THE north’s only direct bus route to the city will continue running, with one local MP saying he’d “never known a local issue to cause so much genuine anger”.

As part of the State Government’s proposed overhaul of metropolitan Adelaide’s bus services, the 228 route, which runs from Smithfield to Adelaide, was suggested to be removed.

The current route travels through the Elizabeth Downs, Hillbank and Elizabeth Park suburbs before heading along Main North Road to the city, also bypassing the Women’s and Children’s Hospital in North Adelaide.

Under the now-canned changes, the only direct bus route to from the north to Adelaide would have been axed and replaced with a service from Elizabeth to the Mawson Lakes train station.

Member for Elizabeth Lee Odenwalder started a petition opposing the 228’s axing and said local commuters were passionate about retaining the route.

“The 228 (being cut) is a very big change which would affect a whole lot of people,” he said.

“In my time in parliament I’ve ever seen as strong a reaction to a policy change in Elizabeth.

“This locally has really hit a nerve. The 228, for anyone who lives in Elizabeth, is an iconic bus trip.”

At a Playford Council meeting last week, elected members voted to write to transport minister Stephan Knoll, urging him to reconsider cutting the 228.

Playford councillor Misty Norris, who prepared council’s motion, said people should be proud of making their voices heard.

“I know there were other routes in danger, but I know there were a lot of people hoping to get the 228 saved in particular because it is the only direct route from Smithfield to the city,” she said.

“Ever since we found out they (the State Government) had backtracked and weren’t doing this anymore, everyone is ecstatic.”