Contracts for the operation of light rail services in Adelaide have been awarded to Torrens Connect.
Announced today, March 10, along with a suite of bus contracts, Torrens Connect will operate Adelaide’s tram network from July.
Torrens Connect is a joint venture between Torrens Transit, UGL Rail Services, and John Holland.
The contract for the North South network combines bus and tram services, and according to SeaLink Travel Group – owner of Torrens Transport – CEO, Clint Feuerherdt, the integration will allow for better services.
“Between high frequency services, and integrated bus and tram outcomes, we will open up new destinations on the public transport network for customers,” he said.
According to Feuerherdt, bringing the modes together will allow for innovation in service delivery.
“The new tender has allowed us to bring in our global best practice experience, matched with our local market knowledge and history, to truly create a tailored series of network improvements for Adelaide.”
Partnered in the contract is UGL Rail Services, which in addition to its work in heavy rail and metro services, has contributed to light rail in Hong Kong.
“This contract extends our light rail operations and maintenance capability alongside our Adelaide heavy rail presence. We look forward to providing a safe and quality operation for the people of Adelaide,” said UGL managing director, Jason Spears.
For partner John Holland, the contract is the first multimodal contract in the company’s history, highlighted CEO Joe Barr.
“From operating the country’s first metro train in Sydney, to Canberra’s new light rail, John Holland has a proven record of putting the customer at the centre of everything we do.”
As a result of this contract, John Holland will be one of only a few private organisations to operate trains, trams, and buses in Australia.
“The South Australian Public Transport Authority (SAPTA) has recognised our commitment to South Australians and we look forward to working with them over the coming years to deliver improvements across the network,” said John Holland’s executive general manager – rail, Steve Butcher.
The SA government and the successful contractors will deliver network improvements by the end of 2020. Consultation on the improvements will begin in April.
“In the coming weeks we will be releasing details about the bus service improvements that will benefit South Australians ahead of a consultation period we will undertake,” said SA Transport Minister, Stephan Knoll.
“Now the contracts have been signed, we can begin working with the providers to deliver the best possible bus and tram network for South Australians.”
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