Adelaide tram passengers are enjoying better and more reliable services one year on from Torrens Connect taking over operating the city's tram network.
Torrens Connect has exceeded key benchmarks for punctuality, on-time running and tram driver and vehicle presentation since commencing light rail operations on 5 July 2020.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Corey Wingard, said the high performance shows the Marshall Liberal Government is delivering better services for South Australians.
"The Marshall Liberal Government chose Torrens Connect to deliver simpler, faster and better connected journeys," Minister Wingard said.
"There was a seamless transition of services and the management of tram services and light rail infrastructure has been first class by the 150, locally-based, Torrens Connect staff."
Minister Wingard said Torrens Connect had surpassed key performance indicator expectations over the past 12 months.
"The Service Reliability KPI results for Torrens Connect reveal the operator is exceeding its punctuality benchmark.
"From July 2020 to March 2021 teams were punctual 99.4 per cent of the time, easily surpassing the benchmark of 95 per cent. On time reports were equally impressive averaging 98.9 per cent, well above the 95 per cent benchmark."
"The decision to reform tram operations was made to improve user experience, rail journeys and encourage the use of public transport.
"We're are getting on with modernising and improving our public transport system to encourage patronage and customers have reported positive feedback.
"An audit of Tram Driver Vehicle Quality and Tram Vehicle Presentation, which was undertaken by an independent research company, showed Torrens Connect achieved an overall performance rating of 99%, exceeding both the performance benchmark (95 per cent) and the performance target (98 per cent) for this KPI.
"Preventative maintenance by Torrens Connect has resulted in a 360 per cent improvement to the average distance travelled between tram failures and 40 per cent reduction in slip-trip-fall events.
"There has been a 20 per cent reduction in customer complaints compared with the previous year.
"South Australian Public Transport Authority (SAPTA) and the Traffic Management Centre (TMC) are also working with Torrens Connect to optimise traffic light sequences along tram routes."
Customers have also benefitted from a tap-and-pay trial on trams that began in September 2020 which allows commuters to tap-on using their Visa, Mastercard or smart device instead of using a metroCARD or MetroTicket.
Tap-and-pay has become the fastest growing customer choice in single regular fares.
Torrens Connect also manages the Rail Care Volunteers program that beautifies areas along tram routes.
