Flinders University is looking to introduce an elevated autonomous rail system to provide better public transport connections for its students and staff.
Flinders Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling said that if the Tonsley rail line in southern Adelaide is extended to the Flinders Medical Centre, as has been proposed, the SkyWay would then connect that rail station with the university's central hub, a distance of about 500 m.
The SkyWay is a low impact, rechargeable battery-powered, elevated rail concept developed in Russia, and introduced to Australia by transport and infrastructure consultant Rod Hook and Associates.
"We look forward to working with Rod Hook and Associates to see whether this unique transport system can meet the State’s engineering and regulatory requirements," Professor Stirling said.
"If it is feasible, it has the potential to be a drawcard for South Australia and a fantastic community amenity. Not only would it address a practical need, but it would be an attraction in itself as there’s nothing like it anywhere else in the world."
Stirling said the idea is a good fit with the university's enterprising spirit.
"We think it would be most fitting to be the home to world-first technology that would create further opportunities for people to access a world-class university renowned for its innovation and research excellence," he said.
"It also confirms the benefits to flow from the State and Federal Government’s very welcome announcement of an $85 million extension of the Tonsley rail line, a vital infrastructure link that is demonstrably generating development interest."
He believes swift, seamless transport is the catalyst for development.
"It supports our vision for an innovation precinct spanning from Bedford Park to Tonsley, the development of accommodation that will enable us to welcome more international students, and a regeneration of urban vibrancy and amenity as business and retail is attracted to service the growing students and community population," Stirling said.
[An artist's impression of the SkyWay. Image: Flinders University]
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