The South Australian Government has officially returned Adelaide’s train services to public management. This change reverses the previous Liberal government’s privatisation of the rail services.
On the 2nd of February 2025, the announcement was made that, after four years under private operation, the control of these essential services was being restored to the public sector. This decision is part of a broader commitment by the Malinauskas Labor Government to reclaim public ownership of vital infrastructure, which they say has a focus on prioritising public interest over private profit.
This shift back to public control was initially announced last April when the Malinauskas government unveiled plans to terminate the existing private contracts without incurring any break fees. This move has been marked by the strategic transition of employment for drivers, controllers, supervisors, and shift managers to positions within the government.
Premier Malinauskas spoke about the significance of this move, stating, “Bringing a privatised service back into public hands is a remarkable achievement, and one that will benefit South Australians each and every day.”
He continued, “We were very clear when the former Marshall administration abandoned its pledge for no privatisations that, if elected, a Labor Government would bring these services back into public ownership.
“Today we honour that promise – and in so doing we are creating a lasting public transport legacy of rail services owned and operated by and for South Australians.”
Enhancements accompanying this transition include improved security measures such as increased CCTV operations and the funding of 31 additional Passenger Service Assistant roles.
Minister Tom Koutsantonis stressed the importance of public management for essential services. He commented, “This commitment is not a reflection of Keolis Downer’s capability as a service provider and we thank them for their cooperation throughout this process. However, the reality is, when you privatise a service, you pay for the private operator’s profit margin that’s built into the price for service. Taxpayer money should be re-invested to improve services. That is exactly what we’re doing.”
The government is also taking steps to improve public transport amenities. Upgrades have been completed at various stations from Gawler Central to Woodlands Park Railway Station, with further enhancements planned for Alberton, Clarence Park, and Marino Railway Stations, slated for completion by 2026.
Darren Phillips, the secretary of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union SA, also supported the re-nationalisation. He noted the broader benefits of public ownership, stating, “Public Transport is a vital service that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, eases road congestion and enhances the liveability of our city. Bringing operations back into public hands means we can focus on improving and growing our public transport network for South Australians.”
By shifting the operation of Adelaide’s trains back under government control, the State Government aims to ensure more reliable, secure, and user-focused service.
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