More security guards on trains as Keolis Downer officially takes over Adelaide’s rail network

Private operators now officially run Adelaide’s trains – they will double security guards, but their driver shortage is even worse.

Keolis Downer chief executive officer David Franks and Transport Minister Corey Wingard at Adelaide Railway Station on Sunday morning. Picture: Emma Brasier

Twice as many security guards will be patrolling evening trains from today, as Keolis Downer takes over Adelaide’s rail network.

The State Government handed over the operation of the metropolitan rail system to the company at 3am on Sunday, under a 12-year, $2.14 billion privatisation deal.

It came as it was revealed that almost 40 extra train drivers who did not sign up to work for Keolis Downer were being made to drive due to shortages.

The government announced in early January that up to about 57 train drivers who had not taken jobs with the new operator would be made to drive for the company for up to 18 months to “ensure passengers continue to have access to all existing services”.

Keolis Downer chief executive officer David Franks confirmed on Sunday the company was now borrowing 94 drivers from the government.

“As we’ve moved forward, some people have withdrawn their application to join us, some people have just chosen to go and stay with the (Transport) Department, so there’s been a mix,” he said.

“When you have uncertainty people make different decisions and they have that right.”

However, Mr Franks said the company had “never struggled to recruit people” and it had more than 1500 train driver applications for about 150 jobs.

Treasurer Rob Lucas earlier in January said the staffing arrangement was similar what Labor had in place when it privatised the Land Titles Office in 2017.

Transport and Sport Corey Wingard said a system penalties and incentives for the new owners would maintain standards for customers. Picture Emma Brasier

Meanwhile, Keolis Downer kicked off its first day in charge by increasing the number of security guards – from about 30 to 60 – on trains after 7pm.

“We know there is a really solid operation here with the rail network, but we really do believe we can do better for customers, so that will be a massive focus,” Mr Franks said.

“There is no intention … to reduce services – It’s all about growing services.”

Keolis Downer is not permitted under its contract to make any significant changes to the rail network for three years.

Transport Minister Corey Wingard said the new operator would be subjected to ongoing reviews of its performance and there would be financial penalties for failures and incentives for achievements.

Mr Wingard stressed that under the deal, “the government still runs the timetable, runs the schedule, and runs the ticket box as well”.

“We still own all the trains, all the tracks, all the stations,” he said.

Mr Wingard said the transition on Sunday morning went smoothly.

Opposition Leader Peter Malinauskas said the privatisation would “result in less jobs and it’s going to result in a diminished outcome for passengers”.

Keolis Downer will be holding ‘meet the manager’ sessions to give passengers a chance to provide feedback on the train service.