The Committee for Adelaide is calling for greater investment in transport and urban infrastructure to ensure Adelaide remains one of the world’s most liveable and well-connected cities.

As part of our 2026 State Election Priorities, the Committee is urging the next South Australian Government to deliver a coordinated infrastructure agenda that supports density, mobility and accessibility while maintaining the city’s unique charm, vibrancy and quality of life.

The Committee is advocating for the following infrastructure actions to be adopted by all sides of government in the lead up to and beyond the March election:

• Implement the State Transport Strategy, with funding beyond election cycles, to deliver a more integrated, efficient and sustainable multimodal transport system, in line with RAA’s recommendations, including cheaper and more flexible public transport fares, improved reliability and frequency of the bus network, accelerating the transition to electric buses with smart charging infrastructure at depots, investing in Park’n’Ride facilities near public transport routes and expanding the capacity of the Adelaide Railway Station and passenger rail network.
• Improve active transport safety and connectivity across Greater Adelaide, including committing to a State Active Transport Strategy backed with a $10 million ongoing annual investment in active transport infrastructure and education campaign to encourage uptake.
• Position Adelaide to be Australia’s leader in EVs by increasing investment and deployment of EV infrastructure and charging stations across South Australia and incentivising electric and hybrid vehicle take-up. This should include funding kerbside charging trials in infill development areas, an EV charging infrastructure grants program for SMEs and local governments in key areas, supporting bi-directional charging technologies such as Vehicle-to-Grid and Vehicle-to-Home integration, streamlining regulations and adopting necessary Building Code changes.
• Ensure greater support for arts infrastructure including establishing a ‘Cultural Infrastructure Plan,’ backed by a public and private philanthropic investment fund, to improve, maintain, attract and enhance Adelaide’s cultural assets, events, festivals and institutions.

Through a series of listening forums, Committee for Adelaide members ranked transport the most important priority behind housing, calling for an urgent need for an integrated and efficient public and active transport system across Greater Adelaide to support current and future growth. This includes improved bus and rail connectivity, safe and well-maintained roads, expanded cycling and pedestrian networks, and accelerated investment in electric vehicle infrastructure. There is also a strong emphasis from members on integrating density with public realm investment and improved public spaces, especially in areas that can cater for additional growth and where transport infrastructure already exists.

The Committee’s 2025 Benchmarking Adelaide Report shows Adelaide’s commuter times are rising faster than most cities in Australia and globally, with 4 in 5 journeys made by car. Only 12% of city centre residents use public transport, and just half of suburban residents live within a 10-minute walk of a service.

Adelaide’s active transport usage and investments do not yet reach the scale of some peer cities, such as Austin in Texas, which is spending A$190m on bikeways & urban trails as part of a A$1.8b, 2,000 km cycling network under development by 2039.

Adelaide’s EV sales share of 6.5% is also well behind leaders like Portland (18.7%) but catching up to the peer average of 7.4%. Adelaide currently provides less access to EV chargers and charging infrastructure is also less evenly spread.

“Adelaide’s growth and prosperity depend on how effectively we connect people — to jobs, services, each other and opportunity,” said Committee for Adelaide Chair, Raymond Spencer. “We need infrastructure that not only keeps up with our growth but actively shapes a smarter, greener and more inclusive city that benefits all South Australians.”

“Adelaide’s transport challenge is clear: too many of us are driving too often. To stay ahead, we need a cultural and policy shift toward shared, sustainable and smart mobility,” said Committee for Adelaide Chief Executive, Sam Dighton. Investing in transport and connectivity isn’t just about moving people, it’s about shaping how we live, work and interact as a community. Serious investment in public, active and EV transportation infrastructure is required which will need Federal, State and Local Government working together with the private sector to enable delivery. “If we get it right, Adelaide can retain its edge as one of the most accessible and liveable mid-sized cities in the world.”

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Click here for the Committee for Adelaide’s 2026 State Election Priorities.

Click here for the 2025 Benchmarking Adelaide Report.