Bruce Domagalski says the new Port Dock Station in Port Adelaide represents better connectivity for residents

Train services to the heart of Port Adelaide are finally back after a 40 year absence.

Former freight train driver Bruce Domagalski, 72, of Parafield Gardens, with grandson, Stanley, 4, and family friend Jacob Webb, 10, were there for the celebration. Picture: Dean Martin

Hundreds turned out to Port Dock Railway Station on Saturday to mark the return of train services to the heart of the Port.

Officially coming into effect today, the new line serves as a destination station for visitors to the Port’s tourist attractions and commercial centre.

The new Port Dock station is now open. Picture: Dean Martin

Stanley,4, and family friend Jacob Webb,10, with former freight train driver, Bruce Domagalski, 72, of Parafield Gardens, wife Theresa and friend Elizabeth Webb of Valley View, there for the Port Dock celebration. Picture: Dean Martin

The new Port Dock station is now open, and Stanley,4, (R), and friend Jacob,10, were there in the driverÕs seat for the celebration. 24 August 2024. Picture: Dean Martin

Former freight train driver Bruce Domagalski, 72, was at the event with his grandson Stanley, 4, and family friend Jacob, 10.

Mr Domagalski believes the reopening of the passenger train line represents better connectivity for residents, as housing development continues to increase density within the area.

“This is brilliant, I mean, look at all the housing you’ve got going up here. It’s something that should never been taken away,” he said, referring to the line’s decommissioning in 1981.

Mr Domagalski believes all South Australians need to get on-board with rail as an efficient system of public transport servicing new population centres outside Adelaide.

“With the way the petrol prices are and the cost of living and everything, why people can’t see that the only way to go is a train or a tram,” he said.

“So let’s go with what we’ve got, let’s run with it and let’s expand on it.”

Mr Domagalski said the train network should expand into Mount Barker next, along with Virginia and the Barossa in the future.

Originally published as Bruce Domagalski says the new Port Dock Station in Port Adelaide represents better connectivity for residents