THE government of South Australia is once again running Adelaide’s light rail network after a period of private operation. The state also took back control of the city’s commuter services earlier this year.
Torrens Connect, a consortium of Torrens Transit, John Holland and UGL Rail, has run the network since 2020 under an eight-year contract. However, South Australia’s Labor Party has delivered an election campaign pledge to bring rail operations back under government control by 2025. Labor made the pledge before each contract was signed and no break fees have been paid. Torrens Connect will continue to oversee maintenance of the LRV fleet and infrastructure until 2035.
“We are acting on principle, and as promised, to reverse the privatisation of essential public transport services,” says South Australia premier, Peter Malinauskas.
The 16.3km network is currently undergoing extensive upgrades through a series of Tram Grade Separation Projects. These are set to be completed in time for the start of the 2026 school year.
Key improvements include the elimination of three level crossings along the Glenelg Line. The South Road overpass is also being rebuilt to accommodate a lowered motorway as part of the Non-Stop South Road initiative. Additional upgrades include improvements to pedestrian access and safety through better lighting and accessibility at stops.
