A cost-of-living measure targeted at helping South Australian families is proving a huge success, with more than five million Adelaide Metro trips taken using the discounted Student 28-Day pass since its price was slashed to just $10.
The heavily reduced fare, introduced by the State Government in July 2025, has not only saved students and their families almost $2.5 million, but has also encouraged more young people to jump on buses, trains and trams across the network.
Before the change, the Student 28-Day pass cost $28.60. Now priced at $10, the pass works out to around 25 cents per trip for regular users, making it one of the cheapest ways for students to travel around Adelaide.
New Adelaide Metro data shows the number of trips taken with the discounted pass has more than doubled since the price reduction took effect. Overall, student travel across the public transport network has also increased by nearly nine per cent.
The figures suggest the cheaper fare has not only helped existing public transport users save money but also encouraged more families to switch from car trips to public transport for school travel.
“Our Government is committed to supporting South Australian families through targeted cost of living relief measures that provide assistance where it’s needed most,” shared Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Joe Szakacs. “These results illustrate the overwhelming success of this policy.
“For families with kids already catching public transport, this has immediately had a positive impact on the hip-pocket.
“While for families and kids that were on the fence about catching the bus, train or tram, this has made the decision a no-brainer. That’s why we’ve seen millions of trips made, millions of dollars saved and a surge in the number of students tapping on.”
The discounted pass has also become easier to access thanks to updates to the Adelaide Metro Buy & Go app, which added 28-day student pass options in October 2025.
Students can now purchase passes directly through the app and store tickets in a digital wallet until they are ready to use them. Unused stored tickets remain valid for up to 12 months.
The convenience of the app appears to be resonating with younger passengers, with more than 31,000 single-trip student tickets sold through Buy & Go during May 2026 alone.
The Government is encouraging students who regularly use public transport to consider the 28-Day pass, noting it offers significantly better value than purchasing individual fares.
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