South Australia’s mid-year budget has added $20 million in state funding to buy three new trams, and build a new stop on Adelaide’s light rail line.
The funding will help minimise future disruption at Festival Plaza as the state delivers its planned AdeLINK tram network, treasurer Tom Koutsantonis said.
“The new trams and additional stop we are announcing today come after the Government committed to a $50 million tram extension along North Terrace to the East End as part of the State Budget handed down in July,” the treasurer explained.
“This announcement builds on that commitment, which is the first stage of the AdeLINK tram network and part of the State Government’s plan to massively expand our tram network to the north, south, east and west.”
He said expanding the state’s tram fleet would ensure Adelaide Metro can cater for further increases in patronage once new extensions are completed at the end of next year, weather permitting.
With three new trams added to the existing fleet of 21, a 10-minute free shuttle service could transport more than 2000 people an hour between the educational, cultural health and entertainment precincts along the Riverbank, the treasurer calculated.
Transport and infrastructure minister Stephen Mullighan said an expanded tram network would attract investment, boost economic growth and encourage urban renewal and jobs.
“While a majority of benefit will be to public transport customers, expanding our tram network will also play a crucial role in addressing the congestion challenges we face across the metropolitan area,” Mullighan said.
Adelaide Lord Mayor Martin Haese noted the AdeLINK plan would also contribute to the local and state government’s “mutual” aim to make Adelaide a carbon neutral city by 2025.