In a win for tourism operators, holidaymakers and commuters metropolitan-based taxis, chauffeur and rideshare vehicles can now operate in the Adelaide Hills and Mt Barker Council regions.
Changes to the metropolitan boundary of the greater Adelaide region for point-to-point passenger transport services come into effect from today delivering better services and giving more options for people to get around our great city.
These changes complement existing country-based point-to-point service providers who can also continue to operate in the region.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Corey Wingard said the changes would deliver a welcome boost for local businesses and increase transport options for local commuters and tourists.
"We've listened to calls from Adelaide Hills and Mt Barker locals for more rideshare and taxi options, with these changes paving the way for operators to expand their services," Minister Wingard said.
"Local commuters will benefit from increased competition and greater convenience with more options available to get them where they need to go.
"We recognised the metropolitan boundary for point-to-point services needed to adapt to better service outer-urban and Hills residents, as well as to support greater tourism and access to popular events and festivals.
"These changes mean that metropolitan-based point-to-point operators can choose to provide services to outer-urban and Hills customers within this expanded boundary.
"The Marshall Liberal Government has been working with the point-to-point industry, including country operators, to ensure a smooth transition to the new arrangements."
Minister Wingard said the changes will also help to address service availability during peak times and tourism events and for locals in low travel density areas.
"The expanded boundary comes into operation in time for a bumper Christmas and holiday season, offering more options for wine lovers and tourists to easily and safely explore our wonderful Adelaide Hills regions," he said.
"It also means that commuters and tourists can now more conveniently travel to and from nearby centres such as Strathalbyn and Murray Bridge."
The metropolitan Adelaide boundary defines the area where metropolitan passenger transport services and country services can operate.
Under previous arrangements, metropolitan point-to-point operators could drop off passengers in the Adelaide Hills and Mt Barker regions but required an additional licence to pick up and drop off passengers within these regions.
These new changes allow accredited drivers to operate freely between Adelaide and Hills regions without any new forms or fees.
"We expect to see taxis, chauffeur and rideshare operators embrace the expanded boundary and provide flexible and better services for more South Australians," Mr Wingard said
