Keolis Downer receives safety accreditation from national rail regulator ahead of January 31 takeover date

Adelaide’s new train operator has received safety approval from the national regulator, days before it is due to take over the city’s network.

Keolis Downer will take over Adelaide’s train network on January 31. File picture

The private operator taking over Adelaide’s train services has received accreditation from the National Rail Safety Regulator, days before the January 31 deadline.

Keolis Downer confirmed the company received the accreditation on Wednesday morning, meaning it can safely take over the city’s rail network on Sunday.

Earlier this month, the state Opposition criticised the company for not having approval two weeks before it was due to take over the Adelaide Metro train services.

However, both Keolis Downer and the State Government assured the public the application to the regulator had proceeded to an agreed schedule that was common for other rail operations.

Keolis Downer’s health and safety director Sandra Wilson-Ryke said the company was pleased with the way it “collaborated” with the safety regulator.

“We have safety accreditation in place in all our operations and a strong safety culture at all levels of the organisation,” she said.

“We look forward to continuing to collaborate with the safety regulator and operate the rail service in Adelaide at the highest standards.”

Ms Wilson-Ryke transferred to Adelaide after previously working for Keolis Downer on the Gold Coast, where she was responsible for the safety of the G:link light rail service.

Ms Wilson-Ryke oversaw the safety of Gold Coast’s G:link light rail service. Picture: Jerad Williams

Prior to joining the company, she worked for the Australian Rail Track Corporation.

“I grew up in Adelaide and I am delighted to be leading safety for the delivery of the Adelaide Metro rail services,” she said.

“This contract has given me the opportunity to come back home, bringing with me a breadth of experience and knowledge that will enable us to develop a strong safety culture, and deliver better services for the benefit of local communities.”

Keolis Downer was awarded a $2.14bn contract to operate Adelaide’s train network from January 31.

The State Government will retain ownership of all rail infrastructure and control fare prices, revenue and standards for service levels.

At the start of this month, treasurer Rob Lucas revealed 83 train drivers had accepted an offer of employment with the private operator – well short of the 174 required.

To make up the shortfall, existing Adelaide Metro workers will be required to drive for Keolis Downer while remaining on the government payroll – until the company employs enough of its own drivers.