF">Paradise Interchange</a> to <a href="/facts/Adelaide_Oval/K5Ig1pmt">Adelaide Oval</a> via St Bernards Road and <a href="/facts/Magill_Road/qbc1FAbb">Magill Road</a></li> <li>AO12 <a href="/facts/Athelstone/CYJJmSa6">Athelstone</a> to <a href="/facts/Adelaide_Oval/K5Ig1pmt">Adelaide Oval</a> via <a href="/facts/Payneham_Road/TbUcXevr">Payneham Road</a></li> <li>AO13 <a href="/facts/Burnside%2c_South_Australia/xNHTJ7TU">Burnside</a> to <a href="/facts/Adelaide_Oval/K5Ig1pmt">Adelaide Oval</a> via <a href="/facts/Greenhill_Road/wACTFm4M">Greenhill Road</a></li> <li>AO14 <a href="/facts/Rosslyn_Park%2c_South_Australia/Bam0pShY">Rosslyn Park</a> to <a href="/facts/Adelaide_Oval/K5Ig1pmt">Adelaide Oval</a> via <a href="/facts/The_Parade%2c_Adelaide/7QSRI2UR">The Parade</a></li> <li>AO15 <a href="/facts/Mawson_Lakes_railway_station/9eKrQXss">Mawson Lakes Interchange</a> to <a href="/facts/Adelaide_Oval/K5Ig1pmt">Adelaide Oval</a> via <a href="/facts/Main_North_Road/HaH5NU7j">Main North Road</a></li> <li>AO16 <a href="/facts/Rosewater%2c_South_Australia/RyHYLe0u">Rosewater</a> to <a href="/facts/Adelaide_Oval/K5Ig1pmt">Adelaide Oval</a> via Days Road and <a href="/facts/Torrens_Road/yUPBYQUU">Torrens Road</a></li> <li>AO17 <a href="/facts/Port_Adelaide/ohrMhfXz">Port Adelaide</a> and <a href="/facts/Outer_Harbor%2c_South_Australia/CDXctgc3">Outer Harbor</a> to <a href="/facts/Adelaide_Oval/K5Ig1pmt">Adelaide Oval</a> via <a href="/facts/Port_Road%2c_Adelaide/z9PsRhvM">Port Road</a></li> <li>AO18 <a href="/facts/Westfield_West_Lakes/Wmc3CGdp">West Lakes Centre Interchange</a> to <a href="/facts/Adelaide_Oval/K5Ig1pmt">Adelaide Oval</a> via Grange Road</li> <li>AO19 <a href="/facts/Henley_Beach/XtFDBJ6l">Henley Beach</a> to <a href="/facts/Adelaide_Oval/K5Ig1pmt">Adelaide Oval</a> via <a href="/facts/Henley_Beach_Road/RCxUPVLb">Henley Beach Road</a></li> <li>AO20 <a href="/facts/Blair_Athol%2c_South_Australia/lLCP2JSa">Blair Athol</a> to <a href="/facts/Adelaide_Oval/K5Ig1pmt">Adelaide Oval</a> via Prospect Road</li> <li>AO24 <a href="/facts/Mitcham_Square_Shopping_Centre/ybsYGSGT">Mitcham Square</a> to <a href="/facts/Adelaide_Oval/K5Ig1pmt">Adelaide Oval</a> via Unley Road</li> <li>AO25 <a href="/facts/Mitcham_Square_Shopping_Centre/ybsYGSGT">Mitcham Square</a> to <a href="/facts/Adelaide_Oval/K5Ig1pmt">Adelaide Oval</a> via <a href="/facts/Fullarton_Road/5mSzGxyN">Fullarton Road</a></li> <li>AO26 <a href="/facts/Glenelg%2c_South_Australia/9JFmzeUF">Glenelg Interchange</a> to <a href="/facts/Adelaide_Oval/K5Ig1pmt">Adelaide Oval</a> via <a href="/facts/West_Beach%2c_South_Australia/CU4uuKqQ">West Beach</a> and <a href="/facts/Sir_Donald_Bradman_Drive/KkERPXh0">Sir Donald Bradman Drive</a></li> <li>AO27 <a href="/facts/Elizabeth_railway_station%2c_Adelaide/BsaoVqXo">Elizabeth Interchange</a> to <a href="/facts/Mawson_Lakes_railway_station/9eKrQXss">Mawson Interchange</a> via <a href="/facts/Salisbury_Highway/T0gITbdR">Salisbury Highway</a> <i>(transfer required)</i></li> <li>AO28 <a href="/facts/Salisbury_North/XTErRyBP">Salisbury North</a> to <a href="/facts/Mawson_Lakes_railway_station/9eKrQXss">Mawson Interchange</a> via <a href="/facts/Paralowie/P52AqXs7">Paralowie</a> <i>(transfer required)</i></li> <li>AO29 <a href="/facts/Davoren_Park/dYeBzEnA">Davoren Park</a> to <a href="/facts/Elizabeth_railway_station%2c_Adelaide/BsaoVqXo">Elizabeth Interchange</a> via <a href="/facts/Smithfield_railway_station%2c_Adelaide/k8tPpvRC">Smithfield station</a> <i>(transfer required)</i></li> <li>AO30 <a href="/facts/Aldinga%2c_South_Australia/FRu0hV4E">Aldinga</a> to <a href="/facts/Noarlunga_Centre_railway_station/5vcrFuGh">Noarlunga Centre Interchange</a> via <a href="/facts/Seaford_railway_station%2c_Adelaide/gsarjp41">Seaford Interchange</a> <i>(transfer required)</i></li> <li>AOX1 <a href="/facts/Greenwith/6R3LLUrB">Greenwith</a> to <a href="/facts/Adelaide_Oval/K5Ig1pmt">Adelaide Oval</a> via <a href="/facts/O-Bahn_Busway/jfnAhUfy">O-Bahn</a></li> <li>AOX2 <a href="/facts/St_Agnes%2c_South_Australia/H1h1A3jK">St Agnes Depot</a> to <a href="/facts/Adelaide_Oval/K5Ig1pmt">Adelaide Oval</a> via <a href="/facts/O-Bahn_Busway/jfnAhUfy">O-Bahn</a></li> <li>AOX3 <a href="/facts/Northgate%2c_South_Australia/EngVSNlY">Northgate</a> to <a href="/facts/Adelaide_Oval/K5Ig1pmt">Adelaide Oval</a> via <a href="/facts/Klemzig_Interchange/M2qVbWGe">Klemzig Interchange</a> and <a href="/facts/O-Bahn_Busway/jfnAhUfy">O-Bahn</a></li> <li>AOX4 <a href="/facts/Hope_Valley%2c_South_Australia/jQcAPx6M">Hope Valley</a> to <a href="/facts/Adelaide_Oval/K5Ig1pmt">Adelaide Oval</a> via <a href="/facts/Paradise_Interchange/FVux9REF">Paradise Interchange</a> and <a href="/facts/O-Bahn_Busway/jfnAhUfy">O-Bahn</a></li> <li>AOX5 <a href="/facts/Salisbury_East/KhQLs8dG">Salisbury East</a> to <a href="/facts/Adelaide_Oval/K5Ig1pmt">Adelaide Oval</a> via <a href="/facts/Paradise_Interchange/FVux9REF">Paradise Interchange</a> and <a href="/facts/O-Bahn_Busway/jfnAhUfy">O-Bahn</a></li> <li>AOX6 <a href="/facts/Woodcroft%2c_South_Australia/IvbnVSeU">Woodcroft Community Centre</a> to <a href="/facts/Adelaide_Oval/K5Ig1pmt">Adelaide Oval</a> via <a href="/facts/South_Road/8pVT4B89">Main South Road</a></li> <li>AOX7 <a href="/facts/South_Adelaide_Football_Club/QzoItslD">South Adelaide Football Club</a> to <a href="/facts/Adelaide_Oval/K5Ig1pmt">Adelaide Oval</a> via <a href="/facts/South_Road/8pVT4B89">Main South Road</a></li> <li>AOX9 <a href="/facts/Mount_Barker%2c_South_Australia/LlkJdjHL">Mount Barker</a> to <a href="/facts/Adelaide_Oval/K5Ig1pmt">Adelaide Oval</a> via <a href="/facts/South_Eastern_Freeway/ygHcJVsU">South Eastern Freeway</a></li> <li>AOX15 <a href="/facts/Elizabeth_Shopping_Centre/A0HHH7fR">Elizabeth Shopping Centre</a> to <a href="/facts/Adelaide_Oval/K5Ig1pmt">Adelaide Oval</a> via <a href="/facts/Main_North_Road/HaH5NU7j">Main North Road</a></li> <li>AOX21 <a href="/facts/Ottoway%2c_South_Australia/wyAlsNVm">Ottoway</a> to <a href="/facts/Adelaide_Oval/K5Ig1pmt">Adelaide Oval</a> via <a href="/facts/Arndale_Central/JSHWgxnA">Arndale Centre Interchange</a> and Hawker Street</li> <li>AOX22 <a href="/facts/Aberfoyle_Park/oXyEEK0W">Aberfoyle Hub</a> to <a href="/facts/Adelaide_Oval/K5Ig1pmt">Adelaide Oval</a> via <a href="/facts/Goodwood_Road%2c_Adelaide/EDEycqcU">Goodwood Road</a></li> <li>AOX23 <a href="/facts/Glengowrie/WpB8RHnq">Morphettville Depot</a> to <a href="/facts/Adelaide_Oval/K5Ig1pmt">Adelaide Oval</a> via <a href="/facts/Marion_Road/wYxvrn5R">Marion Road</a></li> <li>AOX31 <a href="/facts/Oaklands_railway_station/qPF1TsSX">Oaklands Interchange</a> to <a href="/facts/Adelaide_Oval/K5Ig1pmt">Adelaide Oval</a> via <a href="/facts/Glenelg_Oval/lbFM4zJH">Glenelg Oval</a> and <a href="/facts/Anzac_Highway/8uBtSDsr">Anzac Highway</a></li></ul> <h2 id="interchanges-and-park-and-rides">Interchanges and Park and Rides</h2> <p>Connecting various routes and services throughout the transport network in Adelaide are several bus interchanges. These play a critical role in allowing for transfers between bus routes and some furthermore onto trains and trams. Interchanges are located in critical localities on the network where various routes meet. Since 2021, Adelaide Metro has worked to improve the signage throughout these various interchanges, with new totem style signs being implemented in all critical locations. </p> <table><tbody><tr><th>Interchange Name</th></tr><tr><td>Aberfoyle Hub Interchange</td></tr><tr><td>Arndale Centre Interchange</td></tr><tr><td><a href="/facts/Blackwood_railway_station%2c_Adelaide/2HXz8GHR">Blackwood Interchange</a></td></tr><tr><td>Colonnades Centre Interchange</td></tr><tr><td>Crafers Park and Ride</td></tr><tr><td>Elizabeth City Centre Interchange</td></tr><tr><td><a href="/facts/Elizabeth_railway_station%2c_Adelaide/BsaoVqXo">Elizabeth Interchange</a></td></tr><tr><td><a href="/facts/Flinders_Medical_Centre/fwA1KT3N">Flinders Medical Centre</a></td></tr><tr><td>Flinders University Interchange</td></tr><tr><td>Glenelg Interchange</td></tr><tr><td>Golden Grove Village Interchange</td></tr><tr><td><a href="/facts/Golden_Grove_Park_%2527n%2527_Ride/yaNHxgyb">Golden Grove Park and Ride</a></td></tr><tr><td><a href="/facts/Klemzig_Interchange/M2qVbWGe">Klemzig Interchange</a></td></tr><tr><td>Marion Centre Interchange</td></tr><tr><td>Mawson Central Interchange</td></tr><tr><td><a href="/facts/Mawson_Lakes_railway_station/9eKrQXss">Mawson Interchange</a></td></tr><tr><td>Mount Barker (Dumas St Interchange)</td></tr><tr><td>Mount Barker (Dutton Rd Interchange)</td></tr><tr><td>Munno Para Interchange</td></tr><tr><td><a href="/facts/Noarlunga_Centre_railway_station/5vcrFuGh">Noarlunga Centre Interchange</a></td></tr><tr><td>Old Reynella Interchange</td></tr><tr><td><a href="/facts/Paradise_Interchange/FVux9REF">Paradise Interchange</a></td></tr><tr><td><a href="/facts/Port_Dock_railway_station/kYBCCr29">Port Dock Interchange</a></td></tr><tr><td>Salisbury Centre Interchange</td></tr><tr><td><a href="/facts/Salisbury_Interchange/NYQPJw9y">Salisbury Interchange</a></td></tr><tr><td>Seaford Interchange</td></tr><tr><td>Smithfield Interchange</td></tr><tr><td><a href="/facts/Tea_Tree_Plaza_Interchange/mYd5deoa">Tea Tree Plaza Interchange</a></td></tr><tr><td>West Lakes Centre Interchange</td></tr></tbody></table> <h2 id="experience-with-contracted-bus-operations">Experience with Contracted Bus Operations</h2> <p>The tendering out of bus operations has been a bumpy ride for Adelaide commuters. The original 1996 partial service tendering saw services run and marketed under each operator's name, presenting a disjointed network to the public. The Adelaide Metro brand was created in 2000 to restore a unified face to the public.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:26" href="#fn:26"><sup>26</sup></a> </p><p>Contract holder <a href="/facts/Serco/dkwA0FRC">Serco</a> withdrew in 2004, at the contracted half-term break-point, after failing to renegotiate its contract on better terms. Serco had previously informed the Minister for Transport that it was not willing to continue to operate the bus services for a further five years on the terms contained in the then existing Contract. Serco had made a submission to the Department of Transport and Urban Planning proposing to operate the bus services in the contract areas on new terms and conditions. This submission was rejected by the Department of Transport and Urban Planning. The company unsuccessfully rebid for the contract in the subsequent competition.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:27" href="#fn:27"><sup>27</sup></a><a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:28" href="#fn:28"><sup>28</sup></a> </p><p><a href="/facts/Light-City_Buses/ySG0bqjA">Light-City Buses</a> was awarded two of Adelaide's six public bus contract regions commencing operation in October 2011, taking over the North South and Outer North East Contract Areas from Torrens Transit. These two contract regions cover 43% of the bus services in Adelaide,<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:29" href="#fn:29"><sup>29</sup></a> valued at $567 million over the eight-year life of the contracts.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:30" href="#fn:30"><sup>30</sup></a> The contracts are in place for an initial eight-year term, from 2 October 2011 to 30 June 2019 with an option to extend for a further four years, subject to government approval.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:31" href="#fn:31"><sup>31</sup></a> Since the start of operations of bus services by <a href="/facts/Light-City_Buses/ySG0bqjA">Light-City Buses</a> in October 2011 service interruptions and delays which were initially dismissed as teething problems have continued to frustrate commuters.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:32" href="#fn:32"><sup>32</sup></a><a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:33" href="#fn:33"><sup>33</sup></a> Transfield has claimed most of the problems have been resolved and they are working on resolving the rest, however in May 2012, Transport Services minister <a href="/facts/Chlo%25C3%25AB_Fox/vg6RIGFK">Chloë Fox</a> imposed a fine of $121,000 for failing to meet Performance Benchmark Targets:<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:34" href="#fn:34"><sup>34</sup></a> </p> <ul><li>Transfield performed "significantly worse" than the other two companies operating contracted buses in Adelaide in reaching its contractual benchmarks.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:35" href="#fn:35"><sup>35</sup></a></li> <li>The number of Transfield buses running on time from 1 January – 31 March 2012 ranged from as low as 51.6% on Transfield North South contract region to 66.9% on the Outer North East region. Transfield was fined $121,000 for late running buses services as a result.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:36" href="#fn:36"><sup>36</sup></a></li> <li>In the 1 April – 30 June 2012 period Transfield, on-time running increased only marginally to 52.2% for the North South contract region and 71.3% for the Outer North East contract region. Transfield was fined $70,000 for its poor on-time running performance.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:37" href="#fn:37"><sup>37</sup></a></li></ul> <p>Transfield have said that new timetables in July 2012 should help get buses running on time. </p><p>The negative experience following this latest change of operators reflects the advice given to the Government in 2009, when it was recommended that contracts should be extended by negotiation, rather than re-tendered.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:38" href="#fn:38"><sup>38</sup></a> The expert advice was based on: </p> <ul><li>the efficiency of existing tender prices</li> <li>the incumbent operators' service quality performance</li> <li>the incumbent operators' entrepreneurship in regards to service development<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:39" href="#fn:39"><sup>39</sup></a></li></ul> <p>The expert advice stated that: </p> <ul><li>there are significant risks in any transition from one operator to another, including public uncertainty and staff unrest,</li> <li>there would be difficulties inherent in 'unpicking' the then current network structure and timetables,</li> <li>any change in operators was likely to present considerable risks, such as reduced service quality, reduced patronage growth, and limited benefits.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:40" href="#fn:40"><sup>40</sup></a></li></ul> <p>The South Australian Government went ahead with tenders in 2010. As noted above, the resultant change of operator from the incumbent <a href="/facts/Torrens_Transit/YRaktYH1">Torrens Transit</a> to <a href="/facts/Light-City_Buses/ySG0bqjA">Light-City Buses</a> in the North South and Outer North East Contract Areas has seen many of the warnings given come to fruition. </p><p> Professor David Hensher, Director of the Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies at the University of Sydney, has commented that while three rounds of competitive tendering in Adelaide had ironed out the cost inefficiencies and lack of service incentives under the previous public monopoly model,</p><blockquote><p>all the research on competitive tendering versus negotiated performance-based contracts is showing that one cannot squeeze any more out of the cost efficiency stone after three rounds and the risk of declines in service quality is real if this is pushed</p>— David Hensher, <a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:41" href="#fn:41"><sup>41</sup></a></blockquote> <p>It is not just service performance which is suffering; Government data shows a steady increase in patronage over the first two complete rounds of competitive tendering, followed by a sharp drop-off in the past two years.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:42" href="#fn:42"><sup>42</sup></a> </p> <h2 id="see-also">See also</h2> <ul><li><a href="/facts/Transport_in_Adelaide/ztfg54vN">Transport in Adelaide</a></li> <li><a href="/facts/List_of_public_transport_routes_in_Adelaide/FSAn5YMX">List of public transport routes in Adelaide</a></li> <li><a href="/facts/Transport_in_South_Australia/vpsfCl4E">Transport in South Australia</a></li> <li><a href="/facts/Transport_in_Australia/xaYm6KCJ">Transport in Australia</a></li> <li><a href="/facts/List_of_bus_companies/H1dcWPSK">List of bus companies</a></li></ul> <h2 id="external-links">External links</h2> <ul><li><a href="http://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/">Adelaide Metro</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20050205211219/http://www.opt.dtup.sa.gov.au/">Office of Public Transport</a></li></ul> <h2 id="references">References</h2> <ol> <li id="fn:1"><p>State Transport Authority (South Australia) <a href="/wiki/State_Transport_Authority_(South_Australia)" target="_blank">/wiki/State_Transport_Authority_(South_Australia)</a> <a href="#fnref:1" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:2"><p>Wallis, Ian; Bray, David (June 2001). "Competitive Tendering for Bus Services: The Improved Adelaide Model" (PDF). Thredbo Series. Retrieved 18 September 2012. <a href="http://ses.library.usyd.edu.au/bitstream/2123/6309/1/thredbo7-workshopA-Wallis-Bray.pdf" target="_blank">http://ses.library.usyd.edu.au/bitstream/2123/6309/1/thredbo7-workshopA-Wallis-Bray.pdf</a> <a href="#fnref:2" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:3"><p>Wallis, Ian; Bray, David (June 2001). "Competitive Tendering for Bus Services: The Improved Adelaide Model" (PDF). Thredbo Series. Retrieved 18 September 2012. <a href="http://ses.library.usyd.edu.au/bitstream/2123/6309/1/thredbo7-workshopA-Wallis-Bray.pdf" target="_blank">http://ses.library.usyd.edu.au/bitstream/2123/6309/1/thredbo7-workshopA-Wallis-Bray.pdf</a> <a href="#fnref:3" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:4"><p>Morgan, Peter (21 April 2000). "A new deal on the buses". The Advertiser. <a href="/wiki/The_Advertiser_(Australia)" target="_blank">/wiki/The_Advertiser_(Australia)</a> <a href="#fnref:4" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:5"><p>"Australian Bus Fleet Lists - Admet Fleet Lists". fleetlists.busaustralia.com. Retrieved 26 March 2025. <a href="https://fleetlists.busaustralia.com/adm.php?search=TTC" target="_blank">https://fleetlists.busaustralia.com/adm.php?search=TTC</a> <a href="#fnref:5" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:6"><p>"Post. Tom Koutsantonis MP". Twitter. Retrieved 29 September 2022. <a href="https://twitter.com/tkoutsantonismp/status/1575367433665523712" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/tkoutsantonismp/status/1575367433665523712</a> <a href="#fnref:6" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:7"><p>"Private operators named for Adelaide's tram network". InDaily. 10 March 2020. Retrieved 10 March 2020. <a href="https://indaily.com.au/news/local/2020/03/10/private-operators-named-for-adelaides-tram-network/" target="_blank">https://indaily.com.au/news/local/2020/03/10/private-operators-named-for-adelaides-tram-network/</a> <a href="#fnref:7" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:8"><p>"Private operators named for Adelaide's tram network". InDaily. 10 March 2020. Retrieved 10 March 2020. <a href="https://indaily.com.au/news/local/2020/03/10/private-operators-named-for-adelaides-tram-network/" target="_blank">https://indaily.com.au/news/local/2020/03/10/private-operators-named-for-adelaides-tram-network/</a> <a href="#fnref:8" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:9"><p>"Torrens Transit acquires local rival Light City Buses". News Pty Limited Australia. 9 May 2018. 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