Keolis bags Euro 1.32bn contract for Adelaide suburban rail network in Australia

Adelaide, Australia (Urban Transport News): Keolis Downer, Keolis’ Australian subsidiary, was awarded a 1.32 billion euro (AUS$ 2.14 billion) contract to operate and maintain the commuter rail network of Adelaide in the State of South Australia.

The contract was awarded on 18th September 2020 by South Australia's Department of Infrastructure and Transport. This is the first time this network will be managed by a private operator.

The contract, which takes effect on 31 January 2021, is for an initial period of eight years, extendible to twelve years. As part of this contract, Keolis Downer will deliver more services and improve the passenger experience.

Corey Wingard, South Australian Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, declared:

This is about delivering better outcomes and a modern public transport system for South Australians. Keolis Downer places safety and customers at its core and is focused on making public transport the first choice and delivering a world-class experience in providing a train service that is reliable, safe, efficient and integrated. This contract delivers greater benefits to customers and will see an operator with demonstrated experience bringing that expertise to Adelaide.

Bernard Tabary, CEO International at Keolis Group said:

We are delighted that the Government of South Australia has placed its trust in us. We are looking forward to delivering better train services to residents and visitors of Adelaide, improving passenger experience and encouraging more people onto public transport. To do so, we will harness our experience and expertise in our rail operations across the UK, the US and France.

Keolis Downer has been present in Australia for more than ten years and operates modes including tram, bus, ferries, autonomous electric vehicles, on-demand real-time transport and now commuter rail. A modernised network and enhanced passenger experience.

This 131-kilometre long network, which includes 39 kilometres of electrified track, features four main lines - Belair, Gawler, Outer Harbor, and Seaford, and two spur lines, Grange and Tonsley (which will be extended by 650 m in 2020 with the Flinders extension) and serving 89 stations. The network's fleet of 92 trains, 22 of which run electrically, will be completed by 12 other electric trains starting in 2021.

Adelaide Suburban Rail Network - At A Glance

• Total Network Length: 131 km 
• Total Lines: 6
• Total Stations: 89
• Total Passenger Trains: 92 trains( including 22 electric ones)
• Total Depots: 4 depots
• Ridership: 14.2 million passengers carried in 2018

Keolis Downer staff will be equipped with new devices to meet passengers' needs more effectively by keeping them informed about train times and traffic conditions in real-time.