Adelaide’s trams return to public control in 2025

Adelaide’s trams returned to city ownership. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Adelaide’s trams are now fully in public hands with the South Australian Government taking back full control of services on August 31, 2025. This change is a substantial step towards rebuilding community confidence in the city’s light rail.

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The move comes after the Malinauskas Government announced in February it would terminate the previous government’s outsourcing of tram operations. Authorities said 97% of former Torrens Connect workers had signed up for the government-run system to ensure a smooth handover had been achieved.

Modifications for tram network in Adelaide planned

But Premier Peter Malinauskas said returning services to public operation would increase the level of community ownership, and guarantee all profits go back into improvements. He said the tram network is about more than a mode of transport, it’s an integral part of the city’s culture.

This is in addition to significant upgrades that are already underway such as the Tram Grade Separation Projects. The projects involve elimination of three level crossings at Marion Road, Cross Road and Morphett Road to provide safer, quicker and more reliable journeys for thousands of regional passengers through Adelaide’s southern suburbs every day.

How it’s going to change the way the city tram system is run?

In the meantime, works on the reconstruction of the South Road Tram Overpass will take place to coincide with the city’s Non-Stop South Road project. Those projects will be finished in time for the 2026 school year.

“The State Government is continuing to invest in improving safety and access to public transport,” Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Tom Koutsantonis said. Faster and more reliable services for commuters, once the grade separation projects are delivered across the network.

How did Adelaide’s trams end up back in public hands?

Adelaide chose to restore the tramway to public ownership in order to provide improved service, reciprocal reinvestment of operational income, and increased community involvement in the administration of the city's light rail network.

What tram network improvements are in the works?

Projects include removing the worst level crossings, upgrading the South Road Tram Overpass and deliver more capacity, accessibility and reliability improvements on the Glenelg line and other routes.

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