- The Department of Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) in South Australia has awarded Keolis Downer the contract to operate and maintain train services in Adelaide from 31 January 2021
- Over the initial eight years of the contract, DIT and Keolis Downer will partner to deliver better train services and increase the use of public transport
- There will be a strong focus on safety and improving customer experience
Keolis Downer welcomes DIT’s decision to entrust it to operate the passenger rail network in Adelaide.
As a local operator, backed by a wealth of international experience, Keolis Downer will deliver better, faster and more frequent train services, and make public transport the first choice for commuters by delivering world-class services.
Keolis Downer draws from the rich capability of existing operations in Australia, and our parent companies: heavy rail operation and maintenance experience of Keolis internationally in the UK, the US, Germany and the Netherlands, supported by the expertise of its majority shareholder SNCF (the national railway in France), and Downer’s expertise in rail infrastructure, rolling stock maintenance and asset management both locally in South Australia and nationally.
“Under this new contract with DIT, there will be a strong focus on customer service, for example by providing more channels to access real-time information,” said David Franks, CEO of Keolis Downer. “Customer Service staff will receive new tools to better engage with customers, share real-time information, gather feedback and advise passengers of any disruptions and alternative options when needed.”
Mr Franks said Keolis Downer had a strong “Zero Harm” culture and would introduce a number of initiatives to improve safety on the network.
“As a local public transport operator in South Australia for the past 20 years, we are excited to continue our partnership with DIT to deliver better train services in Adelaide,” Mr Franks said. “We are committed to partnering with local stakeholders and organisations to create value in South Australia and deliver the Government’s vision of a sustainable, revitalised train service for the people of Adelaide.
“The DIT has already committed to deliver the Flinders Link extension, bringing more services to the Flinders Medical Centre, creating new connections to health, innovation and education precincts.
“The electrification of the Gawler line is underway and through this project we will be introducing new electric trains with increased capacity. These initiatives are real game changers and will transform the rail network. We are proud to be part of this journey with DIT.”
About Keolis Downer
Keolis Downer is a leading operator and integrator of public transport in Australia. With more than 4,000 employees and a presence in five states, Keolis Downer enables 250 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) and Newcastle, and more than 1,000 buses in NSW, Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland. From 31 January 2021, Keolis Downer will operate the Adelaide Metro train services.
Established in 2009, Keolis Downer is a joint venture between Keolis, a leading public transport operator established in 16 countries, and Downer, the leading provider of integrated services in Australia and New Zealand.
| ALL MEDIA ENQUIRIES: Segolene Deeley – Director Corporate Affairs +61 421 929 334 / segolene.deeley@keolisdowner.com.au Michael Owen – Stakeholder and Communication Director +61 400 042 214 / michael.owen@keolisdowner.com.au |