THE state’s leader Premier Steven Marshall and transport minister Corey Wingard have been urged to come and take a ride on Mount Gambier’s public bus system to understand the public transport challenges faced in the city.
Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin invited the key state figures to visit the city “as a priority” with the civic leader “concerned that the current public transport service in Mount Gambier will not be given the high priority that it so desperately needs”.
In a submission to the South Australian Public Transport Authority (SAPTA)’s Regional Public Transport Review, council outlined major inadequacies in the operation of the local public bus service.
“Council has been advised by SAPTA that it is highly unlikely a full service review of the Mount Gambier public bus service can be accommodated during this financial year and within SAPTA’s current level of resourcing,” Ms Martin said.
“I am concerned that the current public transport service in Mount Gambier will not be given the high priority that it so desperately needs, so I made contact with the Premier and Infrastructure and Transport Minister to further advocate for our community.”
In a return letter to the Mayor, Mr Wingard advised SAPTA is currently finalising the review of regional bus service contracts and council’s submission was valuable in understanding the requirements of residents in the area.
He also indicated the submission assisted in the development of the regional transport framework, to ensure the effective allocation of resources for public transport in South Australia’s regional areas for the future.
“I was disappointed in the response, which indicated that the service contract with Mount Gambier Bus Lines for the provision of passenger transport services expires on June 30, 2022, with council’s feedback to inform the future development of services in the region.”
“I feel leaving any decision to improve the service until mid-next year is highly unsatisfactory,” Ms Martin said.
“The Mount Gambier public bus service desperately needs a complete overhaul and must be funded and resourced now.”
Ms Martin hoped both Premier Marshall and Mr Wingard would accept the invitation to visit Mount Gambier.
“As South Australia’s second largest city, I believe residents and visitors should be able to access a standard of service far better than what is available to them today,” Ms Martin said.
“It was clear in the results presented in council’s submission to SAPTA that Mount Gambier has a public transport system which is grossly inadequate for a community of our size and demographic,” she said.
“There are many limitations in route coverage, operating days and times and frequency of schedules which inhibit reasonable access to key services, employment and social inclusion opportunities within our city. These limitations need to be addressed and improved.”
Ms Martin said the findings of the public bus service review were not a reflection on the local service provider Mount Gambier Bus Lines.
