Adelaide trains continue to run late as the metropolitan bus network keeps kicking goals
Buses are blowing trains out of the water when it comes to punctuality in South Australia.
Every train service struggled to keep up with timetables compared to buses, with two train lines performing below 90 per cent, according to Adelaide Metro’s latest On Time Running Performance report.
Only 92.4 per cent of trains ran on time across the whole train network, compared to 95.9 per cent of buses.
The automatic route setting function on the Bel-Air line was updated in May and Adelaide Metro hoped this would help solve some of the issues causing delays.
Just 88.9 per cent of trains on the Belair line are running on time and only 89.9 per cent of trains on the Outer Harbor line.
SA shadow transport minister Corey Wingard says performance has not improved in the two months since, despite millions spent on line upgrades.
“It is simply unbelievable that trains, which don’t have to deal with traffic, are performing worse than buses,” he says.
“Adelaide commuters just want a train service that is safe and runs on time.
Adelaide’s public transport provider needs to up its game, in order to entice Adelaide commuters out of their cars and onto public transport, Wingard says.
SA transport minister Stephen Mullighan says while the results were not ideal, further investment would result in gradual improvement.
Although the SA Government has invested $173 million in station upgrades since 2008 and customer satisfaction is high, Mullighan says there is still more work to be done.
The Canstar Blue survey, released this week, found Adelaide rail users are quite satisfied with the reliability of services – with Adelaide Metro receiving a four-star rating in seven of the eight categories.
“The results indicate significant improvements across most categories including overall satisfaction, reliability and service,” Mullighan says.
“This shows our record investment in revitalising our rail network is being recognised by commuters and we will continue to work towards making our train network even better.”