2 April 2023

Keolis Downer and the Government of South Australia Reach Milestone Agreement

The South Australian Government and Keolis Downer have reached an agreement which paves the way for the progressive return of the operation of the Adelaide Metro Passenger Rail Network (AMPRN) to public hands.

The agreement, which was signed today, sets the key principles under which the management of operations will be transferred to government in January 2025. This agreement is not reflective of the performance of Keolis Downer Adelaide (KDA) under its existing rail contract. It is recognised that KDA has been performing well since taking over the network.

KDA will continue to deliver asset management and maintenance for the AMPRN and customer services into the future.

Keolis Downer and the South Australian Government have partnered collaboratively since the start of operations of the rail services on 31 January 2021. This partnership will continue in a different form which will aim to maintain a high-performing network while delivering benefits to the local community.

Keolis Downer CEO, Julien Dehornoy, said: “As a public transport operator, our objective will always be to partner with governments to provide services that are safe, performant and deliver a positive passenger experience. Our people are at the heart of the successful delivery of transport services, and we will ensure they are supported as we enter this new partnership.”

This agreement outlines the principles for:

• Keolis Downer Adelaide to return operational functions for drivers, operations control, network and timetable planning to Government by 31 January 2025.
• The delivery of customer service and security management functions to remain with Keolis Downer returning to Government control in June 2027.
• Maintenance of fleet and infrastructure to continue to be managed by Keolis Downer Adelaide to 2035.
• Keolis Downer Adelaide to continue to provide expertise to Government around future innovation opportunities for customer services and the broader rail network.

About Keolis Downer

Keolis Downer is a leading operator and integrator of public transport in Australia. With over 5,300+ employees and a presence in five states, Keolis Downer enables 350 million passenger journeys per year. We operate and maintain the largest tram network in the world in Melbourne (Yarra Trams), the light rail network on the Gold Coast (G:link), Adelaide Metro train services and more than 1,300+ buses in New South Wales, Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland. In Newcastle we also operate an integrated transport network, connecting the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie communities with frequent light rail, bus, ferry and On Demand services.

Established in 2009, Keolis Downer is a joint venture between Keolis, a leading public transport operator established in 14 countries, and Downer, the leading provider of integrated services in Australia and New Zealand.

Keolis Downer Adelaide (KDA) is the proud operator of the Adelaide Metro Passenger Rail Network South Australia. Our vision is to be the partner of choice for public transport authorities to support the development of more livable cities and regions. For more information, visit www.keolisdowner.com.au

 

Media contact

Emmet Fay, Director of Stakeholder Relations, KDA

0438 607 886 | emmet.fay@keolisdowner.com