Adelaide’s Gawler rail line is back online today, after lying dormant for 18 months.
The 42-kilometre-long passenger line between Adelaide's CBD and Gawler in the north is finally back in action, after multiple project delays and cost blowouts.The Labor government has vowed to bring Adelaide's train network back into public handsThe state government has offered passengers free travel all day Sunday in an effort to entice commuters back to the train after anTaxpayers will foot an almost $900 million bill for the project, which was originally costed at $615 million.
Transport Minister Tom Koutsantonis described the project's management under the previous Liberal government as a "hot mess.""The long-suffering people along this line all of a sudden get their amenity back, get their connectivity back to the city of Adelaide, university students will get back in quickly and efficiently.
The electrification of the Gawler line was first announced in 2008 under the previous Labor government, but wasSince then, theSubstitute buses for passengers on the Gawler train line outside the Adelaide Railway Station. The new Labor government has promised a series of "activities and giveaways" at various stations along the train line this week, to thank the community and businesses for their patience.
"This is a great opportunity for previous users of the Gawler line — and those new to train travel — to come and try the new electrified line," Mr Koutsantonis said.