In March-April 2024, People for Public Transport conducted a huge survey to hear the public's thoughts on the current state of Adelaide Metro’s train stations. Participants were asked to rate the amenities, cleanliness, safety, accessibility, and service frequency of the train stations that they use and to provide their comments. Over 130 people participated in the survey and gave their feedback and suggestions about how our train stations could be improved.

Read on for a summary and the full results.

Summary

The survey found that although some Adelaide Metro stations are well-regarded by their patrons, a substantial number of stops, including key interchanges, were described as poorly-maintained, difficult to access, and unsafe.

Many train stations, especially suburban stops, lack even the most basic facilities like toilets, drinking fountains and shelter – which one survey respondent noted “should be a requirement at every station”. Major stations, including Oaklands and Port Adelaide, do not have lifts installed which makes them difficult or even impossible for some people with mobility issues to access. Bike lockers and cages are present at only a handful of train stations in the network, which is a major barrier for cyclists seeking to use train services.

Numerous respondents to the survey raised concerns about how steep ramps, poor lighting and difficulties in crossing the tracks (especially with bicycles) posed major safety risks to passengers. Equally concerning were the large number of responses – especially from women and members of vulnerable groups – about how the inadequate lighting, lack of CCTV, and insecure access points at many train stations puts them at greater risk of becoming a victim of crime, especially when traveling at night.

Comments about the poor condition of train stations were made about stops on every line in the Adelaide Metro network. Even large interchanges with high patronage, which might be expected to be maintained to a higher standard than smaller suburban stations, were described as wholly inadequate: one respondent noted that at Noarlunga Interchange “escalators [are] out of service for extensive periods” and that the station suffers from “poor disability access and regular vandalism” concluding that “for the scale of community members Noarlunga Interchange serves and is vitally depended on by, the community deserves a far better experience from their local station”.

There were, however, several train stations that received positive comments for being well-maintained, safe and accessible, and directly connected to other public and active transport options in ways that allow passengers to continue their journeys. Seaford Train Station, which received the highest rating of all the train stations in the network, was one such station that received praise for its design and amenities: a respondent explained that they “tend to use [Seaford Train Station] to access the bike trail to McLaren Vale...it's got a toilet, bus connections, and the services turn up regularly. It's also new and in good shape”. It is notable that the two stations which received the highest ratings – Seaford and Adelaide Showgrounds – were built in the last decade, while the third highest rated station, Hallet Cove, received substantial renovations in 2010.

The State and Federal Governments are currently spending a colossal $15 billion on the North-South Corridor road upgrade project. Fixing Adelaide Metro’s train stations by adding essential facilities, and making them safe and accessible for all passengers would cost a tiny fraction of this money. If the State Government is serious about easing congestion, reducing emissions, and improving public transport patronage then it must prioritise improving our train stations as a matter of urgency so that all members of the community feel safe and welcome when catching a train.

DOWNLOAD THE FULL RESULTS HERE

Rankings

Each station was assigned a score based on averaged responses to the six criteria: amenities, location, cleanliness, safety, accessibility, and service frequency.