Getting to and from school is about to get easier for Aldinga students, with the state government putting on extra bus services.

It will purchase an extra 16 new hybrid buses, which will be progressively rolled out across the Adelaide Metro network over the next three years, supporting Riverbanks College, Aldinga Payinthi College and Morialta Secondary College.

Three new services will be introduced from the start of Term 1, 29 January 2024.

From January 2024, Aldinga Payinthi College will receive an extra service to transfer students between the school and Sellicks Beach (route 788). This will be increased to four services by 2026.

This supports the four current services connecting the school to Seaford, Willunga and Sellicks Beach.

The total number of services each day across these three schools will increase from six currently to 15 by 2026.

Until the new buses are manufactured, services will continue to be maintained by leased buses.

The construction of all 16 Scania buses, worth around $11.75 million, will be carried out by South Australian company BusTech, supporting local jobs and backing the industry.

Additional services are initially targeting recently opened schools in areas where student enrolment and demand is expected to grow. 

These new services will be able to expand and be redirected to other locations to relieve any strain on the network.

Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Tom Koutsantonis says by increasing services he hopes to see more people choose to take the bus, taking more cars off the road and helping emissions.

“The State Government is taking a sustainable approach to public transport, that’s why all 16 new buses will be hybrid, creating a cleaner, greener ride for passengers.

“We are again partnering with local company BusTech to build these new buses, supporting local jobs and backing the industry.”