Multi-million-dollar funding for Mount Barker bus service
The Mount Barker on-demand bus service will receive a $12.5 million boost in funding thanks to the State Budget.
So, what is the Mount Barker on-demand bus service?
Mount Barker residents would be familiar with this handy local transport option, which began as a trial in the Adelaide Hills town in 2020 and was expanded to include Littlehampton and Nairne a year later.
Minibuses pick up passengers from their homes, bus stops or other designated areas, and take them to their destinations within the serviced area.
Since the service began, more than half a million passenger trips have been recorded.
The service is operated by Keoride, and bookings can be made:
Wheelchair and pram-accessible pick-up vehicles are available.
Passengers can use their metroCard or tap-and-pay on board, or buy tickets on the Adelaide Metro Buy and Go app.
Like other forms of public transport, passengers using a metroCARD will have two hours from card validation to transfer to other Adelaide Metro services, including the local Park ‘n’ Rides for heading into the city.
The $12.5 million funding boost will be spread over the next five years and help transition the service from its trial phase to a permanent public transport fixture.
Upgrades will include the purchase of six new electric buses and the installation of charging facilities at the Mount Barker Depot.
The service operates on weekdays from 6am-9pm, and weekends and public holidays from 9am-7pm.
Where else?
Barossa Valley
Keoride operate a similar service in the Barossa Valley but it isn’t part of Adelaide Metro.
Trips are paid for:
- With your stored credit/debit card in the Keoride app
- By pre-purchased ride credit in the Keoride app
- By credit card online
- By phoning 1300 642 604.
The Barossa Valley service operates within the designated service area on weekdays from 8:30am-4pm, but not on weekends or public holidays.
Gawler
The Gawler on-demand service, run by Torrens Transit, is available to people in the Gawler area who live more than 500m from a fixed-route service.
Those who live within 500m of a fixed-route service can book an on-demand bus if:
- They have a medical exemption from their doctor
- They’re booking a trip outside the normal operating hours of the fixed-route services.
Bookings, at least one hour before pickup, can be made on the Torrens on Demand app via Google or Apple, or by phoning 1300 022 942.
Adelaide Metro fares apply and your metroCard can be used on board.
On-demand buses are available:
- Monday to Thursday 6am-7pm
- Friday 6am-10pm
- Saturday 9am-10pm
- Sunday 9am-3pm.