The South Australian Government is seeking proposals for trials to explore ‘demand responsive’ transport services to better integrate its public transport network.
Proposals are being sought through a selected market approach and the overarching objective is to improve SA’s understanding of new flexible, demand responsive mobility and other emerging transport models which could improve customer outcomes.
SA Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government, Stephan Knoll, said the trial marks an attempt by the State Government to deliver public transport reform, drive patronage and make services more customer-focused.
“We know that overall public transport patronage has been declining over the last three years,” Mr Knoll said.
“Adelaide also has one of the worst levels of integration across our public transport network – our reforms will look to turn this around.
“The future of transport will look very different and people are continually wanting greater flexibility and mobility to get them where they need to go.”
Mr Knoll said that this change was evident in the emergence of ride sharing services and the injection of electric scooters in Adelaide’s CBD.
“Demand responsive transport trials provide an opportunity to better integrate our different modes of public transport,” he said.
“Demand responsive services are more flexible and could pick up passengers from locations that may not be well serviced by the existing network – effectively like Uber for buses.
“These services can help to increase patronage on the existing public transport network by helping people access our train, tram and key bus routes like the O-Bahn.
“Demand responsive services also provide passengers with a faster and more personalised service.
“These trials will look at managing the real time movement of vehicles and passengers, in a similar way to ridesharing services.”
To encourage innovation DPTI will consider contributing funding utilising the South Australian Government’s Future Mobility Lab (FML) Fund.
