After a six decade absence, Adelaide will once again have an extended network of Trams to service area commuters.  And councils that put up some cash will likely see their regions given priority when it comes time to decide where the Trams will run first.

"I'm hoping in the future they're willing to put the effort in through financial contributions to bring these projects out," SA Transport Minister Stephen Mulligan said at a meeting of local council representatives at Lord Mayor Martin Haese's Light Rail Summit in Adelaide's town hall, as quoted by the ABC.  "If we have a council that says they're ready to go, that they've got funding to commit, well obviously, the extension that heads to their area is going to become a higher priority because it's easier to fund," he added.

In other words, "there's no free ride with this," Mr. Mulligan said.

Value capture schemes ensure that the entities that stand to benefit from a large public project kick in some of the costs.  It's been used effectively to fund public projects around the world, particularly in the USA.  And Mr. Mulligan insists it's a sound investment for local councils. 

"For businesses, for retailers, (and) for people who are wanting to live in the city, Trams bring enormous benefits to all of the area that they run through," he said.  Even homeowners near the future Tram stations will benefit from a twelve to 13 percent gain in their property values.

Adelaide already knows the value of a good public transportation system.  Before most were ripped out to make room for cars in the 1950s, Trams carried people through all quarters of the city and inner suburbs.