Liberal Member of the Legislative Council, John Dawkins is calling on Transport Services Minister Chloë Fox and Member for Light Tony Piccolo, to swallow their pride and finally review their bungled Gawler bus idea.

 “I urge Mr Piccolo and Minister Fox to urgently consider the option of using smaller and more modern vehicles on these services,” Mr Dawkins said.

Gawler residents are facing ongoing disappointment with the promised bus services continuously running with average occupancy levels equating to less than the capacity of a standard family car.

Those people who use these services are forced to endure rides on sub-standard buses brought out of retirement to fulfil another Labor promise.

Mr Dawkins is a regular user of public transport and has observed first-hand the ineffective and wasteful service in action.

Like many other local Gawler residents, Mr Dawkins is concerned by the expensive and inferior bus services that have been imposed by the State Labor Government on the community.

“Mr Piccolo promised the residents of Gawler an integrated bus service,” Mr Dawkins said.

“The taxpayer is being forced to fund these bus services to the tune of $3.6 million per year – it is clear the current services are not making the best use of this money.

“One local resident commented that he was amazed to see five people on one of the local buses at once – that was the biggest take up of the service either the resident or myself have seen since its inception.

“The Opposition supports safe, reliable, efficient and cost effective public transport, but Mr Piccolo and Labor have failed taxpayers and Gawler residents and covered it up with their usual spin.”