Train sell-off set for boilover as Government calls for private operators
The fight over Adelaide’s train and tram services is set to boilover as the state government calls for operators to come forward while Labor stands by its pledge to reverse any deals.
SA News
Don't miss out on the headlines from SA News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Labor pledges to tear up train sell-off deals
- Are you getting the most from your Advertiser subscription?
Companies wanting to take over Adelaide’s train system will need to deliver faster, more frequent services and be able to adopt new technologies, according to rules set by the State Government.
An expressions of interest process will open today to give companies an opportunity to sell their wares.
Meanwhile, an independent public transport think tank has warned that Labor’s plan to reverse any deals struck for train and tram services would be reckless.
Transport Minister Stephan Knoll said the State Government wants “to leverage the capability, innovation and expertise from private sector operators” to improve the efficiency and quality of Adelaide’s train services.
“The State Government will still own and control the assets, control fare prices and set service level requirements,” Mr Knoll said.
“The Government has already guaranteed maintaining the same service frequency levels and standards and expect an increase in service.”
Companies will need to:
PROVIDE high levels of customer satisfaction.
IMPROVE integration of train services with other public transport modes.
ESTABLISH more frequent and faster services.
GUARANTEE innovative and accessible services.
Labor has vowed to rip up any deals that are struck as part of its first major election commitment.
Opposition transport spokesman Tom Koutsantonis said it would be “completely normal and natural” for bidders to be scared off bidding because of Labor’s position.
“If we win, public transport will come back into public hands,” he said.
Infrastructure Partnerships Australia Chief Executive Adrian Dwyer described Labor’s position as reckless.
“Threatening to tear up contracts risks damaging South Australia’s investment reputation and puts taxpayers on the hook,” Mr Dwyer said,
“It would deny the people of Adelaide the high-quality service they deserve from the best bus and tram operators around the world.
“Franchising the operation of these services is a tried and tested way to drive value for taxpayers and deliver better outcomes for customers.”