William Scott
South Australian train operations have returned to government control, with trams expected to follow in mid-2025.
The return of train services to public hands realises a major State Government election commitment.
On 2 April 2023, the State Government announced it had reached agreements with private operators to bring train and tram services back into public hands.
As part of the agreement with the private operators, the State Government will not pay any break fees and transition costs are minimal. 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.
Commuters will not experience any changes to their current travel arrangements or timetable but can have peace of mind that all revenue is re-invested into a safer and more reliable public transport system.
In a boost to security and compliance, the State Government will fund 31 additional Passenger Service Assistant (PSA) roles to supplement the current on-board PSA presence on train services, particularly after 7pm.
The State Government is also improving amenities at railway stations across a cleaner, greener metropolitan rail network in a win for commuters.
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 upgrade Marino Railway Station which will include new CCTV cameras, emergency help phone and tactile ground surface indicators.
Hard-working Department for Infrastructure and Transport staff are leading a lasting and unique public transport legacy – rail services owned and operated by and for all South Australians.
