Buses in Adelaide

{{Short description|Adelaide buses information}} {{Use Australian English|date=May 2013}} {{Use dmy dates|date=March 2020}} {{Multiple issues| {{Expand lead|date= December 2025}} {{More references|date= December 2025}}}} {{Infobox public transit | name = Buses in Adelaide | image = Adelaide bus logo.svg | alt = Adelaide Metro bus logo | imagesize = 100px | image2 = Adelaide Metro Scania bus.jpg | alt2 = | imagesize2 = | caption2 = Torrens Transit Bustech bodied Scania K320UB at Paradise Interchange in September 2025 | image3 = Adelaide Metro artic at Riverlea.png | alt3 = | imagesize3 = | caption3 = Torrens Transit Custom Coaches bodied Scania K320UA in August 2023 | owner = Adelaide Metro | locale = Adelaide, South Australia | transit_type = Bus | lines = | stations = | daily_ridership = | annual_ridership = 46.4 million (2023–24)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indailysa.com.au/news/just-in/2024/11/01/public-transports-lingering-covid-hangover|title=Public transport’s lingering COVID hangover|website=InDaily SA|access-date=19 April 2025}}</ref> | chief_executive = | headquarters = | website = [http://adelaidemetro.com.au/ adelaidemetro.com.au] | began_operation =  | ended_operation =  | operator = {{plainlist|  *SouthLink (since 2000) *Torrens Transit (since 2000) *Torrens Connect (since 2020) *Busways (since 2020) }} | marks = | vehicles = | train_length = | headway = | system_length =  | map = | map_name = | map_state =  }}

'''Buses in Adelaide''' are the most extensive service provided by Adelaide Metro, which is the South Australian capital's public transport system. A large fleet of diesel, hybrid diesel-electric, and electric buses operate services. Bus routes typically terminate in the CBD or at a suburban interchange, in a network characterised by its radial nature. Buses sometimes get priority on roads and at intersections, with dedicated bus lanes and 'B'-light bus only phases at traffic lights.

==History== Buses in Adelaide have been known under several names. The State Transport Authority (STA) combined the metropolitan rail operations of the former South Australian Railways Commission with the bus and tram operations of the former Municipal Tramways Trust in December 1975. In July 1994, the STA was abolished and government public transport services were transferred to TransAdelaide, a publicly owned corporation.<ref>State Transport Authority (South Australia)</ref>

In 1995–96, there was a partial tendering out of bus services. TransAdelaide retained three contract regions, while Serco, in its first Australian bus operation, won two contract regions, and Hills Transit, a TransAdelaide company, won the Adelaide Hills operating contract.<ref name="Wallis 2001">{{cite journal|last=Wallis|first=Ian|author2=Bray, David|title=Competitive Tendering for Bus Services: The Improved Adelaide Model|journal=Thredbo Series|date=June 2001|url=http://ses.library.usyd.edu.au/bitstream/2123/6309/1/thredbo7-workshopA-Wallis-Bray.pdf|accessdate=18 September 2012}}</ref> Services were run and marketed under each operator's name, presenting a disjointed network to the public.

The 2000 round of tenders saw the end of TransAdelaide's (and therefore the Government's) direct operation of bus services in Adelaide, although it retained tram and rail services. Serco won the North–South, Outer North, and Outer North-East contract areas, Torrens Transit the east–west contract area and City Free services, Australian Transit Enterprises (ATE) trading as SouthLink the Outer South contract area, and Transitplus, a joint venture between ATE and TransAdelaide, the Hills Contract area.<ref name="Wallis 2001"/> At this time the Adelaide Metro brand was implemented across all transport operators,<ref name="Morgan">{{cite news |first=Peter |last=Morgan |title=A new deal on the buses |publisher=The Advertiser |date=2000-04-21}}</ref> appearing to the public as a unified network, with common livery, timetable designs and a city information centre.

== Fleet and vehicles == The Adelaide Metro bus fleet consists primarily of Scania L (4-series) (L94UB, L94UA) and K-series (K230UB, K280UB, K320UB, K320UA, K360UA) buses with various body styles from Custom Bus (CB60, CB60 Evo II, CB80) and BusTech (VST). There is also a significant number of older MAN buses of several models and with several bodies.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Australian Bus Fleet Lists - Admet Fleet Lists |url=https://fleetlists.busaustralia.com/adm.php?search=TTC |access-date=2025-03-26 |website=fleetlists.busaustralia.com}}</ref> Smaller numbers of other buses also service the network. Contract operators also own some vehicles, with Torrens Transit/Transit Systems having a diverse fleet of buses transferred from other operations around Australia.

As of 2020, deliveries of Scania K320UB hybrid diesel-electric buses with BusTech VST bodies. In September 2022, the Minister for Transport announced that the final pure diesel bus have been delivered, and that all future deliveries would be hybrid diesel-electric or full electric.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Post. Tom Koutsantonis MP |url=https://twitter.com/tkoutsantonismp/status/1575367433665523712 |access-date=2022-09-29 |website=Twitter |language=en}}</ref>

==Operators== Adelaide Metro buses are split up geographically into six contract regions.

The current contracts, awarded in March 2020, began on 5 July 2020 for a period of eight years.<ref name="Operators2020">{{cite web|url=https://indaily.com.au/news/local/2020/03/10/private-operators-named-for-adelaides-tram-network/|title=Private operators named for Adelaide's tram network|publisher=InDaily|date=10 March 2020|accessdate=10 March 2020}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable" ! Region ! Current Operator<ref name="Operators2020"/> ! Depot(s) ! Notes |- | North-South | Torrens Connect | Morphettville, Port Adelaide | Includes 300 Suburban Connector; formerly integrated bus and tram contract until August 2025 |- | East-West | Torrens Transit | Mile End, Newton | Includes Free City Connector services |- | Outer North East | Torrens Transit | St Agnes | Includes O-Bahn services |- | Outer South | Busways | Lonsdale, Seaford |All 700 services. |- | Outer North | Torrens Transit | Edinburgh North | |- | Hills | SouthLink | Aldgate, Mount Barker | Operates all 800 services. |}

Former operators which had operated Adelaide Metro services in the past but no longer operate in Adelaide are: *Light-City Buses - operated the North–South (including the 300 Suburban Connector) and Outer North East contract areas (including O-Bahn services) from 2011 until its purchase by Torrens Transit in 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.news.com.au/national/south-australia/torrens-transit-acquires-local-rival-light-city-buses/news-story/cbbdd92f307dfbbcc0fc472cf8a52bb4|title=Torrens Transit acquires local rival Light City Buses|publisher=News Pty Limited Australia|date=9 May 2018|accessdate=9 August 2018}}</ref><ref name=torrens>{{cite web|url=https://www.transitsystems.com.au/news/2018/6/4/lcb-acquisition|title=Torrens Transit acquires Light City Buses|publisher=Transit Systems|date=4 June 2018|accessdate=9 August 2018}}</ref> *Transitplus - operated the Hills contract area from 2000 until 2010 when joint owner TransAdelaide was abolished and services were taken over by joint owner Australian Transit Enterprises (SouthLink).<ref>SouthLink</ref> *Serco - operated the North-South, Outer North and Outer North East contract areas. Serco ended its contract in 2004, at the contracted half-term break-point. Outer North services were taken over by SouthLink while North-South and Outer North East services were taken over by Torrens Transit.

==System features==

===Go Zones=== Many arterial roads leading towards the city have several routes servicing them, allowing for high frequency with a maximum wait of 15 minutes between 7.30am and 6.30pm on weekdays and every 30 minutes at night on weekends until 10pm.<ref>{{cite web|title=Go-Zones|url=http://adelaidemetro.com.au/Timetables-Maps/Maps/Go-Zones|publisher=Adelaide Metro|accessdate=9 November 2014}}</ref> These are: {| | *Kensington Road *Lower North East Road/Payneham Road *Montacute Road/Payneham Road *Glen Osmond Road *The Parade/Rosslyn Park *Magill Road/Coorara Avenue *North East Road *Bridge Road/Walkleys Road *Para Hills/Kelly Road *Fairview Park *Tea Tree Gully *Hope Valley *Golden Grove | *Hampstead Road *Galway Avenue *Main North Road/Mawson Lakes Boulevard *Churchill Road *Prospect Road *Duthy Street *Unley Road *King William Road *Anzac Highway *South Road *Main South Road *Goodwood Road/Prospect Road *Marion Road *Winston Avenue | *Glenelg to Entertainment Centre *Crittenden Road/Tapleys Hill Road *Port Road *Richmond Road/Galway Avenue *Croydon Park *Torrens Road/Hawker Street *Liberty Grove *Hanson Road *Valetta Road/Ashley Street *Grange Road/West Lakes to Magill *Henley Beach Road/Torrensville *Henley Beach Road *Sir Donald Bradman Drive |}

There is a Mega Go Zone on the Adelaide O-Bahn which has a 15 minutes maximum wait, 7 days a week. Mega Go Zone buses service Tea Tree Plaza Interchange, Paradise Interchange, Klemzig Interchange and the city.<ref>{{cite web|title=Adelaide O-Bahn|url=http://adelaidemetro.com.au/Timetables-Maps/Special-Services/Adelaide-O-Bahn|publisher=Adelaide Metro|accessdate=9 November 2014}}</ref>

===Limited stop services=== {{Multiple image | align = right | direction = vertical | width = | image1 = Adelaide Metro electric bus 2026.jpg | caption1 = Torrens Transit Volgren bodied Scania K230EB electric bus in February 2026 | image2 = Light-City Buses Scania K230UB (BUS 1447).jpg | caption2 = Light-City Buses Custom Coaches bodied Scania K230UB in July 2014 }}

Limited stop services combine limited stops with express services to reach the outer metropolitan areas of Adelaide. Limited stop services include:

*{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#c28c85 | ftcolour=#000000 | rte=J1}} Elizabeth Interchange via O-Bahn, Golden Grove Village and Adelaide Airport *{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#ede300 | ftcolour=#000000 | rte=J2/C1/C2}} Greenwith via O-Bahn and Golden Grove Village *{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#d4a67c | ftcolour=#000000 | rte=500}} Elizabeth Interchange via O-Bahn, Ingle Farm and Interchange *{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#067fb1 | ftcolour=#ffffff | rte=501}} Mawson Interchange via O-Bahn, Ingle Farm and University of South Australia *{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#067fb1 | ftcolour=#ffffff | rte=502}} Salisbury via O-Bahn, Ingle Farm and Bridge Road *{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#6b2469 | ftcolour=#ffffff | rte=G40X}} Golden Grove Village to Flinders University via O-Bahn, City and Goodwood Road (Only operates during Flinders University semester) *{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#4c7322 | ftcolour=#ffffff | rte=M44}} Golden Grove Village to Marion Centre Interchange via O-Bahn, City and Marion Road *{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#ac6728 | ftcolour=#ffffff | rte=T721}} Noarlunga Centre via South Road *{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#b51f75 | ftcolour=#ffffff | rte=T722}} Seaford via South Road and Panatalinga Road *{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#ffc222 | ftcolour=#000000 | rte=T800}} Mount Barker via South Eastern Freeway *{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#817c00 | ftcolour=#ffffff | rte=T801}} Mount Barker via South Eastern Freeway and Mount Barker Road *{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#215352 | ftcolour=#ffffff | rte=T842}} Narnie via South Eastern Freeway and Mount Barker *{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#215352 | ftcolour=#ffffff | rte=T863}} Aldgate via South Eastern Freeway and Stirling

===Airport services===

[[File:Torrens Transit MAN NL202 CNG (BUS 1664).jpg|thumb|right|Torrens Transit Australian Bus Manufacturing bodied MAN NL202 on JetBus route J1 in June 2014]]

Buses are the only form of public transport serving the Adelaide Airport. Unlike cities such as Melbourne, regular Adelaide Metro services directly link the airport and the city. JetBus airport services were originally introduced in August 2005. These are direct routes that link Adelaide Airport with the city and other key destinations.<ref>{{cite web|title=JetBus Airport Service|url=http://adelaidemetro.com.au/Timetables-Maps/Special-Services/JetBus-Airport-Service|publisher=Adelaide Metro|accessdate=9 July 2014|archive-date=14 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714115139/http://adelaidemetro.com.au/Timetables-Maps/Special-Services/JetBus-Airport-Service|url-status=dead}}</ref> Services direct from the Airport to the CBD run frequently 7 days a week, while those to surrounding suburbs run infrequently and not at all on weekends.<ref>{{cite web |title=Adelaide Airport bus |url=https://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/plan-a-trip/visiting-adelaide/adelaide-airport-bus |website=Adelaide Metro |access-date=4 November 2025}}</ref> Some, but not all, buses are equipped with luggage storage space.

====Services to Adelaide CBD from Airport==== *{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#BF9F5D | ftcolour=#ffffff | rte=J1}} Glenelg Interchange to Elizabeth Interchange via Harbour Town Centre Interchange, Adelaide Airport and O-Bahn Busway **{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#BF9F5D | ftcolour=#ffffff | rte=J1A}} City to Adelaide Airport *{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#365C66 | ftcolour=#ffffff | rte=J2}} Glenelg Interchange to Greenwith via West Beach, Adelaide Airport and O-Bahn Busway

====Services to western and southern suburbs====

*{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#4CC7BC | ftcolour=#ffffff | rte=J7}} West Lakes Centre Interchange to Marion Centre Interchange via Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide Airport and Marion Road *{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#4DCD79 | ftcolour=#ffffff | rte=J8}} West Lakes Centre Interchange to Marion Centre Interchange via Torrens Road, Armada Arndale, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide Airport and Marion Road

===Free city services=== [[File:Adelaide Metro electric bus.jpg|thumb|right|Torrens Transit BusTech bodied Scania electric bus in December 2023]] Free City Connector buses are zero-fare, wheelchair-accessible circuit routes that service the Adelaide CBD and North Adelaide daily which are joint of initiative of Government of South Australia, Adelaide City Council and Adelaide Metro, on four routes:

*{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#62D520 | ftcolour=#ffffff | rte=98A}} {{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#62D520 | ftcolour=#ffffff | rte=98C}} City & North Adelaide Loop Bi-directional loop via North Terrace, Currie Street, Hutt Street, Halifax Street, Sturt Street, Grote Street, Morphett Street, Jeffcott Street, Ward Street, Hill Street, Tynte Street, Finiss Street and Frome Road. The 98A service is an anti-clockwise loop while the 98C is clockwise.<ref>Previously known as The Connector, the service makes also makes use of a Solar Bus, Tindo (Tindo stands for solar in the local Aboriginal language.</ref><ref name="Adelaide City Council 2014">{{cite web|title=Your Say Adelaide: New free City connector bus service|url=http://yoursay.adelaidecitycouncil.com/city-connector-bus|publisher=Adelaide City Council|accessdate=8 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222075212/http://yoursay.adelaidecitycouncil.com/city-connector-bus|archive-date=22 December 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> *{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#E90016 | ftcolour=#ffffff | rte=99A}} {{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#E90016 | ftcolour=#ffffff | rte=99C}} City Loop Bi-directional loop via North Terrace, Currie Street, Hutt Street, Halifax Street, Sturt Street, Grote Street, Victoria Square, King William Street. This service operated under the '99C' only and it was only in 2014 that the name change took place. The 99A service is an anti-clockwise loop while the 99C is clockwise.<ref name="Adelaide City Council 2014"/> *The 97A bus ran for a few months, so did the Beeline.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cityofadelaide.com.au/explore-the-city/city-travelling-transport/public-transport/free-public-transport-options|title=Trains, trams & buses}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2007-09-07/tram-to-replace-bee-line-bus-service/662874|title = Tram to replace Bee Line bus service|newspaper = ABC News|date = 7 September 2007}}</ref>

There is another free service which only runs during the Adelaide 500.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Superloop Adelaide 500 Free RAA Shuttle Service |url=https://superloopadl500.com.au/files/10119_superloop_adelaide_500_free_raa_shuttle_service.pdf?v=654 |access-date=March 31, 2025 |website=superloopadl500.com.au}}</ref>

===O-Bahn Busway=== [[File:O bahn adelaide sst.jpg|thumb|right|Pressed Metal Corporation South Australia bodied Mercedes-Benz O305G on the O-Bahn Bus in 1997]] {{Main|O-Bahn Busway}} The Adelaide Metro's most frequented route is the O-Bahn guided busway to Modbury carrying around 9 million passengers a year. It is the world's fastest and until 7 August 2011 the world's longest guided busway, with a maximum permitted speed of 100 km/h (62 mph) and a length of {{convert|12|km|mi|abbr=on}}. It has three stations, Klemzig Interchange, Paradise Interchange, and Tea Tree Plaza Interchange at the Modbury end. Buses leave the track at Paradise or Tea Tree Plaza to continue services on normal roads, eliminating the need for passenger transfer.

===After midnight services=== Available only on Saturday nights, these night services run from midnight until 5am Sunday morning, departing the City every hour.<ref>{{cite web|title=Free and special services|date=17 May 2021|url=https://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/plan-a-trip/free-and-special-transport|publisher=Adelaide Metro|accessdate=18 January 2022}}</ref>

*{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#F7BB00 | ftcolour=#000000 | rte=N1}} Tea Tree Plaza Interchange / Golden Grove Village Interchange to City via Golden Grove Road and O-Bahn **{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#F7BB00 | ftcolour=#000000 | rte=N1T}} City to Tea Tree Plaza Interchange *{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#7F5584 | ftcolour=#ffffff | rte=N10}} Marion Centre Interchange to City via Goodwood Road *{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#96974B | ftcolour=#ffffff | rte=N21}} City to Aberfoyle Hub via Goodwood Road and Marion Centre Interchange *{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#A07DC9 | ftcolour=#ffffff | rte=N22}} City to Wattle Park via The Parade *{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#E9000A | ftcolour=#ffffff | rte=N30}} West Lakes Centre Interchange to City via Military Road and Henley Beach Road *{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#00ADB0 | ftcolour=#ffffff | rte=N178}} Newton to City via Montacute Road and Payneham Road *{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#B7C7E6 | ftcolour=#000000 | rte=N202}} Ingle Farm to City via Hampstead Road and North East Road *{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#E9000A | ftcolour=#ffffff | rte=N224}} Gawler to City via Mawson Interchange and Main North Road *{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#8B89D5 | ftcolour=#ffffff | rte=N254}} Semaphore to City via Port Adelaide, Arndale Centre Interchange and Torrens Road *{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#A7E58E | ftcolour=#000000 | rte=N262}} Marion Centre Interchange to City via Glenelg and Anzac Highway *{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#067fb1 | ftcolour=#ffffff | rte=N502}} Salisbury Interchange via O-Bahn and Paradise Interchange *{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#0000CD | ftcolour=#ffffff | rte=N541}} Fairview Park via O-Bahn and Hancock Road *{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#2F4F4F | ftcolour=#ffffff | rte=N721}} Moana via Marion Centre Interchange and Reynella

===Adelaide Oval Footy Express=== Adelaide Metro provide services between Adelaide Oval and areas across South Australia. Tickets for the games also act as the ticket to travel free on any Adelaide Oval Footy Express bus, train or tram, in order to alleviate overcrowding on regular services. Most services offer early arrival times and some routes will have services that leave an hour after the final siren.<ref>{{cite web|title=Adelaide Oval Footy Express|url=http://adelaidemetro.com.au/Timetables-Maps/Special-Services/Adelaide-Oval-Footy-Express|publisher=Adelaide Metro|accessdate=9 July 2014|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140325235804/http://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/Timetables-Maps/Special-Services/Adelaide-Oval-Footy-Express|archivedate=25 March 2014}}</ref> The locations in metropolitan Adelaide include:

*{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#F48200 | ftcolour=#ffffff | rte=AO8}} Old Reynella Interchange to Adelaide Oval via Brighton station, Marion Centre Interchange and South Road *{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#9867BF | ftcolour=#ffffff | rte=AO10}} Aldgate to Adelaide Oval via South Eastern Freeway and Glen Osmond Road *{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#9E2118 | ftcolour=#ffffff | rte=AO12}} Athelstone to Adelaide Oval via Payneham Road *{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#00A83D | ftcolour=#ffffff | rte=AO13}} Burnside to Adelaide Oval via Greenhill Road *{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#D09FD2 | ftcolour=#000000 | rte=AO14}} Rosslyn Park to Adelaide Oval via The Parade *{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#F20087 | ftcolour=#ffffff | rte=AO15}} Mawson Interchange to Adelaide Oval via Main North Road *{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#F59900 | ftcolour=#ffffff | rte=AO16}} Rosewater to Adelaide Oval via Days Road and Torrens Road *{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#D5FA00 | ftcolour=#000000 | rte=AO17}} Port Adelaide and Outer Harbor to Adelaide Oval via Port Road *{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#00B953 | ftcolour=#ffffff | rte=AO18}} West Lakes Centre Interchange to Adelaide Oval via Grange Road *{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#8EAD0A | ftcolour=#000000 | rte=AO19}} Henley Beach to Adelaide Oval via Henley Beach Road *{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#543314 | ftcolour=#ffffff | rte=AO20}} Blair Athol to Adelaide Oval via Prospect Road *{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#F14100 | ftcolour=#ffffff | rte=AO24}} Mitcham Square to Adelaide Oval via Unley Road *{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#6F0078 | ftcolour=#ffffff | rte=AO25}} Mitcham Square to Adelaide Oval via Fullarton Road *{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#F23336 | ftcolour=#ffffff | rte=AO26}} Glenelg Interchange to Adelaide Oval via West Beach and Sir Donald Bradman Drive *{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#BF9F5D | ftcolour=#000000 | rte=AO27}} Elizabeth Interchange to Mawson Interchange via Salisbury Highway ''(transfer required)'' *{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#F9AF8F | ftcolour=#000000 | rte=AO28}} Salisbury North to Mawson Interchange via Paralowie ''(transfer required)'' *{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#F00000 | ftcolour=#ffffff | rte=AO29}} Davoren Park to Elizabeth Interchange via Smithfield station ''(transfer required)'' *{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#00BA3D | ftcolour=#ffffff | rte=AO30}} Aldinga to Noarlunga Centre Interchange via Seaford Interchange ''(transfer required)'' *{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#4135AC | ftcolour=#ffffff | rte=AOX1}} Greenwith to Adelaide Oval via O-Bahn *{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#F00000 | ftcolour=#ffffff | rte=AOX2}} St Agnes Depot to Adelaide Oval via O-Bahn *{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#1DCA33 | ftcolour=#ffffff | rte=AOX3}} Northgate to Adelaide Oval via Klemzig Interchange and O-Bahn *{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#A32BA6 | ftcolour=#ffffff | rte=AOX4}} Hope Valley to Adelaide Oval via Paradise Interchange and O-Bahn *{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#81008C | ftcolour=#ffffff | rte=AOX5}} Salisbury East to Adelaide Oval via Paradise Interchange and O-Bahn *{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#BE5EB6 | ftcolour=#ffffff | rte=AOX6}} Woodcroft Community Centre to Adelaide Oval via Main South Road *{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#694FB9 | ftcolour=#ffffff | rte=AOX7}} South Adelaide Football Club to Adelaide Oval via Main South Road *{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#848687 | ftcolour=#ffffff | rte=AOX9}} Mount Barker to Adelaide Oval via South Eastern Freeway *{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#4681D8 | ftcolour=#ffffff | rte=AOX15}} Elizabeth Shopping Centre to Adelaide Oval via Main North Road *{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#A9CE00 | ftcolour=#000000 | rte=AOX21}} Ottoway to Adelaide Oval via Arndale Centre Interchange and Hawker Street *{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#B6A8DF | ftcolour=#000000 | rte=AOX22}} Aberfoyle Hub to Adelaide Oval via Goodwood Road *{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#00933B | ftcolour=#ffffff | rte=AOX23}} Morphettville Depot to Adelaide Oval via Marion Road *{{AdelaideMetroBus | bgcolour=#AE7354 | ftcolour=#ffffff | rte=AOX31}} Oaklands Interchange to Adelaide Oval via Glenelg Oval and Anzac Highway

== Interchanges and Park and Rides == Connecting various routes and services throughout the transport network in Adelaide are several bus interchanges. These play a critical role in allowing for transfers between bus routes and some furthermore onto trains and trams. Interchanges are located in critical localities on the network where various routes meet. Since 2021, Adelaide Metro has worked to improve the signage throughout these various interchanges, with new totem style signs being implemented in all critical locations. {| class="wikitable" |+ !Interchange Name |- |Aberfoyle Hub Interchange |- |Arndale Centre Interchange |- |Blackwood Interchange |- |Colonnades Centre Interchange |- |Crafers Park and Ride |- |Elizabeth City Centre Interchange |- |Elizabeth Interchange |- |Flinders Medical Centre |- |Flinders University Interchange |- |Glenelg Interchange |- |Golden Grove Village Interchange |- |Golden Grove Park and Ride |- |Klemzig Interchange |- |Marion Centre Interchange |- |Mawson Interchange |- |Mount Barker (Dumas St Interchange) |- |Mount Barker (Dutton Rd Interchange) |- |Munno Para Interchange |- |Noarlunga Centre Interchange |- |Old Reynella Interchange |- |Paradise Interchange |- |Port Dock Interchange |- |Salisbury Centre Interchange |- |Salisbury Interchange |- |Seaford Interchange |- |Smithfield Interchange |- |Tea Tree Plaza Interchange |- |West Lakes Centre Interchange |}

==Experience with Contracted Bus Operations== {{POV section|date=December 2025|talk=Neutrality of “ Experience with Contracted Bus Operations”}} The tendering out of bus operations has been a bumpy ride for Adelaide commuters. The original 1996 partial service tendering saw services run and marketed under each operator's name, presenting a disjointed network to the public. The Adelaide Metro brand was created in 2000 to restore a unified face to the public.<ref name="Morgan"/>

Contract holder Serco withdrew in 2004, at the contracted half-term break-point, after failing to renegotiate its contract on better terms. Serco had previously informed the Minister for Transport that it was not willing to continue to operate the bus services for a further five years on the terms contained in the then existing Contract. Serco had made a submission to the Department of Transport and Urban Planning proposing to operate the bus services in the contract areas on new terms and conditions. This submission was rejected by the Department of Transport and Urban Planning. The company unsuccessfully rebid for the contract in the subsequent competition.<ref name="Wallis 2001"/><ref>{{cite web|last=Kain|first=Peter|title=AUSTRALIAN AND BRITISH EXPERIENCES WITH COMPETITIVE TENDERING IN RAIL OPERATIONS|url=https://ses.library.usyd.edu.au/bitstream/handle/2123/5896/1-02;jsessionid=3BB3B0E08C0BEB0CAD3E6340CA94267F?sequence=1|accessdate=18 September 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121202085430/http://ses.library.usyd.edu.au/bitstream/2123/5896/1/1-02|archive-date=2 December 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Light-City Buses was awarded two of Adelaide's six public bus contract regions commencing operation in October 2011, taking over the North South and Outer North East Contract Areas from Torrens Transit. These two contract regions cover 43% of the bus services in Adelaide,<ref name="ReportToParliment">[http://www.parliament.sa.gov.au/HOUSEOFASSEMBLY/BUSINESSOFTHEASSEMBLY/RECORDSANDPAPERS/TABLEDPAPERSANDPETITIONS/Pages/TabledPapersandPetitions.aspx?TPLoadDoc=true&TPDocType=0&TPP=52&TPS=1&TPItemID=618&TPDocName=Adelaide%2BMetro%2BBus%2BContracts.pdf Minister for Transport - Report on the Adelaide Metro Bus Service Contracts] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219012126/http://www.parliament.sa.gov.au/HOUSEOFASSEMBLY/BUSINESSOFTHEASSEMBLY/RECORDSANDPAPERS/TABLEDPAPERSANDPETITIONS/Pages/TabledPapersandPetitions.aspx?TPLoadDoc=true&TPDocType=0&TPP=52&TPS=1&TPItemID=618&TPDocName=Adelaide+Metro+Bus+Contracts.pdf |date=19 December 2013 }}, August 2011, retrieved 2011-12-03.</ref> valued at $567 million over the eight-year life of the contracts.<ref name="TransfieldContract">[http://www.transfieldservices.com/page/News_Centre/News/2011/Transfield_Services_awarded_567_million_Adelaide_metropolitan_bus_contract/ Transfield Services awarded $567 million Adelaide metropolitan bus contract] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120427095035/http://www.transfieldservices.com/page/News_Centre/News/2011/Transfield_Services_awarded_567_million_Adelaide_metropolitan_bus_contract/ |date=27 April 2012 }}, Friday, 29 April 2011, retrieved 2011-12-03.</ref> The contracts are in place for an initial eight-year term, from 2 October 2011 to 30 June 2019 with an option to extend for a further four years, subject to government approval.<ref name="ReportToParliment"/> Since the start of operations of bus services by Light-City Buses in October 2011 service interruptions and delays which were initially dismissed as teething problems have continued to frustrate commuters.<ref name=AdelaideNowOct27>{{cite news | last = Kelton | first = Sam |title=Minister admits there are still 'teething problems' with Adelaide's bus service|url=http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/anger-mounts-at-late-bus-runs/story-e6frea6u-1226177733984 | date = 27 October 2011|newspaper=AdelaideNow|accessdate=2012-01-22}}</ref><ref name=SenstaionalAdelaide>{{cite web|title=Major issues with new Bus Operator Transfield|url=http://www.sensational-adelaide.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=3592&sid=37d0c289b3af2fc701a63ac7d29a5d36|date=October–December 2011|publisher=Sensational Adelaide Web Forum|accessdate=2012-01-22}}{{dead link|date=July 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Transfield has claimed most of the problems have been resolved and they are working on resolving the rest, however in May 2012, Transport Services minister Chloë Fox imposed a fine of $121,000 for failing to meet Performance Benchmark Targets:<ref name=TheAdvertiser>{{cite web|last=Kelton|first=Sam|title=Bus operator Transfield criticised for late and absent services|url=http://origin.fw.theaustralian.com.au/transfield-admits-issues-with-keeping-city-buses-on-time/story-e6frea83-1226158897624|date=6 October 2011|publisher=The Australian|accessdate=2012-01-22}}{{dead link|date=July 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

* Transfield performed "significantly worse" than the other two companies operating contracted buses in Adelaide in reaching its contractual benchmarks.<ref name=MinisterPressReleaseFines>{{cite web|last=Fox|first=Chloë|title=BUS CONTRACTORS PENALISED FOR PERFORMANCE|url=http://www.ministers.sa.gov.au/images/news_releases/12_05May/Bus%20contracts.pdf|date=2 May 2012|publisher=Government of South Australia|accessdate=2012-06-13}}{{dead link|date=July 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> * The number of Transfield buses running on time from 1 January – 31 March 2012 ranged from as low as 51.6% on Transfield North South contract region to 66.9% on the Outer North East region. Transfield was fined $121,000 for late running buses services as a result.<ref name=MinisterPressReleaseFines/> * In the 1 April – 30 June 2012 period Transfield, on-time running increased only marginally to 52.2% for the North South contract region and 71.3% for the Outer North East contract region. Transfield was fined $70,000 for its poor on-time running performance.<ref>{{cite news | last = Milnes | first = Michael |title=Buses on schedule just half of the time | newspaper = Adelaidenow |url=http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/national/buses-on-time-half-the-time-review/story-fndo1gb8-1226452525679| date = 17 August 2012|publisher=Adelaide Now|accessdate=2012-08-23}}</ref>

Transfield have said that new timetables in July 2012 should help get buses running on time.

The negative experience following this latest change of operators reflects the advice given to the Government in 2009, when it was recommended that contracts should be extended by negotiation, rather than re-tendered.<ref>{{cite web|last=Washington|first=David|title=No more blood out of this stone|url=http://flindersindaily.flinders.edu.au/?xml=Flinders_V2&iid=68111#folio=1|publisher=Flinders Indaily|accessdate=4 October 2012}}</ref> The expert advice was based on: * the efficiency of existing tender prices * the incumbent operators' service quality performance * the incumbent operators' entrepreneurship in regards to service development<ref name="Wallis 2009">{{cite journal|last=Wallis|first=Ian|author2=Bray, D|author3=Webster, H|title=TO COMPETITIVELY TENDER OR TO NEGOTIATE - WEIGHING UP THE CHOICES IN A MATURE MARKET|journal=11th Conference on Competition and Ownership in Land Passenger Transport|date=September 2009}}</ref>

The expert advice stated that: * there are significant risks in any transition from one operator to another, including public uncertainty and staff unrest, * there would be difficulties inherent in 'unpicking' the then current network structure and timetables, * any change in operators was likely to present considerable risks, such as reduced service quality, reduced patronage growth, and limited benefits.<ref name="Wallis 2009"/>

The South Australian Government went ahead with tenders in 2010. As noted above, the resultant change of operator from the incumbent Torrens Transit to Light-City Buses in the North South and Outer North East Contract Areas has seen many of the warnings given come to fruition.

Professor David Hensher, Director of the Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies at the University of Sydney, has commented that while three rounds of competitive tendering in Adelaide had ironed out the cost inefficiencies and lack of service incentives under the previous public monopoly model,{{cquote|all the research on competitive tendering versus negotiated performance-based contracts is showing that one cannot squeeze any more out of the cost efficiency stone after three rounds and the risk of declines in service quality is real if this is pushed|author=David Hensher|source=<ref name="Washington"/>}} It is not just service performance which is suffering; Government data shows a steady increase in patronage over the first two complete rounds of competitive tendering, followed by a sharp drop-off in the past two years.<ref name="Washington">{{cite web|last=Washington|first=David|title=Government bus strategy wrong: researcher|url=http://flindersindaily.flinders.edu.au/ipad/?xml=Flinders_V2&iid=68158#|accessdate=4 October 2012}}</ref>

==References== {{reflist}}

==External links== *[http://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/ Adelaide Metro] *[https://web.archive.org/web/20050205211219/http://www.opt.dtup.sa.gov.au/ Office of Public Transport]

Category:Bus transport in South Australia Category:Free public transport