|
The
Long Walk – Rex Adelaide to Port Lincoln Member for Flinders, Liz Penfold knows only to well how far the walk from the departure lounge in the new Adelaide Airport to the aircraft on the tarmac awaiting departure is. “Too far for the not so able, elderly and those with small children” Liz herself is the recipient of a trouble free hip replacement and totally understands how other people may find it difficult. “I have written a letter to Regional Express suggesting they look at obtaining a people moving trolley or train like vehicle to transport passengers in a fun, enjoyable way. At the moment many passengers do not ask for help as they feel it is a burden, are embarrassed, or do not realise how far it can be out to the plane and are not aware that they can ask for assistance” “It would also be efficient for the loading of passengers on time and would be very welcomed by all passengers on an above 30 degrees summer day in Adelaide. ADELAIDE AIRPORT TAXI SITUATION
NEEDS REVIEWING Waiting in line for up to 45 minutes for a taxi at the Adelaide Airport is not the way to encourage visitor's to our capital city, Mrs Penfold told Parliament this week. Interstate visitors and people flying into Adelaide from Ceduna and Port Lincoln for medical and business appointments have been frustrated by the antiquated and ineffective system of catching taxis while being forced to stand in long queues in the sun, wind or rain. "Recently a businessman from Melbourne commented to me that it would be quicker to fly back to Melbourne and drive to Adelaide rather than wait for a taxi" Mrs Penfold said. It is a sad reflection on the State, which has so much to offer. At the recent Vision 2010 State Briefing last week, Mr Roger Sexton from the South Australian Economic Board state "visitors should step out of a plane at Adelaide Airport and know that they are in the most efficient state" However this is presently not the cased if they require transport from the airport Mrs Penfold said. Mrs Penfold suggested a concierge system could be utilised or alternatively double pickups by allowing taxis to pick up on both sides of the current rank or at an additional rank. No other state forces passengers transferring from the domestic to international airport to either walk a kilometre, stand in line for 45 minutes for a taxi or wait up to an hour for a bus. Many of my constituents have already travelled long distances to our remaining regional airport in Ceduna and Port Lincoln. It is very frustrating that having arrived in Adelaide in time for appointments and meetings, they are then forced into long queues for taxis. "Finding an efficient, cost effective system is vitally important for our tourist industry, our businesses and the State's economic growth" Mrs Penfold Said.
|
|
Back to Media Releases |
