Passengers on Adelaide's trains will from today see more security guards on evening services with Keolis Downer officially taking over the running of the network.
Keolis Downer pledged to provide a better customer service experience and has beefed up safety by doubling the number of security guards on trains after 7pm from around 30 to approximately 60.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Corey Wingard, said Keolis Downer has an excellent track record running successful and safe public transport systems and passengers have plenty to look forward to.
"This transition is all about ensuring that the people of South Australia are being provided the very best public transport network possible," Minister Wingard said.
"Under the previous Labor government we saw an extremely disappointing decline in public transport patronage and that's something we needed to tackle.
"As previously outlined, Keolis Downer has signed over close to 180 staff and they have dozens more in training, eager and excited to join the industry.
"In the interim, the government is making available staff to fill in the gaps to ensure passengers are not disrupted.
"Keolis Downer has 110 customer-facing staff including security guards, Passenger Service Assistants and customer information officers in the control centre to help address the needs of passengers.
"Keolis Downer will also be holding 'Meet the Manager' sessions so customers have an opportunity to provide feedback on what they want when they catch a train in Adelaide.
"From February, Keolis Downer will also start delivering training programs for drivers to join the workforce.
"Drivers will undertake 34-week-long programs starting in March meaning that progressively drivers made available to Keolis Downer for the transition will no longer be required and will be moved into roles elsewhere in government.
"More than 1,000 applications were received by Keolis Downer for train driver positions and in excess of 600 applicants for PSA roles. It is clear there's plenty of people excited and eager to join the sector.
"The Marshall Government was elected to deliver better services and that is why we're investing in our public transport network - to deliver better and more frequent train services."
