The Liberal and Labor parties in South Australia have a heavy transport focus in their bids for the upcoming state election, but each has taken a slightly different route.

South Australia’s current Premier, Jay Weatherhill, says Labor envisions a modern and accessible public transport system , which it sees as critical to a healthy and vibrant city. SA Labor has unveiled the next generation of the public transport vision in its Building a Stronger South Australia policy initiatives.

“Public transport provides people with an affordable way of getting around, it’s clean and green and reduces congestion on our roads,” Mr Weatherhill said.

“A stronger public transport system will provide a higher quality of life to those who want an easier journey around the city.”

The current state government has introduced a 28-day unlimited travel pass as well as cheaper weekend travel in its early measures to improve the service and win votes. It will reportedly roll out a visitor pass and commuter club in coming months.

The South Australian Liberal Coalition party is less about public transport and more about the surfaces they drive on.

The Liberals will focus on upgrading crucial roads and intersections if it is victorious in the March election.

The party say it will commit $520 million to fix the South Road at Darlington, reducing congestion for residents in southern suburbs.

Draft policies flag the formation of a body dubbed ‘Infrastructure SA’, which would be an independent organisation to develop and oversee the big infrastructure projects. 

Steven Marshall, leader of the South Australian Liberal Party, says this election is more important than most.

“It will be a chance for you to decide your future,” Mr Marshall said in a statement on transport policy.

“The Liberal Party has the plan to put our State back on track.”