FOOTBALL FANS will continue having free public transport to Adelaide Oval matches in 2016.
At an announcement of the new sponsorship that will see the Motor Accident Commission (MAC) become the naming rights partner of the Footy Express for three years, Port Adelaide midfielder Brad Ebert said fans had enjoyed a big win, even before the bounce of a football.
“The MAC Footy Express is one of those traditions that give our fans the chance to get to our games really easily,” Ebert said.
“It’s free, which is good for the wallet, and the fact buses, trains and trams leave from right across the city and go straight to the Adelaide Oval makes it really convenient as well.”
While the MAC Footy Express will have a new name, little will change for Port Adelaide supporters in 2016.
Those fans with a game day ticket or game-access AFL membership card will simply need to show their pass to the driver when they board a MAC Footy Express and then enjoy the fast and free ride to the Adelaide Oval.
SA's transport minister Stephen Mullighan said high-patronage lines such as the Seaford, Gawler and Outer Harbour trains would benefit from new electric rail services.
Half of all attendees at Power games last year reached the venue through the use of the MAC Footy Express.
Here's @bradebert07 at the launch of the @MACofSA Footy Express with @SMullighan #weareportadelaide pic.twitter.com/rGt81mRgsx
— Port Adelaide FC (@PAFC) March 18, 2016
"There are very few changes this year, but of course what we'll also see is a much larger train fleet now with the electric trains all in service," Mr Mullighan said.
"That means we can run more train services, we can run longer trains - not just on the Seaford line but also the Gawler and Outer Harbor lines."
As part of the partnership, Brad Ebert will act as a MAC Road Safety ambassador in 2016, and will be involved in promoting the Government of South Australia’s road safety messages.
"We know that it [the Motor Accident Commission] is a great cause, and it's an important message that they're trying to get across," Ebert said.
"We're really excited about trying to promote the 'Game Changer' message throughout the year and get people aware that they can make the right decisions when they go to the game, the opportunities that are there and they can get home safely.
"They have the ability to go 'OK, I might have a few drinks at the game, let's take the risk out of it - catch a train, catch a bus - and it is so easily accesssible.
"With 50 per cent of people going to the footy on public transport, at least the message is getting across."
The MAC Footy Express will first kick into gear for the Power’s AFL Opening Round game against St Kilda at the Adelaide Oval on Easter Sunday, March 27.