People power - metro rail operations back where they belong
Adelaide’s tram operations are back in public control, completing a historic first-term Malinauskas Government commitment to safeguard our essential rail services for future generations.
Tram services, owned and operated by the Government of South Australia, resumed at 3am, Sunday, 31 August after being privatised by the previous Marshall Government.
In a landmark achievement, the Malinauskas Government has decisively reversed the cynical sell-off of metropolitan rail services which began with trams in 2020 then trains in 2021.
Train operations successfully returned to public hands in February 2025.
A resounding 97 per cent of Torrens Connect (AMO) staff promptly accepted employment offers with the State Government, casting a clear vote of confidence in the transfer of tram operations back into public hands. A trained and skilled workforce will deliver a smooth transition for tram customers.
Commuters will benefit from the State Government investing all operational expenditure into the rail network.
Returning tram services to public hands will deliver more integrated and coordinated security and customer services.
A Government-run tram network allows clear accountability for service delivery and transparent performance reporting.
Major upgrades to the tram network to deliver safer and more reliable journeys are currently underway through the Tram Grade Separation Projects(external site).
Work is progressing well, with the line on track to reopen before the beginning of the 2026 school year.
Network improvements include:
Safer and more reliable journeys through the removal of three level crossings where the Glenelg tram line crosses Marion Road and Cross Road, Plympton and Morphett Road, Morphettville.
Better connection and sense of community between the suburbs on either side of the tram line through removal of the level crossings.
Rebuilding the South Road Tram Overpass to accommodate the lowered motorway as part of a Non-Stop South Road.
Safer and more accessible tram stops with improved pedestrian access and lighting.
The return of rail services to public hands will deliver improved integration of intermodal public transport, including the train and tram networks, staff and resources.
The previous Marshall Government awarded tram operator AMO and train operator Keolis Down Adelaide (KDA) seperate, initial eight-year contracts with options to extend to 10 and 12 years, respectively.
No contract break-fee was paid for the return of rail services to Government. AMO will continue to maintain tram fleet and infrastructure until 2035.
A critical, customer-first public transport legacy is assured with metropolitan rail services back where they belong.
Quotes
Attributable to Tom Koutsantonis
Last year’s auction was nothing short of extraordinary with plate 8 shattering our local auction record and plate 55 marking its own milestone as the first two-digit number sold since 1985.
From early horse-carriage era to today’s collectors’ circles, numeric plates link modern drivers with the prestige of South Australia’s automotive pioneers.
Experts say lower-digit plates like ‘10’ are rare relics that indicate new beginnings, while there is a unique energy around the 98 plate. Not only is it linked to success, but for Crows supporters it’s a timely memento of the year they went back-to-back.
Whether you’re drawn by heritage, numerology or the sheer exclusivity of owning a piece of automotive history, now is the chance to take home plates that are much more than just a collector’s item.