Extra security guards to be placed on Adelaide public transport system from July 1

The safety of Adelaide commuters are expected improve on its public transport network when extra security guards are put on patrol from July 1.

Extra security guards are expected to patrol Adelaide’s public transport network from July 1 in an effort to boost safety for commuters and drivers.

The number of roving guards, who will move between trains, trams, buses, stations and stops, will rise from four to 16.

An additional rapid-response vehicle patrol will also check the public transport network each night and respond to incidents, bringing the total number of these mobile patrols to six.

However, regular nightly patrols on the Belair, Tonsley and Grange train lines will be axed.

The new measures are part of the third phase of three-year Wilson Security contract signed by the former Labor State Government in 2017.

Transport Minister Stephan Knoll said the new initiatives would “deliver a more responsive security system to keep South Australians safe on public transport”.

He said they were expected to be in place on July 1, subject to consultations.

“Safety can be a key factor when people are deciding whether or not to use public transport,” Mr Knoll said.

“The safer people feel on our buses, trains and trams, the more likely they are to use these services.

“By having more roving guards and more rapid response units, security can be dispatched faster to respond to any incidents across our public transport network.”

Mr Knoll said the initiatives built on other safety measures introduced by the government, including installing security screens on all Adelaide Metropolitan buses and new CCTV at a number of train and tram stations.

“There will also be improved real-time monitoring through a 24/7 security hub, so the public can rest assured that fixed CCTV cameras at stations and interchanges are monitored around the clock,” he said.