Adelaide’s train network is back under public ownership as part of a landmark deal.
Former Liberal Premier Steven Marshall transferred management of the city’s rail services to Keolis Downer four years ago, for an initial eight-year term with an option to extend to 12 years.
However, in April 2023, the South Australian government announced it had reached an agreement with the private operator to bring the network back under public control.
Yesterday the train services officially changed hands, fulfilling a key election promise from the current Premier, Peter Malinuaskas.
“Bringing a privatised service back into public hands is a remarkable achievement,” Malinuaskas said.
“And it’ll benefit South Australians each and every day.”
We were very clear when the former Marshall administration abandoned its pledge for no privatisations that, if elected, we would bring our train and tram services back into public ownership.
“Today, we honour that promise, with trains back into public hands – where they belong.”
The government will not need to pay any break fees and said that transition costs are “minimal”.
A statement from Adelaide Metro said train services will continue to operate to their current timetables, and a “trained and skilled workforce” will deliver a smooth transition for customers.
“A full complement of drivers, controllers, supervisors, and shift managers accepted employment offers with the State Government well ahead of schedule which assisted an effective transfer [of] rail operations,” it continued.
As part of the deal, 31 passenger service assistants will be hired to help improve security on trains, particularly after 7pm.
Upgrades are also underway to deliver better amenities across a “cleaner, greener” rail network.
Over a dozen upgrades from Gawler Central to Woodlands Park Railway Station have already been completed, while improvements to Alberton, Clarence Park and Marino Railway Stations will be completed by 2026.
The State Government has also committed $2 million to renovating Marino Railway Station, which will include new CCTV cameras, an emergency help phone and tactile ground surface indicators.
Adelaide’s tram network, which is currently under the control of Torrens Connect (AMO), is expected to be back under public ownership by July 2025.