LinkSA has retained key regional bus contracts in South Australia while also expanding its footprint throughout the state.
The South Australian Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) has awarded regional bus contracts to operator LinkSA in Barossa, Fleurieu, Northern Adelaide Hills and in Mount Gambier.
These contracts will began on October 1 and will run for eight years, with the potential to operate the services until 2035 through contract extensions.
LinkSA is part of the wider Keolis Downer operator group.
“These regional contract wins serve as a testament to our strong partnership with DIT and our focus on service delivery and passenger satisfaction,” Keolis Downer Bus South Australia general manager Brett Andruszkiewicz says.
Under the Fleurieu contract, LinkSA will improve connections to other transport modes and increase the public transport offer. New services will be added connecting Adelaide and Goolwa/Victor Harbor to the Kangaroo Island ferry.
LinkSA is also adding two services connecting Adelaide, Goolwa and Victor Harbour through the middle of the day, delivering a much-needed service to the community.
As part of the new contract in Mount Gambier, LinkSA worked with a local recruitment agency to create opportunities for the local community to become bus drivers.
“Recruitment and training of new employees is underway in Mount Gambier and we are thrilled to welcome new colleagues who also know the local area really well,” Andruszkiewicz says.
“Our team will continue to meet with key stakeholders to address community feedback, as we work in partnership with DIT to deliver better services for the Mount Gambier community. Under this contract we will introduce six new buses to deliver an improved service to local communities.
“We also put forward solutions as part of our bid response to DIT to improve the Mount Gambier service. We look forward to working with local stakeholders and DIT to determine what can be implemented to deliver improved public transport services in Mount Gambier.”