Tramways revival in Adelaide: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|Modernisation of Adelaide's trams}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2011}}
{{Use Australian English|date=OctoberDecember 20112023}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 20112020}}
 
{{Infobox rail line
| name = Tramways revival in Adelaide<br />since&nbsp;2005
| image= File:Flexity and Citadis trams cross on Glenelg line reserved track, 24 Jan 2015 (Henk Graalman).jpg
| image= File:AECExtensionCitadisFlexity.jpg
| caption =<br />The two models of tram leadingintroduced thefor Adelaide's tramways revival: 200&nbsp;Series,&nbsp;[[Alstom Citadis]] (left) and&nbsp;100&nbsp;Series,&nbsp;[[Bombardier Flexity Classic#Adelaide|Bombardier Flexity Classic]].<br, />Aton the newly{{convert|9.25|km|mi|abbr=off}} openedreserved Adelaideline Entertainment&nbsp;Centre&nbsp;stop,between MayAdelaide 2010.and Glenelg
<!-- OVERVIEW -->
| type = [[Tram|Street tram]] operation on new lines, [[light rail]] on pre-existing (mostly&nbsp;reserved)&nbsp;line
| status = Operational
| routes = Extended from [[Victoria Square, Adelaide]] through [[Adelaide City Centre|Adelaide's city centre]] to:<br />{{bulleted list|[[North Terrace, Adelaide|North&nbsp;Terrace]] just beyond the Morphett Street overpass (October 2007)|from there to the [[Adelaide Entertainment Centre]] on [[Port Road, Adelaide|Port Road]], [[Hindmarsh, South Australia|Hindmarsh]] (March 2010)|along North Terrace past the cultural precinct to near [[East Terrace, Adelaide|East Terrace]] and the [[Adelaide Botanic Garden|Botanic Garden]] (October 2018) |along [[King William Road, Adelaide|King William Road]] past the [[Adelaide Festival Centre]] towards [[River Torrens#Bridges|City Bridge]] (October 2018).}}
| ridership2 = About 109.5 million per year before Covid-19 pandemic; about 7.5 million since
| website = https://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/timetables/trams
<!-- OPERATION & TECHNICAL -->
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{{Infobox
| bodyclass = mw-collapsible mw-collapsed
| abovestyle = font-size:88%; background-color:#ddd;
| above = {{resize|114%|<br />Operational and<br />technical<br />information}}
| bodystyle = {{subinfobox bodystyle}}
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| data3 = Morphett Road, [[Glengowrie]]<br />{{coord| 34.976952|S|138.536976|E|format=dms}}
| label4 = Rolling<br />stock
| data4 = {{bulleted list|From 2006: fifteen&nbsp;100 Series – ''[[Tram types in Adelaide#Adelaide trams of the 21st century#100 Series (Bombardier Flexity Classic)|Bombardier Flexity Classic]]''|From 2010: nine&nbsp;200 Series – ''[[Tram types in Adelaide#Adelaide trams of the 21st century #200 Series (Alstom Citadis 302)|Alstom Citadis 302]]''| 2006–2015: Decreasing numbers of 300 Series (previously classified [[H type Adelaide tram|Type&nbsp;H]]) in 2006, then two&nbsp;until 2015.}}
| label5 = Line length
| data5 = 4.2&nbsp;km (2.6&nbsp;mi) of extensions to pre-existing line of 10.8&nbsp;km (6.7&nbsp;mi), totalling 16.25&nbsp;km (10.10&nbsp;mi). All&nbsp;double.
Line 35 ⟶ 36:
}}
| map = {{Glenelg Tram |inline=yes}}
| map_state = collapseduncollapsed
}}
 
''This article – one of several about Adelaide’s trams – describes the development of new tram lines and operation of new trams since 2005. ToLinks seeto where this subject fits within the wider context ofan [[trams in Adelaide|overview]], and aother linkarticles to a less detailed overview article, click ''<kbd>[<span style="color: #0645AD">{{larger|show}}</span>]</kbd>are ''in the following panel.''
{{Quote box
|title = Links to other articles<br />about trams in Adelaide
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The overview article about Adelaide's trams is ''[[Trams in Adelaide|Trams &nbsp;in&nbsp;Adelaide]]''.
 
Other comprehensive articles are: <br />{{bulleted list|[[Tram types in Adelaide]] (1878–)|[[Horse trams in Adelaide|Horse trams era]] (1878–1914) |[[Glenelg tram line|Glenelg ("South Terrace") line]] (1873–)| [[Municipal Tramways Trust]] (1907–1975) – includes the electric street network (1909–1958)|[[W. G. T. Goodman|W.G.T. Goodman, General Manager MTT]] (1907–1950)|[[State Transport Authority (South Australia)|State Transport Authority]] (1975–1994) |[[TransAdelaide]], branded as [[Adelaide Metro]] from 2000 (1994–2010)|[[Department offor Planning, TransportInfrastructure and InfrastructureTransport]], branded as [[Adelaide Metro]] (2010–) |[[Trolleybuses in Adelaide]] (1937–1963).}}<br />Another comprehensiveA Wikipediarelated article is ''[[Tramway Museum, St Kilda]]''. The museum's collection, much of it operational, includes almost every type of tram that ran in Adelaide in the 20th century.}}
|align = left
|width = 300px
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{{clear left}}
 
The city of '''[[Adelaide]]’s''' had an extensive tramway system running to most of its suburbs. The tram services started with horse trams that from 1878 ran on a network of lines extending eventually to about 100&nbsp;km (62&nbsp;mi) in length. Thirty-one years later, starting in 1909, the lines were upgraded and electrified. Forty-nine years after that, in 1958, all street tramlines were closed, leaving only the [[Glenelg tram line]] operating. In 2005, major investments in infrastructure and modern trams inaugurated what has becomebecame a ''' tramways revival''', leading to a 50&nbsp;per cent increase in the route length of the city's tramways.
 
==Before the revival==
After the closure of all Adelaide street tram services, the sole surviving route was the 10.8&nbsp;km (6.7&nbsp;mi) [[Glenelg tram line]] (also known colloquially as the "Bay line"), extending south-west from Adelaide's centre to the beachside suburb of [[Glenelg, South Australia|Glenelg]]. It ran on its own [[Right-of-way (transportation)|reservation]] as a [[light rail]] line except for a [[Street running|street-running]] section about 750&nbsp;metres (820&nbsp;yards) long at each end. Lack of funds to redevelop the reservation into a roadway prompted a decision to keep the line operating for a further ten years until it reached the end of its economic life. Track deteriorated, the condition of the 1929-vintage tramcars declined, and for a time it appeared that part of the line might be resumed for a freeway.<ref>{{cite journal |last= Radcliffe |first= J.C. |title= The Glenelg line – Australia’sAustralia's first LRT |journal= Trolley Wire |publisher= Australian Electric Traction Association|location= Sutherland, NSW|date= December 1979|issue= 185 |page= 5}}</ref> However, the line received a major upgrade and trams were refurbished in the early 1970s. Throughout the period, the trams provided a reliable service and enjoyed widespread affection in the community.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-12-01/why-was-adelaides-tram-network-ripped-up-in-the-1950s/9205768 |title= Why was Adelaide's tram network ripped up in the 1950s? |last= Prosser |first= Candice |date= 1 December 2017 |website= Curious Adelaide |publisher= [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] |access-date= 24 March 2018 }}</ref>
 
After 49 years of uncertainty, the future of the line was secured in 2005, when a major engineering upgrade commenced. In 2006 new trams were delivered to replace the [[H type Adelaide tram|Type&nbsp;H]] trams that had served the route for 77&nbsp;years. In 2007 the first route extension, along the main artery of [[Adelaide city centre|Adelaide's city centre]], was undertaken. In readiness for a rise in patronage, more trams were delivered. As of 2019 the number of new trams was 24, further route extensions had been built, and [[#Plans for further route extensions|two more were being investigated]].
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[[File: Flexity tram testing switch assemblies at Glengowrie depot, April 2006.jpg|thumb|To minimise derailments in the open (non-grooved) trackwork, new switch blades were configured so that the narrowest parts were firmly supported regardless of the direction in which they were set. In April 2006, on temporary track at the Glengowrie depot a 100&nbsp;Series tram was used in verifying the new configuration.|250px]]
 
In 2003 the newly elected Labor [[Rann Governmentgovernment|minorityLabor government]] announced the revitalisation of the Glenelg tram line and its intent to purchase modern low-floor vehicles to operate the line.<ref name= "Barry&Haskard">{{cite web |url= http://www.cotma.org.au/documents/adelaide_2012/Randall%20Barry%20&%20Peter%20Haskard%20-%20Adelaide%27s%20new%20electric%20trains.pdf |title= Adelaide's new trams: tramcar procurement projects 2004–2010 |last1= Barry |first1= Randall |last2= Haskard |first2= Peter |date= 17 August 2012 |website= Council of Australian Tramway Museums of Australasia |publisher= Department for Planning, Transport and Infrastructure |access-date= 25 June 2018 }}</ref>{{rp|40}}
 
The first step in the tramways revival was a major upgrade to track and other infrastructure on the Glenelg line costing $22&nbsp;million, which occurred in 2005–2006.
 
Coleman Rail<ref group="note">At the time of the Glenelg tram line upgrade and construction of the new line to City West, Coleman Rail Pty Ltd, a private Australian construction company, was a business within the Victorian family-run engineering group Geotech Holdings, which in turn was acquired by Spanish infrastructure group [[Acciona]] in 2017. The company designed and constructed the rebuilding of the line from Glenelg to Victoria Square. It also designed and constructed the subsequent new line from Victoria Square to City West on North Terrace.</ref> extensively upgraded 10 kilometres of track; re-built 9 road crossings; built 18&nbsp;raised-platform tram stops and 41&nbsp;pedestrian crossings with access mazes and ramps; upgraded electrical and signalling systems, four 600V&nbsp;DC converter stations, a new traction power side -feeder system and overhead wiring; and altered the Glengowrie maintenance depot to accommodate the new trams on order. Overall design, construction, commissioning, and driver and operator training were conducted over a 38-week period.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.acciona.com.au/projects/construction/railways-and-tunnels/glenelg-tram-line-extension/ |title= Glenelg tram line extension |date= 2008 |website= Acciona Australia |publisher= Acciona Australia |access-date= 24 March 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.colemanrail.com.au/about-us/our-history |title= Our history |author=<!--Not stated--> |date= 2018 |website= Coleman Rail |publisher= Coleman Rail Pty Ltd |access-date= 22 June 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.afr.com/business/infrastructure/spains-acciona-doubles-australian-business-with-geotech-acquisition-20170308-guu2as |title= Spain's Acciona doubles Australian business with Geotech acquisition |author=<!--Not stated--> |date= 9 March 2017 |website= The Australian Financial Review |access-date= 22 June 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://abns.com.au/coleman-rail/ |title= Coleman Rail |author=<!--Not stated--> |date= 20 December 2015 |website= Australian Business News Source |access-date= 22 June 2018 }}</ref><ref group=Four "note">Ayears replacementlater, bridgein 2009, a major choke point where the tramline crosses diagonally over a four-way intersection of South Road and Cross Road was completedameliorated inwhen 2009a bridge for South Road vehicular traffic was built over the intersection.<ref group="note">{{coord| -34.9672| 138.5729|format=dms}}</ref>
 
By the time the new trams were delivered, the line's [[H type Adelaide tram|Type&nbsp;H]] "Glenelg trams" were 77 years old. After some months of joint operation as the new trams were brought on line, 17 were sold or donated. The remaining five were refurbished in 2000 and two of those ran351 occasionallyand until352 2015,(formerly after367) – received a further refurbishment in 2012–13 in anticipation of occasional revenue operation, which occurred until 2015 when they were storedput into storage.<ref>"Here & There", ''Trolley Wire'' issue 352, February 2018, page 19</ref> The [[Department for Infrastructure and Transport]] donated the two to the Tramway Museum, St Kilda in 2021.<ref>{{cite magazine |title =St Kilda |last =Seymour|first=Colin |date=February 2022|magazine= Trolley Wire |location =Sutherland, New South Wales |publisher=South Pacific Electric Railway Co-operative Society Limited |issue=368|issn=0155-1264 |page=38}}</ref>
 
''Article on the Glenelg trams: [[H type Adelaide tram|Tram types: Type&nbsp;H (later classified 300 Series)]]''
 
==2005–2012: 100 Series (Bombardier Flexity Classic) tram deliveries==
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[[File:Bombardier Flexity Classic tram delivery on low loader, Hindmarsh, Adelaide, 2006.jpg|thumb|250px| A [[Bombardier Flexity Classic]] tram is delivered to tracks outside the Adelaide Entertainment Centre in 2006.]]
 
''These trams are detailed in the article: [[Tram types in Adelaide#Adelaide trams of the 21st century#100 Series (Bombardier Flexity Classic)|Tram types in Adelaide (100&nbsp;Series)]]''
 
The contract for nine new [[Bombardier Flexity Classic]] trams was awarded to [[Bombardier Transportation]] in September 2004. The first was delivered in November 2005 and the remainder – except for one badly damaged in transit, subsequently replaced – between January and September 2006.<ref>"Adelaide news", ''Trolley Wire'' issue 307 November 2006 page 26</ref> Designated as the 100&nbsp;Series, the trams progressively replaced, in 2006, the 21 Type&nbsp;H trams remaining in service out of the original 30 that with a few rare exceptions had operated the Glenelg service exclusively since 1929.<ref name="TransAdelaide">[https://web.archive.org/web/20051217101048/http://www.transadelaide.com.au/transadelaide_info/trams.htm TransAdelaide trams information]</ref>
 
Following the decision to extend the line from [[Victoria Square, Adelaide|Victoria Square]] along [[King William Street, Adelaide|King William Street]], a further two [[Bombardier Flexity Classic]]s were ordered in 2005.<ref>[http://www.dpc.sa.gov.au/documents/rendition/B19220 Cabinet, Subjects for Consideration, 8 August 2004] Department of the Premier & Cabinet</ref><ref>[http://www.trammuseumadelaide.com/413634112 City West to Glenelg Service], Tramway Museum, St Kilda</ref> They arrived in the first half of 2007.<ref>"Adelaide – another Flexity enters service", ''Trolley Wire"'', issue 309, May 2007, page 16</ref> The replacement for the tram damaged before delivery arrived in June.<ref>"Adelaide: last Flexity arrives", ''Trolley Wire"'', issue 310, August 2007</ref>
 
After the route had been extended through the city centre, the service became very popular: in the three months from November 2007 to the end of January 2008, more than 100,000 extra trips had been taken than in the same period in the previous year. Intensive overcrowding occurred, and many passengers were unable to board trams during peak hours.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,23228882-2682,00.html |publisher=The Advertiser (Adelaide) – News Corporation |accessdateaccess-date=2008-02-19 |title=On track for future extension | first=Matt | last=Williams | date=16 February 2008}}{{subscription required}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,23031415-5006301,00.html |publisher=The Advertiser (Adelaide) – News Corporation |accessdateaccess-date=2008-02-19 |title=Trams may be s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-d to beat overcrowding | first=Lauren | last=Novak | date=9 January 2008}}</ref> The route extension was also blamed for increased traffic congestion in the city, although no quantitative evidence was advanced.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/10/29/2072918.htm |publisher=ABC News |accessdateaccess-date=2008-02-19 |title=Authorities deny tram causing congestion }}{{subscription required}}</ref>
 
In 2016 the [[Stephen Mullighan|transport minister]] said public perception of trams returning to Adelaide had changed:<blockquote>"When we announced in 2005 that we would be extending the Glenelg tram past Victoria Square to the railway station there were howls of protest against it. I think we've managed to completely flip the public debate from being against these sorts of projects to be being very strongly in favour."<ref>{{cite news |first= Sam |last=Kelton |title=AdeLINK: State Government, councils, transport experts meet to discuss Adelaide tram network |url=http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/adelink-state-government-councils-transport-experts-meet-to-discuss-adelaide-tram-network/news-story/2892958c126f6d1b24151e3590f41caa |work=Adelaide Now|publisher=The Advertiser (Adelaide) – News Corporation |date=21 April 2016 |accessdateaccess-date=10 May 2018}}{{subscription required}}</ref></blockquote>
 
In the hot Adelaide summer, passengers complained about the inadequacy of air conditioning in the new trams, which originally had been flagged for use in Frankfurt; many of the floor-mounted vents were more suited to heating than cooling. It was found that equipment on the roof and in the undercarriage was overheating and airflow over the outside radiators was inadequate.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.railpage.com.au/f-t11365385.htm |title= Train air conditioning |date= 15 December 2011 |website= Railpage |access-date= 24 March 2018 }}</ref> The air conditioning was progressively upgraded.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.railpage.com.au/f-p1376298.htm |title= (Adelaide) Tram suggestions, my observations |date= 28 October 2009 |website= Railpage |access-date= 24 March 2018 }}</ref>
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[[File: Tram track construction in King William St, near Waymouth St, Adelaide, 20 May 2007.jpg|thumb|Track construction (as here in King William Street, May 2007) affected public support for trams but soon after services began, passenger numbers exceeded the trams' capacity.|250px]]
 
The next step in Adelaide's tramways revival was a 1.2&nbsp;km (0.75&nbsp;mi) extension northwards from the Glenelg line terminus in Victoria Square along [[King William Street, Adelaide|King William Street]] into [[North Terrace, Adelaide|North&nbsp;Terrace]]. Mid-street stops were built in King William Street and, in North Terrace, at [[Adelaide railway station]] and the [[University of South Australia]] western city campus 500 metres (550 yards) further west ({{coord| 34.9179|S|138.5878|E|format=dms}}) – called the "City West" terminus for the time being. The previous Victoria Square terminus, in the centre of the square, had been pulled up and reconstructed on the western side, opening in August 2007. The whole extension was opened in October, enabling through services from Glenelg to the new terminus via the city's principal retail precinct. Fare-free travel was introduced on the new lines within the city centre and from Victoria Square to South Terrace.<ref>"Adelaide's Tramway Extension Opens", ''Trolley Wire'', issue 311, November 2007 pages 3–8</ref><ref>[http://www.abc.net.au/news/2007-10-14/official-opening-for-tram-extension/697752 Official opening for tram extension] ''[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]]'' 14 October 2007</ref>
 
Initially the extension was received poorly, but trams quickly became crowded, with patronage levels well above pre-upgrade levels (see the ''[[# Patronage|patronage]]'' panel below).<ref name= "Barry&Haskard"/>{{rp|48}}
 
The case for further tramway extensions became the subject of public debate. The South Australian [[Jane Lomax-Smith|tourism minister]] supported the line being extended to [[North Adelaide]] and [[Prospect, South Australia|Prospect]]. Transport Minister [[Patrick Conlon (politician)|Patrick Conlon]], however, considered the idea impracticable,<ref>{{cite news |first= Craig |last=Bildstien |title=Minister 'mortified' by ruling on trams |url=http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,21101060-910,00.html |work=Adelaide Now|publisher=[[News Limited]] |date=23 January 2007 |accessdateaccess-date=2007-02-11}}{{subscription required}}</ref> and preferred to have a fare-free city loop.<ref name="Theadvertiser20070219">{{cite news|work=The Advertiser (Adelaide) – News Corporation |publisher=News Limited|date=19 February 2007 |title=Free tram network 'to drive city's future |pages=2}}{{subscription required}}</ref>
 
==2009 and 2017: 200 Series (Alstom Citadis 302) tram deliveries==
''These trams are detailed in the article: [[Tram types in Adelaide#Adelaide trams of the 21st century#200 Series (Alstom Citadis 302)|Tram types in Adelaide (200&nbsp;Series)]]''
 
{| class="wikitable floatleft mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="margin:0.5em auto; width:35%; font-size: 86%; margin-left:1em; margin-right:2em; margin-bottom:1em"
|-
!scope="col" width="30%"|Flexity Classic and Citadis 302 specifications&nbsp;compared<ref name= "DPTI COTMA 2012">{{cite web |url= http://www.cotma.org.au/documents/adelaide_2012/Randall%20Barry%20&%20Peter%20Haskard%20-%20Adelaide%27s%20new%20electric%20trains.pdf |title= Adelaide's new trams: tramcar procurement projects 2004–2010 |last1= Barry |first1= Randall |last2= Haskard |first2= Peter |date= 17 August 2012 |website= Council of Tramway Museums of Australasia |publisher= Department for Planning, Transport and Infrastructure |access-date= 25 June 2018 }}</ref>{{rp|56}}
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[[File:Alstom Citadis 302 tram for Adelaide on Melbourne wharf, 2009.jpg|thumb|Three segments of an [[Alstom Citadis]] 302 tram on a Melbourne wharf, next to the vessel ''Tomar'', on arrival from Spain in 2009.|250px]]
 
In mid-2008 the state government issued an international tender call for new or second hand trams in anticipation of the next route extension. Soon, 23 almost new trams were found in [[Madrid]]. The city had been in the process of installing new light rail infrastructure but the [[Financial crisis of 2007–2008|Global Financial Crisis]] had caused it to cut back on its plans, resulting in surplus rolling stock.<ref name= "Barry&Haskard"/>{{rp|48, 49}} They were five-segment [[Alstom Citadis|Citadis 302]] models manufactured by [[Alstom]] for the [[Metro Ligero]] in Madrid. The [[Patrick Conlon (politician)|transport minister]] said that although the $6&nbsp;million cost for each tram was about the same as buying them new, their prompt arrival would help to avoid capacity problems with the forthcoming route extension. He added that the trams had been built for Madrid's hot climate and the air conditioning was "as good as it gets". The government purchased six of the trams in July 2009.<ref>{{cite news |last= Castello |first= Renato |title= European trams to bolster our City-Glenelg fleet |url= https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/european-trams-to-bolster-our-city-glenelg-fleet/story-e6frea83-1225715245207 |accessdateaccess-date= 27 October 2013 |newspaper= The Advertiser (Adelaide) – News Corporation |date=24 May 2009}}{{subscription required}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last= Fenton |first= AndewAndrew |title= Six new trams for Adelaide-ex-Madrid |url= https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/six-new-trams-for-adelaide-ex-madrid/news-story/72fdb7e22a36312fa5a9f9562e13b913?nk=dc978bd600b113734bc682b98bc943d8-1526148969 |accessdateaccess-date= 27 May 2014 |newspaper= The Advertiser (Adelaide) – News Corporation|date= 7 June 2009}}{{subscription required}}</ref><ref>"Six new trams for Adelaide", ''Trolley Wire'', issue 318, August 2009, page 21</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.theengineer.co.uk/issues/august-2004-online/alstom-to-keep-madrid-moving/ | title= Alstom to keep Madrid moving | publisher= The Engineer | accessdateaccess-date=15 May 2018}}</ref><ref name= "Barry&Haskard"/>{{rp|50}}
 
[[TransdevTSL]] – then operators of the Melbourne tram franchise – were engaged to manage transport and modification, commissioning and staff training activities. The trams were delivered by sea to Melbourne Docks, then to its [[Preston Workshops]] for modifications before being transported directly into Glengowrie tram depot on 13 November 2009.<ref name= "Barry&Haskard"/>{{rp|52}} <ref>[https://www.railexpress.com.au/new-european-trams-a-massive-boost-to-adelaide-network/ New European trams a massive boost to Adelaide network] ''Rail Express'', 24 June 2009</ref>
 
In December 2017 a further three Citadis 302 trams were delivered, bringing their numbers to 9 and the total tram fleet to 24.<ref>[https://indaily.com.au/news/local/2017/10/18/job-lot-of-as-new-trams-heading-to-sa/ Job lot as new trams heading to SA] ''[[The Independent Weekly]]'', 18 October 2017</ref>
 
==2010 route extension==
In the 2008 state budget, the government announced that it would further extend the tram line 2.8&nbsp;km (1.7&nbsp;mi) north-west to the [[Adelaide Entertainment Centre]], [[Port Road, Adelaide|Port Road]], [[Hindmarsh, South Australia|Hindmarsh]]. The line, opened in March 2010, runs from what had been the 2007 terminus on North Terrace, near the [[Adelaide railway station|railway station]], to the [[Adelaide Entertainment Centre]] in the inner north-west suburb of [[Hindmarsh, South Australia|Hindmarsh]]. It also incorporated a park-and-ride service on [[Port Road, Adelaide|Port Road]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theaec.net/VenueInfo/Parking.aspx | title=Park 'n' Ride Users – 7 days | publisher= Adelaide Entertainment Centre | accessdateaccess-date=2013-12-05}}</ref>
 
===Fare-free travel===
Since 2010, travel has been free on the lines that run through streets: in the entire City and along [[Jetty Road, Glenelg|Jetty Road]] in Glenelg.<ref>[https://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/Timetables-Maps/Special-Services/Free-City-Services Free City Services] Adelaide Metro</ref> On the reserved track sections, only passengers with concessions, such as senior citizens during off-peak hours, are carried free (see the ''[[#Patronage|Patronage]]'' section).
 
==2018 route extensions==
In December 2016 the state government announced two further extensions:
* One line would extend 900 metres (980 yards) eastwards along North Terrace from the northern end of [[King William Street, Adelaide|King William Street]] to the [[East End, Adelaide|East End]]. Stops would be near the [[South Australian Museum]] and [[University of Adelaide]], and at a terminus in front of the old [[Royal Adelaide Hospital]] near [[East Terrace, Adelaide|East Terrace]] and the [[Adelaide Botanic Garden|Botanic Garden]].
*A 350-metre line would extend north of North Terrace along [[King William Road, Adelaide|King William Road]] (the northern continuation of King William Street), with a terminus stop outside the [[Adelaide Festival Centre]] and the adjacent [[Elder Park]] and [[River Torrens]].
The project was budgeted to cost $80&nbsp;million, to which the Adelaide City Council would contribute $5&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.globalrailnews.com/2017/09/18/construction-of-adelaide-tram-extension-to-begin-in-weeks/ |title= Construction of Adelaide tram extension to begin in weeks |date=18 September 2017 |publisher=Global Rail News |access-date=6 May 2018}}</ref> A joint venture of [[Downer Rail]] and [[York Civil]] began work in July 2017.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/new-tram-stops-and-extra-funding-to-ease-traffic-problems-announced-for-north-terrace-extension/news-story/f64e9fc153fa2297540282920c42c8c8 |title=New tram stops and extra funding to ease traffic problems announced for North Terrace extension |first=Miles |last=Kemp |newspaper=The Advertiser (Adelaide) – News Corporation|date=21 July 2017 |accessdateaccess-date=20 July 2017}}{{subscription required}}</ref><ref>[http://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/Announcements/Planned-Disruptions/North-Terrace-services-detoured-for-tram-line-extension-works North Terrace services detoured for tram line extension works] Adelaide Metro</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://dpti.sa.gov.au/news?a=351795 |title=Major construction set to begin on $80 million City Tram Extension Project |date=18 September 2017 |publisher=Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure |access-date=7 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.infrastructure.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/395689/DOCS_AND_FILES-12089963-v7-City_Tram_Extension_-_Communications_-_Stage_4_construction_newsletter_.pdf |title=City Tram Extension Project |date=January 2018 |publisher=Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure |access-date=5 August 2018}}</ref>
 
On completion of these extensions in 2018 the total length of Adelaide's tram lines became 16.25&nbsp;km (10.10&nbsp;mi) – 50 per cent longer than a decade previously. Details are in the adjacentfollowing panel.
 
{| class="wikitable floatright floatleft mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="margin:0.5em auto; width:4050%; "text-align="center; font-size:8680%; margin-left:1em; margin-right:2em; margin-bottom:1em"
! colspan="8"|<br />Adelaide tram trackage after 2018 extensions<br /><ref group="note">The delineation of trackage in the table is as constructed; this is not the same as tramway "routes" shown in timetables.</ref><ref>Google Earth data points, City of Adelaide, Glenelg and Hindmarsh.</ref>
|-
Line 229:
|-
|}
{{clear}}
 
On completion of these extensions in 2018 the total length of Adelaide's tram lines became 16.25&nbsp;km (10.10&nbsp;mi) – 50 per cent longer than a decade previously. Details are in the adjacent panel.
 
=== Controversy: the less-than-grand union ===
 
[[File:King William St – North Tce tram intersection, Adelaide 2018.png|thumb|left|Rebuilding the 3-way tramway intersection laid down in January 2018 (left) to a 4-way one (centre), as proposed by the Liberal government elected in March 2018, would have involved lengthy major roadworks. Duplicating the northwards-to-eastwards curve alone (right) was eventually costed at $47&nbsp;million plus $70&nbsp;million for trams with acceptable derailment risks, and the commitment was dropped.]]
 
The state government, in December 2016, stated that it recognised track construction work at the very busy North Terrace–King William Street intersection ({{coord| 34.9215|S|138.5994|E|format=dms}}) would cause disruption of road traffic. The [[Stephen Mullighan|transport minister]] stressed the desirability of having disruption only once – by building a four-way "[[grand union]]" junction rather than a three-way junction that would later have to be modified if what he termed "the offshoot tramline" north to the Festival Centre were to be built later.<ref name= "Mullighan">{{cite web |url= https://indaily.com.au/news/local/2016/12/15/govt-announces-20-million-festival-plaza-tram-plan/ |title= City tram plan: $20m for Festival Plaza extension, new trams |last= Siebert |first= Bension |date= 15 December 2016 |website= InDaily: Adelaide's independent news |publisher= Solstice Media Pty Ltd |access-date= 6 May 2018 }}</ref> In the event, however, the government decided to build a junction with double tracks on one corner and single tracks on two corners, saying that the complexity and cost of including a right-hand turn from King William Street into North Terrace could not be justified and would make traffic flows worse. The decision attracted popular ridicule.<ref name= "Laborcommits>{{cite web |url= http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-02-25/labor-commits"-to-extending-adelaide-tramline-to-norwood/9482618 |title= SA election: Labor promises $279 million to take trams up The Parade to Norwood |date=25 February 2018 |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |access-date=7 May 2018}}</ref> The reduced junction steelwork, prefabricated, was welded in place and laid in concrete in January 2018.
 
In the lead-up to the March 2018 state election, the Liberal Party [[Steven Marshall|opposition leader]] described the omission as "stupid and costly", saying that if his party managed to form government, a right-hand turn from King William Street into North Terrace would be added at a cost $37&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://thewest.com.au/politics/no-clear-front-runner-in-sa-poll-ng-s-1836878 |title= Marshall hopes trams, voters turn right |date=8 March 2018 |publisher=The West Australian |access-date=6 May 2018}}</ref>
 
===Fare-free travel===
Since 2010financial year 2014–15,<ref group="note">Financial years start on 1 July and end on 30 June in Australia.</ref> travel has been free on the lines that run through streets: in the entire City and along [[Jetty Road, Glenelg|Jetty Road]] in Glenelg.<ref>[https://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/Timetables-Maps/Special-Services/Free-City-Services Free City Services] Adelaide Metro</ref> On the reserved track sections, only passengers with concessions, such as seniorSouth Australian Seniors Card citizensholders during off-peak hours, arewere carried free (see the ''[[#Patronage|Patronage]]'' section).
 
As of July 2022, the policy was expanded so that South Australian Seniors Card holders were able to travel free on Adelaide Metro buses, trains and trams, without time restrictions; the concession required holders to validate their card when boarding.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/about-us/news/news-items/2022/travel_free_with_your_sa_seniors_card |title=Travel free with your SA Seniors Card |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=20 June 2022 |website=Adelaide Metro |access-date=2 July 2022}}</ref>
 
==Patronage==
{{As of|2022|7}}, Adelaide's trams had conveyed 12.5% of Adelaide's public transport passengers during the previous 12 months; the suburban rail network carried 20.1% and buses 67.5%. Patronage of tram track per route kilometre was 4.8 times that of rail.<ref group="note">Trams: 7.49 million passengers carried on {{convert|16.3|km|mi|abbr=off}} of track. Trains: 12.06 million passengers on {{convert|125.4|km|mi|abbr=off}} of track.</ref><ref name="2022-23 annual report"/>
The route extensions built since 2007, although only 5.4&nbsp;km (3.4&nbsp;mi) long, have served areas of high vehicular and pedestrian traffic. The expanded route has been popular: patronage of the extensions and the pre-existing 10.8&nbsp;km (6.7&nbsp;mi) Glenelg line combined has grown to about four times higher than before the Glenelg line was extended, from 2.07 million trips in 2005–06 to more than 9.2 million trips in 2015–16. Increased reliability with new trams (with more than 96&nbsp;per cent on-time running) has also been cited as a factor in the increased ridership.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-02-19/old-trams-considered-at-inflated-prices-in-sa/8283970 |title= Old trams with outdated technology being considered for Adelaide, Opposition says |date=19 February 2017 |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |access-date=7 January 2018}}</ref>
 
The route extensions builtthat sinceopened from 2007, although only 5.4&nbsp;km (3.4&nbsp;mi) long, havemainly served areasparts of Adelaide city with high vehicular and pedestrian traffic., Theand expandedthus routereduced hasinner-city beentraffic popular:congestion. patronageFree oftram thetravel extensionsintroduced andin thethis pre-existingarea 10.8&nbsp;kmand (6.7&nbsp;mi)in the Glenelg lineshopping combinedprecinct hasduring grownfinancial toyear about2014–15 fouralmost timesquadrupled higherpatronage, thanwith beforevery thelittle Glenelgincrease linethereafter wasuntil extended,the fromCovid-19 2.07pandemic millionseverely tripsaffected inpatronage 2005–06from tomid-March more than 9.2 million trips in 2015–162020. Increased reliability withof the new trams (with more than 96&nbsp;per cent on-time running) haswas also been cited in 2017 as a factor in the increased ridershippatronage.<ref>{{cite web |url= httphttps://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-02-19/old-trams-considered-at-inflated-prices-in-sa/8283970 |title= Old trams with outdated technology being considered for Adelaide, Opposition says |date=19 February 2017 |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |access-date=7 January 2018}}</ref>{{irrelevant citation|date=December 2023|reason=Does not support text.}} Patronage started to recover as the pandemic moderated in 2022–23 and Senior Citizen card travel without restriction of journey times started on 1 July 2022.
 
{| class="wikitable floatright mw-collapsible mw-collapseduncollapsed" style=margin:0.5em auto; width:40%; "text-align="center; font-size:86%; margin-left:1em; margin-right:2em; margin-bottom:1em"
! colspan="1011"|Adelaide tram patronage by financial year
|-
! InfoInformation:
|colspan="910" style="text-align:left;"| font-size: 86%;"|''Financial years start on 1 July and end on 30 June; hence the financial year {{#expr:{{CURRENTYEAR}}-1}}–{{CURRENTYEAR}} is 1 July {{#expr:{{CURRENTYEAR}}-1}} to 30 June {{CURRENTYEAR}}.<br />The numbered notes show major occurrences that affected the number of boardings, <br />including changes to free travel (as detailed in the article).''
|-<!--GRAPH-->
| colspan="12" style="text-align:leftcenter;"| ''<big>↓</big> (Graph could not be updated for FY 2020–21 and later because of technical issues with Wikipedia graphs) <big>↓</big>'' <br />{{Graph:Chart|width=600|height=150|type=rect |legend=Legend|colors=#494a4c, #E71938, #9F3F1B
|xAxisAngle=-45
|xAxisTitle=Financial year
|x=2001-02, 2002-03, 2003-04, 2004-05, 2005-06, 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09, 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21, 2021–22
|yAxisTitle=Patronage (millions)
|y1Title=Seniors Card off-peak free travel included|
|y1=2.07, 2.08, 2.16, 2.10, 2.07, 1.88, 2.06, 2.11, 2.42, 2.63, 2.42, 2.27, 2.29
|y2Title=All free travel includedwithin city & Glenelg is free|
|y2= , , , , , , , , , , , , , 8.88, 8.89, 9.26, 9.48}}, 9.45, 7.40
|y3Title=Covid-19 pandemic from mid-March 2020|
|y3= , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 5.99, 5.53}}
|-
! colspan="11"| 2000s
Line 265 ⟶ 272:
|-style="vertical-align: top;"
! style="vertical-align: middle;"|Patronage<br />(millions)
| (Unavailable)
| (Not<br />available)
| 2.07<br/><span style="color:#251F86">{{small|[table note&nbsp;1]}}</span>
| 2.07<br/>''[note 1]''
| 2.08
| 2.16
| 2.10<br/><span style="color:#251F86">{{small|[table note&nbsp;2]}}</span>
| 2.10<br/>''[note 2]''
| 2.07<br/><span style="color:#251F86">{{small|[table note&nbsp;3]}}</span>
| 2.07<br/>''[note 3]''
| 1.88
| 2.06<br/><span style="color:#251F86">{{small|[table note&nbsp;4]}}</span>
| 2.06<br/>''[note 4]''
| 2.11
| 2.42<br/><span style="color:#251F86">{{small|[table note&nbsp;5]}}</span>
| 2.42<br/>''[note 5]''
|-
! References
|
<!--2001-02 to 2002-03reference-->
|colspan="2"|<ref name=01-03>{{cite web|title=TransAdelaide - Replacement Pages - Rail Patronage - Report 2002-2003 |url=https://www.parliament.sa.gov.au/HouseofAssembly/BusinessoftheAssembly/RecordsandPapers/TabledPapersandPetitions/Pages/TabledPapersandPetitions.aspx?TPLoadDoc=true&TPDocType=0&TPP=50&TPS=3&TPItemID=89&TPDocName=ReplacementofPatronagesection1203.pdf|publisher=Parliament of South Australia|accessdateaccess-date=13 October 2016|date=4 December 2003}}</ref>
<!--20032002-0403 to 2004-05reference-->
|<ref name=01-03/>
|colspan="2"|<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.dpti.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0015/127014/TransAdelaide_Annual_Report_2004-05.pdf | title=TransAdelaide Annual Report 2004-05 | publisher=TransAdelaide | accessdate=13 October 2016 | page=11}}</ref>
<!--20052003-0604 reference-->
|<ref name=03-05>{{cite web | url=http://www.dpti.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/00130015/127012127014/TransAdelaide_Annual_Report_2005TransAdelaide_Annual_Report_2004-0605.pdf | title=TransAdelaide Annual Report 20052004-0605 | publisher=TransAdelaide | accessdateaccess-date=13 October 2016 | page=2211}}</ref>
<!--20062004-0705 reference-->
|<ref name=03-05/>
|<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.dpti.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0013/116410/DTEI_annual_report_18_oct_2007_pt1.pdf | title=DTEI Annual Report 2006-07 | publisher=Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure | accessdate=13 October 2016 | page=70}}</ref>
<!--20072005-0806 reference-->
|<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.dpti.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/00030013/116409127012/Annual_Report_07_08TransAdelaide_Annual_Report_2005-06.pdf | title=DTEITransAdelaide Annual Report 20072005-0806 | publisher=Department for Transport, Energy and InfrastructureTransAdelaide | accessdateaccess-date=13 October 2016 | page=12122}}</ref>
<!--20082006-0907 reference-->
|<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.dpti.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/00150013/116412116410/Annual_Report_2008-09_as_at_22_September_2009DTEI_annual_report_18_oct_2007_pt1.pdf | title=DTEI Annual Report 20082006-0907 | publisher=Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure | accessdateaccess-date=13 October 2016 | page=11870}}</ref>
<!--20092007-1008 reference-->
|<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.dpti.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/00130003/54301116409/Annual_Report_2009-10Annual_Report_07_08.pdf | title=DTEI Annual Report 20092007-1008 | publisher=Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure | accessdateaccess-date=13 October 2016 | page=75121}}</ref>
<!--2008-09 reference-->
|<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.dpti.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/00130015/116410116412/DTEI_annual_report_18_oct_2007_pt1Annual_Report_2008-09_as_at_22_September_2009.pdf | title=DTEI Annual Report 20062008-0709 | publisher=Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure | accessdateaccess-date=13 October 2016 | page=70118}}</ref>
<!--2009-10 reference-->
|colspan="2"|<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.dpti.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/00150013/12701454301/TransAdelaide_Annual_Report_2004Annual_Report_2009-0510.pdf | title=TransAdelaideDTEI Annual Report 20042009-0510 | publisher=TransAdelaideDepartment for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure | accessdateaccess-date=13 October 2016 | page=1175}}</ref>
|-
! Notes<br />for 2000s
|colspan="10" style="text-align:left; font-size: 86%;"| '''Note 1:'''&nbsp;Figures for all years include free travel for seniorSouth citizens.Australian holders of Senior Citizen card.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;'''2:'''&nbsp;Line was closed for upgrading during June 2005. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;'''3:'''&nbsp;Line was closed for upgrading during July&nbsp;2005. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;'''4:'''&nbsp;Extension to University of SA, North&nbsp;Terrace, opened in October 2007.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2007. '''5:'''&nbsp;Extension to Adelaide Entertainment Centre opened in March&nbsp; 2010.
|-
! colspan="11"| 2010s
|-
! Year
| 2010-11 || 2011-12 || 2012-13 || 2013-14 || 2014-15 || 2015-16 || 2016-17 || 2017-18 || <!--2018-19 || 2019-20!-->
|-style="vertical-align: top;"
! style="vertical-align: middle;"| Patronage<br />(millions)
Line 306 ⟶ 317:
| 2.27
| 2.29
| 8.88<br/><span style="color:#251F86">{{small|[table note&nbsp;6]}}</span>
| 8.88<br/>''[note 6]''
| 8.89
| 9.26
| 9.48
| 9.45
| 7.40<br/><span style="color:#251F86">{{small|[table note&nbsp;7]}}</span>
|-
! References
<!--2010-11 reference-->
|<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.dpti.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/75035/Annual_report_2010_2011_online.pdf | title=DTEI Annual Report 2010-11 | publisher=Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure | accessdateaccess-date=13 October 2016 | page=62}}</ref>
<!--2011-12 reference-->
|<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.dpti.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/88609/DPTI_Annual_report_2011-2012_Nov20_web.pdf | title=DPTI Annual Report 2011-12 | publisher=Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure | accessdateaccess-date=13 October 2016 | page=68}}</ref>
<!--2012-13 reference-->
|<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.dpti.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0012/121017/DPTI_Annual_report_2012-2013_081113.pdf | title=DPTI Annual Report 2012-13 | publisher=Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure | accessdateaccess-date=13 October 2016 | page=78}}</ref>
<!--2013-14 reference-->
|<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.dpti.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/154270/DPTI_Annual_report_2013-2014_060115.pdf | title=DPTI Annual Report 2013-14 | publisher=Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure | accessdateaccess-date=13 October 2016 | page=88}}</ref>
<!--2014-15 reference-->
|<ref>{{cite web|title=DPTI Annual Report 2014-15 - Transport Acts|url=http://www.dpti.sa.gov.au/annual_report/2014-15/reporting_section/transport_acts|publisher=Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure|accessdateaccess-date=13 October 2016}}</ref>
<!--2015-16 reference-->
|<ref>{{cite web|title=DPTI Annual Report 2015-16|url=https://www.dpti.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/283973/DPTI_Annual_Report_2015-16_-_Final_version_without_Financial_Statements.PDF|publisher=Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure|accessdateaccess-date=1 December 2016|page=63}}</ref>
<!--2016-17 reference-->
|<ref>{{cite web|title=DPTI Annual Report 2016-17 - Reporting against the Passenger Transport Act 1994|url=https://dpti.sa.gov.au/annual_report/dpti_annual_report_2016-17_online_version/section_b_reporting_required_under_any_other_act_or_regulation#passenger_transport_act|publisher=Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure|accessdateaccess-date=2 December 2017}}</ref>
<!--2017-18 reference-->
|<ref>{{cite web|title=DPTI Annual Report 2017-18 - Adelaide Metro patronage 2017-18|url=https://dpti.sa.gov.au/annual_report/dpti_annual_report_2017-18_online_version/section_b_reporting_required_under_any_other_act_or_regulation|publisher=Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure|accessdateaccess-date=4 November 2018}}</ref>
<!--2018-19 reference-->
|<ref>{{cite web|title=DPTI Annual Report 2018-19 - Adelaide Metro patronage 2018-19|url=https://www.dit.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/624372/DPTI_Annual_Report_2018-19_-_Final_-_November_2019.pdf |publisher=Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure|access-date=4 December 2019}}</ref>
<!--2019-20 reference-->
|<ref>{{cite web|title=DPTI Annual Report 2019-20 - Adelaide Metro patronage 2019-20|url=https://dit.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/761381/DPTI_Annual_Report_2019-20.pdf |publisher=Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure|access-date=8 May 2021}}</ref>
|-
! NoteNotes<br />for 2010s
|colspan="710" style="text-align:left;"| font-size: 86%;"|'''Note 6:'''&nbsp; From 2014–15FY 2014–2015 all free travel iswas included (previously only senior citizens' free travel by South Australian holders of Senior Citizen cards was included).&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;'''7:'''&nbsp;The Covid-19 pandemic severely affected patronage from mid-March 2020.
|-
! colspan="11"| 2020s
|-
! Year
| 2020-21 || 2021-22 || 2022-23 || 2023-24 || 2024-25 || 2025-26 || 2026-17 || 2027-28 || 2028-29 || 2029-30
|-style="vertical-align: top;"
! style="vertical-align: middle;"| Patronage<br />(millions)
| 5.99<br/><span style="color:#251F86">{{small|[table note&nbsp;8]}}</span>
| 5.53<br /><span style="color:#251F86">{{small|[table note&nbsp;8]}}</span>
| 7.49<br /><span style="color:#251F86">{{small|[table notes&nbsp;9, 10]}}</span>
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|-
! References
<!--2020-21 reference-->
|<ref name="2020-21 annual report">{{cite web|title=DIT Annual Report 2020-21 - Adelaide Metro patronage 2020-21|url=https://dit.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/921077/Signed_by_CE_-_Department_for_Infrastructure_and_Transport_2020-21_Annual_Report.pdf |publisher=Department for Infrastructure and Transport|access-date=3 July 2022}}</ref>
<!--2021-22 reference-->
|<ref name="2021-22 annual report">{{cite web|title=DIT Annual Report 2021-22 - Adelaide Metro patronage 2021-22|url= https://www.dit.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0014/1126301/DIT-2021-2022-Annual-Report.pdf |publisher=Department for Infrastructure and Transport|page=38 |access-date=27 December 2022}}</ref>
<!--2022-23 reference-->
|<ref name="2022-23 annual report">{{cite web|title=DIT Annual Report 2022-23 - Adelaide Metro patronage 2022-23|url=https://www.dit.sa.gov.au/about_us/governance_reporting/annual_report/dit-annual-report-2022-23-online-version/reporting-required-under-any-other-act-or-regulation#ReportingagainstthePassengerTransportAct1994 |publisher=Department for Infrastructure and Transport |page=38 |access-date=27 December 2023}}</ref>
|-
! Notes<br />for 2020s
|colspan="10" style="text-align:left; font-size: 86%;"|'''Note 8: ''' The Covid-19 pandemic continued to severely affect patronage through financial years 2020-21 and 2021–22.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;'''9:''' The Covid-19 pandemic affected patronage less severely through financial year 2022–23 than in 2020-21 and 2021–22.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;'''10:''' Includes unlimited Senior Citizen card travel, which started on 1 July 2022.<br />
|}
{{clear}}
More patronage information is in the adjacent panel.
 
==Plans for further route extensions==
[[File:Adelaide's tram routes before March 2018 election.png|thumb|250px| The wide-ranging tramway system that the South Australian Labor Party envisaged for its "City Tramline Extension Project" before it lost government in March 2018. (Click to enlarge.)]]
;Labor Party policy
During its 16 years in office until it lost office in the [[2018 South Australian state election|March 2018 state elections]], the [[Australian Labor Party (South Australian Branch)#Premiers|Labor]] government had announced plans for Adelaide's public transport only to drop them from a later budget. In the 2008 budget, as part of a planned electrification of the [[Outer Harbor railway line|Outer Harbor]] and [[Grange railway line|Grange]] railway lines, new [[tram-trains]] were proposed to run on existing railway lines to [[West Lakes, South Australia|West Lakes]], [[Port Adelaide]] and [[Semaphore, South Australia|Semaphore]]. Electrification of the Outer Harbor railway line was to commence in 2010–11 and "once connected to the tram network, will enable future extensions of light rail services to West Lakes, Semaphore and Port Adelaide".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.treasury.sa.gov.au/dtf/budget/publications_and_downloads/current_budget.jsp? |title=2008 State Budget |accessdateaccess-date=2008-06-06 |date=5 June 2008 |publisher=South Australian Department of Treasury and Finance |url-status=dead |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110524133343/http://www.treasury.sa.gov.au/dtf/budget/publications_and_downloads/current_budget.jsp |archivedatearchive-date=24 May 2011 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> However, the plans were abandoned in the 2012 state budget. As at 2019 the railway line had not been electrified, hence no tram-trains were operating.<ref name="The Advertiser/AdelaideNow">{{cite news |url=http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/port-semaphore-tramline-derailed-in-state-budget/story-e6frea83-1226377277925|title=Port, Semaphore tramline derailed in State Budget |accessdateaccess-date=7 October 2014 |date=8 May 2009 |publisher=The Advertiser (Adelaide) – News Corporation}}{{subscription required}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=2012 State Budget |date=May 2012 |accessdateaccess-date=7 May 2018 |url=http://servicesa.cdn.on.net/documents/bp1_budget_overview2012-13.pdf |publisher=South Australian Department of Treasury and Finance }}</ref>
 
In 2016 the government released a report detailing an ambitious tramways network, branded as "AdeLINK". Five routes would radiate from a new city centre loop:
Line 345 ⟶ 389:
*a southern {{maplink|from=UnleyLINK options 2016.map|text= UnleyLINK|icon=no}} route to either [[Mitcham, South Australia|Mitcham]] or [[Daw Park, South Australia|Daw Park]]
*a western {{maplink|from=WestLINK options 2016.map|text=WestLINK|icon=no}} route to [[Adelaide Airport]]
*a number of north-western {{maplink|from=PortLINK options 2016.map|text=PortLINK|icon=no}} routes.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.dpti.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/279809/AdeLINK_MCA_Summary_FINAL.pdf |title=AdeLINK Multi-Criteria Analysis Summary Report |year=2016 |publisher=Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure |pages=10–19}}</ref>
 
A loop in the CBD, to be called CityLINK, was also included.<ref name=180years>{{cite book|last1= Wilson |first1= Tom |last2= Racliffe |first2= John |last3= Steele |first3= Christopher |date= 2021 |title= Adelaide's public transport – the first 180 years |location= Adelaide, South Australia |publisher= Wakefield Press |isbn= 9781743058855 }}</ref>{{rp|13–18 of Part 1}}
 
The PortLINK proposal included replacement of the existing diesel-traction [[Outer Harbor railway line]]'s heavy rail service with electrified [[light rail]], repeating the abandoned 2008 proposal to extend to West Lakes, Port Adelaide and Semaphore.
 
In the face of criticism, the [[Stephen Mullighan|transport minister]] in December 2016 blamed the [[Liberal Party of Australia|Liberal]] [[Government of Australia|federal government]]'s lack of support of state public transport for the stalled investment in the Adelaide tramway system, saying his party "had a commitment from the federal opposition that had they won at the recent federal election they would have committed half a billion dollars to expanding the network."<ref name= "Mullighan"/> No further provision for expenditure ensued.<ref name= "Labor commits">{{cite web |url= http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-02-25/labor-commits-to-extending-adelaide-tramline-to-norwood/9482618 |title= SA election: Labor promises $279 million to take trams up The Parade to Norwood |date=25 February 2018 |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |access-date=7 May 2018}}</ref> The proposal met with strong opposition from Norwood residents and traders concerned about the removal of trees in the median strip of [[The Parade, Adelaide|The Parade at Norwood]] and the likely reduction in street parking.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://grumpyinunley.wordpress.com/2018/02/26/unley-road-tram-disaster/ |title= Unley Road tram disaster |date=26 February 2018 |publisher=Grumpy in Unley |access-date=7 May 2018}}</ref> A [[Royal Automobile Association|motorists' organisation]] travel-time survey identified increasing tram traffic as a major contributor to congestion on three major Adelaide roads; it called for the government's Integrated Transport and Land Use Plan to include the effect of increased tram services to address population growth, encourage the use of public transport, and consider its effect on motorists and what was needed to mitigate it.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.raa.com.au/community-and-advocacy/media-releases/1245 |title= Glenelg tram expansion needs more planning to avoid further congestion |date=14 February 2018 |publisher= Royal Automobile Association (SA) |access-date=7 May 2018}}</ref>
 
In the campaign for the March 2018 state elections, another Labor proposal – taken from its 2015 plan for projecting tram services along The Parade (Norwood), Unley Road, Prospect Road, and via Henley Beach Road to Adelaide Airport – was to build the line to Norwood, the electorate of the opposition leader. This would involve a 3&nbsp;km (1.9&nbsp;mi) line from the East End of Adelaide through Kent Town and the purchase of four new trams at a total cost of $259&nbsp;million.<ref name= "Labor commits"/>
 
;Liberal Party policy
[[File: Adelaide's tram routes 2018.png |thumb|250px|The conservative tramway system promised by the Liberal Party government elected in March 2018 was focused on the [[Adelaide city centre|city centre of Adelaide]] and [[North Adelaide]], rather than nearby suburbs. (Click&nbsp;map&nbsp;to&nbsp;enlarge.)]]
 
In the lead-up to the [[2018 South Australian state election|March 2018 state elections]] the [[Liberal Party of Australia (South Australian Division)|Liberal Party]] put forward a conservative fiscal [[Party platform|platform]]. The party's public transport [[manifesto]] stated that its focus would be on extending tram services in the city centre rather than building wider routes as in the Labor Party's plan.<ref name= "LibTptPolicy">{{cite web |url=https://strongplan.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/139-PEOPLE-FOCUSED-PUBLIC-TRANSPORT.pdf |title=People focused public transport |publisher=Liberal Party of Australia (South Australian Division) |format=PDF |access-date=5 April 2018}}</ref> Nevertheless, the Liberal Party described its over-all public transport plan (of which tramways are a part) as "designed to make Adelaide’s public transport the equal of similar sized cities anywhere in the world".<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.saliberal.org.au/putting_the_public_into_transport |title= Putting the public into transport |author=<!--Not stated--> |date= 9 March 2018 |website= SA Liberal |publisher= Liberal Party South Australian Division |access-date= 2 August 2018 }}</ref>
The manifesto included plans for two new tram routes, both similar to those included in earlier plans by the Labor party:
*a route from the eastern end of North Terrace through the eastern half of the city then west along [[Angas Street, Adelaide|Angas Street]] and [[Gouger Street, Adelaide|Gouger Street]]
Line 366 ⟶ 412:
*remove public transport operations from the large [[Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure]] by creating the South Australian Public Transport Authority; DPTI would continue to be responsible for infrastructure delivery, and Infrastructure South Australia for public transport infrastructure planning<ref name= "LibTptPolicy"/>
*correct at an estimated cost of $37&nbsp;million, in a Liberal government first term, the previous government's "fundamental flaw" in omitting the right-hand turn from King William Street into North Terrace at the intersection laid three months earlier
*remove overhead lines from tram routes in the Adelaide CBD.<ref name= "LibTptPolicy"/><ref>{{cite web |title=SA election: What has Steven Marshall actually promised to do if elected? |date=19 March 2018 |accessdateaccess-date=7 April 2018 |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-03-19/heres-what-steven-marshall-has-promised/9562270 |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://indaily.com.au/news/politics/2018/03/09/libs-wont-rebuild-adelaides-suburban-tram-network/ |title=Libs won't rebuild Adelaide's suburban tram network |last=Siebert |first=Bension |date=9 March 2018 |website=InDaily |access-date=6 April 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-03-08/liberal-party-election-promise-37m-for-tram-tracks-in-adelaide/9527828 |title=Liberal Party promises to add right-hand turn to Adelaide tram line |last=MacLennan |first=Leah |date=8 March 2018 |website=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |access-date=7 April 2018}}</ref>
 
==Developments since the 2018 election==
Line 377 ⟶ 423:
[[File: Adelaide Metro tramways route map 2019.png|thumb|Adelaide Metro tramway routes in 2019. (Click&nbsp;map&nbsp;to&nbsp;enlarge.)|300px]]
 
On 3&nbsp; October 2018 trams began operating over the 900&nbsp;metre (980&nbsp;yard) extension along the remainder of North Terrace and its cultural precinct, to the [[Adelaide Botanic Garden|Botanic Garden]], and the 350&nbsp;metre (380&nbsp;yard) extension along [[King William Street, Adelaide|King William Road]] past the [[Adelaide Festival Centre]], running only on weekends and for special events.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-10-13/north-terrace-tram-extension-finally-opens-to-passengers/10371858 |title=Trams start running on Adelaide's North Terrace extension seven months late |last=Boisvert |first=Eugene |date=13 October 2018 |website=ABC News |access-date=4 February 2019}}</ref>
 
In November 2018, after receiving expert advice from engineering consultancy [[Aurecon|Aurecon Australasia]], the government withdrew its commitment to build the right-hand turn, citing an increased cost estimate (to more than $117&nbsp;million, including $70 million to purchase and operate trams that could negotiate the bend); the unacceptable derailment risks to [[Tram types in Adelaide#Citadis 302 / Type 200|Citadis]] trams because of the gradients involved; and the necessity for the very busy intersection to be shut down for 8 to 10 weeks.<ref>{{cite news|title=SA Liberals can't get Adelaide tram to go right |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-11-18/sa-government-scraps-right-turn-for-adelaide-trams/10508610 |work=ABC News|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=18 November 2018 |accessdateaccess-date=2 February 2019}}</ref>
 
In January 2019 the [[Stephan Knoll|transport minister]] stated that the government needed to finalise a claims process with contractor Downer Group on the North Terrace and King William Road extensions before an external review of cost over-runs and would be completed.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/|publisher=The Advertiser (Adelaide) – News Corporation|accessdateaccess-date=2019-01-08 |title=Brakes on tram farce review | first=Simeon | last=Thomas-Wilson | date=8 January 2019|page=7}}{{subscription required}}</ref> He also alluded to the impending establishment of the South Australian Public Transport Authority, which "will inform the development of a comprehensives public transport strategy that is customer focused, more reliable, accessible and better suit[s] the needs of South Australians".<ref>{{cite magazine |last= Sampson |first= Bob |date= January 2019 |title= DPTI News: establishment of the SA Public Transport Authority |magazine= Catchpoint Magazine |location= Port Adelaide |publisher= [[National Railway Museum, Inc.Port Adelaide]] |issn= 2207-9114 }}</ref>
 
Adelaide is the only Australian capital city to have a publicly funded and operated tram system. In July 2019, the South Australian government announced plans to contract the operation of Adelaide's train and tram services. The government would still own and control rail assets, including trains, trams, tracks and stations, and would continue to set the fare price for travel. It acknowledged, however, that although tram patronage had increased by 7&nbsp;per cent between the financial years 2015–16 and 2017–18, and on trains by 3&nbsp;per cent, Adelaide's public transport network was underperforming. It had one of the lowest patronage levels in the country, and surveys revealed that customers wanted a better level of services than was currently provided.<ref>{{cite news |last1= Boisvert |first1= Eugene |last2= Briggs |first2= Casey |title= SA Government to privatise operation of Adelaide Metro trains and trams |date= 1 July 2019 |url= https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-07-01/adelaide-trains-and-trams-to-be-privatised/11267236 |work= ABC News |location= Adelaide |access-date= 6 July 2019}}</ref>
Line 399 ⟶ 445:
 
==References==
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