What is the O-Bahn Busway in Adelaide?
The O-Bahn Busway is a guided busway in Adelaide where buses travel on concrete tracks, guided by small side wheels. It runs about 12 kilometres from the city to Tea Tree Plaza in the northeastern suburbs.
The system uses technology developed in Germany. Special guide rollers attached to the front wheels of buses run against the raised edges of the concrete track, which means the driver does not need to steer on the guided section.
The first stage opened in 1986 and the full route was completed in 1989. Buses can travel at up to 100 kilometres per hour on the track, making it one of the fastest and longest guided busways in the world.
Flexible service
One advantage of the O-Bahn is that buses can leave the track and drive on ordinary roads. Services spread out into suburbs at either end, so many passengers can travel from near their home to the city without changing vehicles.
The busway follows the valley of the River Torrens through linear parkland, which reduced the need to demolish homes or build new roads. Interchanges at Klemzig, Paradise and Tea Tree Plaza connect with feeder buses and park-and-ride facilities.
In 2017 a new tunnel was opened to give buses a faster route into the city center. The O-Bahn remains popular with commuters.
Did You Know?
The O-Bahn was designed by Daimler-Benz, which developed the guided bus technology in Germany.