Trains are back in public hands

Sunday, 2 February 2025

Train operations have returned to Government control on a historic day for public transport in South Australia.

Increased security and CCTV headline benefits for commuters as rail operations are returned to public control.

The State Government announced in April last year that it had reached agreements with the private rail operators to bring train and tram services back into public hands. Under these agreements, the State Government will not pay any break fees.

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 in an emphatic vote of confidence to transfer rail operations.

Commuters can now have confidence that all revenue is re-invested into a safer and more reliable public transport system, rather than into company profits.

In a boost to security and compliance, the State Government is funding 31 additional Passenger Service Assistant 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.