More than one million footy fans have jumped aboard Adelaide’s free game-day public transport this season, as plans are revealed to expand the hugely popular Footy Express network to Murray Bridge.
Adelaide Metro recorded 1,046,500 boardings across its free Footy Express bus, train and tram services this season, marking the second consecutive year the figure has passed one million.
Around 23,500 fans use the services each week, travelling from areas including Gawler, Golden Grove, Noarlunga, Glenelg and West Lakes to get to Adelaide Oval.
And from next season, supporters in Murray Bridge will also be able to leave the car at home, with a new Footy Express service connecting the regional centre directly with Adelaide Oval on match days.
The expansion comes as patronage on Footy Express continues to climb, with use of the service more than tripling since 2022.
More than four million boardings have now been recorded across the network over the past four years.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Joe Szakacs said the service had become an important part of the game-day experience for South Australian footy fans.
“Footy Express has become part of the fabric of footy in South Australia and has earned its place as a trusted part of our game-day experience,” Minister Szakacs said.
“Footy Express succeeds because it solves a real problem. Fans can leave the car at home, avoid parking queues and get straight to the action, which is why more people are choosing the service every year.”
Adelaide Metro puts on around 300 additional bus, train and tram services for every Adelaide Crows and Port Adelaide home game, as well as matches held during Gather Round.
The network was particularly busy during this year’s Gather Round, carrying around 48 per cent of spectators attending games at Adelaide Oval and 65 per cent of the crowd travelling to Barossa Park.
For Murraylands supporters, the upcoming expansion means travelling into the city for a game will become significantly easier.
“Next season, Murray Bridge supporters will be able to jump aboard and travel to Adelaide Oval on game days for free,” Minister Szakacs said.
Footy Express forms part of a broader push to provide free public transport for major South Australian events.
Almost 1.5 million free trips were taken across 61 major ticketed sporting and music events in 2025, including the Ashes Test, SANFL Grand Final, City-Bay and LIV Golf.
The State Government says offering free public transport for major events is designed to reduce travel costs for households while easing the pressure of driving and finding parking during some of the busiest days on Adelaide’s calendar.
