Adelaide Metro items of interest

[SurfRail]

These changes look great - epic simplification going on.

The most complicated route number now appears to be "331X", which is pretty simple given what is there now (G10B, H30, W91, T721X)

[ozbob]

Here comes the opposition ...   

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1275810031347200000

[Gazza]

Taperoo and Largs North are on the outer harbour line.
https://www.google.com/maps/@-34.7928808,138.5215354,7701m/data=!3m1!1e3

The whole area is a peninsular, with most people 600m either side of the line.

That are is just getting a flexi link type service for people unable to walk to the outer harbour line.

[ozbob]

The Advertiser --> Premier Steven Marshall signals changes to bus reform after fierce community backlash

Premier Steven Marshall has signalled he is getting ready to wind back controversial parts of the State Government's bus network overhaul, after significant community backlash over plans to cut stops.

Transport Minister Stephan Knoll launched the reform a fortnight ago, saying the Government would deliver more frequent services but also shut stops that are little used.

The Opposition has raised concerns that 1000 bus stops will be closed, or no longer take passengers other than school students. Northern suburbs Labor MP Blair Boyer also says that works currently underway to build new pick up lanes along Golden Grove Rd will be pointless when the stops they are meant to serve are axed under the changes.

The Government is currently conducting public consultation, set to finish at the end of next month, with changes set to come into force at the end of the year.

Mr Marshall said Cabinet would receive an update on the plan on Monday, and was willing to change direction based on public feedback.

"One of the things that we will be looking at is an interim update on the feedback that we have received with regards to the bus reform," Mr Marshall said on Sunday.

"It's fair to say that there are some strong opinions.

"We will be taking them all into account.

"We have said from day one that we are open for feedback.

"There have been some excellent suggestions that have been brought forward.

"There have been a lot of good submissions to us from MPs, from local people within their communities.

"We are listening to it all.

"I think we have proven ourselves ... to be flexible (and) a government that does listen to the people of SA."

The Government is facing growing calls to release the full list of bus stops slated for closure. It has set up a website showing planned changes to current routes, but not a comprehensive list of all proposed changes.

Opposition treasury spokesman Stephen Mullighan said people who lived near bus stops that were be cut also faced losses on their house prices.

He has cited commentary from expert analysts including Realestate.com.au that "good public transport can improve the liveability of an area, and indirectly increase property prices by increasing the demand there is to live there."

Mr Mullighan said: "Steven Marshall's decision to cut more than 1000 bus stops and slash the number of bus routes is bound to have a negative impact on the property value of thousands of South Australians".

Mr Boyer said the changes in Golden Grove, just outside of his electorate and in the Government's most marginal seat, showed the reform had been poorly thought through.

"They've started building indentations for buses that won't come," he said.

"You couldn't make it up."

[red dragin]

Is this a case of going too far with the intention to back down to look like "we listened, aren't we great, vote for us".

Or another "here are these great changes that we've failed to explain" like Brisbane did?

[SurfRail]

I think there's just the usual angst.  Changes this significant never get through in their original form, and that really is the point of public consultation.  The initial release always has to be treated as something of an ambit claim.

[ozbob]

They rolled over, already  ...

#BREAKING The South Australian Government has announced today the proposed changes to bus routes will no longer be going ahead following community feedback. #saparli

— ABC Adelaide (@abcadelaide) June 29, 2020

History repeating ...

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/abcnews/status/1277455033190080518

[verbatim9]

^^This is terrible political play. Both parties should act more responsible.

[Gazza]

I think what sunk this is that they didn't focus enough on coverage, hence the narrative about thousands of bus stop closures, people sided with the elderly who were losing walk up accessibility.

I think 800m walk to a Go Zone is absolutely fine as the basis for the network overall, but they should have retained at least some basic hourly milk run routes in the gaps, which would't have taken many resources (I would assume around 10% more)

For example the proposed 40 on Main North Rd and the 10 on Hampstead Rd were both frequent., but were separated by 1500m, which is definitley too much of a gap between routes.

The consultation pages have already been pulled.

Canberra was able to push through the changes, and GC too, but it seems for the larger cities, a big bang approach as seen in Brisbane and Adelaide needs to be managed much better, but the libs are sh%t at providing info in an understandable format that doesnt involve having several pdf tabs open simultaneously.

Why wasn't there an interactive map for example?

This and the 2013 review could inform some good lessons on what works/ doesn't in terms of bus reform.

[ozbob]

The Advertiser --> South Australian bus drivers call for shields ahead of violence summit

Bus operators, politicians and police will hold a special safety summit next week to tackle the surge of attacks on the state's bus drivers.

The Transport Workers Union said there should be zero tolerance to acts of violence and abuse from passengers has become an ugly trend.

There has been eight serious assaults on bus drivers in the past three months, with the TWU saying dozens more are not reported.

"Physical or verbal abuse should never be part of any job, but that is sadly still a reality for many hardworking bus drivers,'' said TWU state secretary Ian Smith, pictured.

"The stress of working under tight timetables, road rage and handling fare evasion just compounds the issues related to passenger aggression inside the bus."

Mr Smith said the increase in violence against bus drivers was a trend, not a spike, and not something drivers expected when behind the wheel.

"There is wider crisis engulfing our bus network where bus driver abuse has become so normalised it is simply seen as part of the job,'' he said.

The State Opposition has also committed to attend the summit, but Mr Smith said the Department of Transport and Minister Stephan Knoll had not yet agreed.

Mr Smith said the summit would agree on additional measures which could be taken to protect drivers, including more secured shielding of the driving compartment of buses, which currently only have a perspex shield covering half the entrance to the area.

"The first and easiest way to improve safety is to target harden our bus drivers by installing full driver protection systems on all buses,'' he said.

"According to our recent driver survey, more than 75 per cent of bus drivers think the current safety screens are inadequate and 82 per cent want the full driver protection systems implemented.''

[ozbob]

The Advertiser --> Transport union says Adelaide tram and train privatisation could be reversed, as the bus reforms were

Opponents of the privatisation of tram and train services have taken heart from the State Government's spectacular abandonment last week of its plan to rejig the bus network, and believe public pressure could see the operation return to public hands.

A small crowd gathered at Adelaide Railway Station on Sunday to protest the operation of the tram network being moved into private hands.

Adelaide trains will also be run by a private company from next year.

However, Rail, Tram and Bus Union branch secretary Darren Phillips said "collective power" could drive change.

"The public previously thought it would only take an election to make change but if people get out there and protest and make their voices heard we can see changes to bad decisions,'' he said. Transport Minister Stephan Knoll has said privatisation would be more efficient and allow for reinvestment.

The union leader said there had already been job cuts due to the transition and was concerned there would be more to come.

"At the end of the day a private company has to make a profit and they will make a profit,'' he said.

Mr Knoll said tram drivers had given a "massive vote of confidence'' to the privatisation when 92 per cent had voted in favour of new enterprise bargaining conditions.

However, Mr Phillips said if the government had been proud of the new arrangement it would be "cutting a ribbon'' to mark the moment, "which begs the question are they ashamed of what they have done''.

Public Service Association general secretary Nev Kitchin said the Labor Party also had to be clearer with its plans.

"They need to come out and state there will be no further privatisation should they come to power,'' he said.

Opposition transport spokesman Tom Koutsantonis said Labor was committed to undoing the rail and tram privatisation and would hold an inquiry if it won the next election to investigate how it should be done.

[BrizCommuter]

Opposition transport spokesman Tom Koutsantonis cited Victorian Government statistics which showed the average Melbourne walk to a "high frequency" bus stop was 400m, and under the proposed changes in Adelaide it would be 800m to a "GoZone" stop.

There is absolutely no way Melbourne has a 400m average walk to HF buses.

Only if you count hourly as being HF!

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/humantransit/status/1283797829824069633

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1288301997670559744

[ozbob]

The Advertiser --> Adelaide trams to introduce credit card payments for fares

Many of us have accidentally tried to pay their tram fare by swiping a credit card, but now will be able to for real, the State Government has announced.

The new system can save passengers almost $2 on a one-way trip.

Transport Minister Corey Wingard announced a trial of the initiative at Glenelg on Sunday, for Visa and MasterCard users.

"This is a really exciting time as we progress our public transport system into the 21st century," he said.

"It is an innovation that happens in other parts of the word and SA is taking the next step."

Currently those with the plastic metroCard pay $3.84 for a peak time trip, but a one-off purchase of a cardboard ticket costs $5.70.

Under the credit card payment system, peak hour trips will revert to $3.84 only.

The Commonwealth Bank first made payWave a reality in Australia in 2006, but despite this the Adelaide metroCard system was introduced across the tram, train and bus network in 2012.

At a pilot cost of $950,000 - including the purchase and installation of new validator systems, as well as the development and testing of the software - extending the trial permanently as well as to buses and trains, is considered a formality.

"The trial is being rolled out on trams initially because it's a manageable fleet size with lower passenger transfer rates from trams to other modes of transport; buses and trains,'' Mr Wingard said.

Over the next few weeks, one new validator will be installed on all 24 Adelaide trams, but will operate alongside the normal metroCARD validating system.

Mr Wingard said one of the major benefits would be for intrastate, interstate and overseas visitors to Adelaide who would no longer have to buy the metroCard hardware and add on credit at a limited number of locations like news agencies.

Inspectors will be equipped with machines that can identify if passengers used their credit card to pay but privacy will be protected with only the last four digits of the credit card visible.

"The inspector cannot see the rest of your credit card number, your name or any other personal details,'' Mr Wingard said.

[verbatim9]

That was unexpected but good

[verbatim9]

Adelaide Metro---> Tap and pay on trams

[ozbob]

Rail Express --> Keolis Downer awarded $2.14bn Adelaide train operations contract

Keolis Downer has been awarded the contract to operate and maintain Adelaide's train services.

The eight-year contract begins on 31 January, 2021 when Keolis Downer will operate Adelaide's six lines and a fleet of 92 railcars.

South Australian Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Corey Wingard said the contract involved improvements for passengers.

"Keolis Downer will operate Adelaide's train services for an initial eight-year period under a performance-based $2.14 billion contract focused on delivering significant improvements to the customer experience."

Wingard said that Keolis Downer will implement a digitalised work platform for Passenger Service Assistants to enable them to spend more time with passengers.

The contract is the first heavy rail operations contract for the Keolis Downer joint venture. The company operates light rail in Melbourne, the Gold Coast, and Newcastle, as well as buses in NSW, Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland.

According to David Franks, CEO of Keolis Downer, the operator hopes to improve customer services and increase the use of public transport in Adelaide.

"As a local public transport operator in South Australia for the past 20 years, we are excited to continue our partnership with DIT to deliver better train services in Adelaide," Franks said.

"We are committed to partnering with local stakeholders and organisations to create value in South Australia and deliver the Government's vision of a sustainable, revitalised train service for the people of Adelaide."

Adelaide has seen steady growth in patronage on the rail network since 2014, when the Seaford and Tonsley lines were electrified. Further electrification of the Gawler line is currently underway.

"The electrification of the Gawler line is underway and through this project we will be introducing new electric trains with increased capacity," said Franks.

The Tonsley line is also currently being extended, connecting Flinders University and Medical Centre to the rail network.

"These initiatives are real game changers and will transform the rail network. We are proud to be part of this journey with DIT," said Franks.

Wingard highlighted that the state government retained ownership of infrastructure and and controls over aspects of the service.

"The state government still owns all the rail assets including tracks, trains and stations and will continue to have control of fare price, revenue, and standards for service levels."

Keolis Downer was one of three consortiums shortlisted for the contract. The others were Adelaide Next, a consortium of Deutsche Bahn and John Holland with Bombardier as a subcontractor and TrainCo, a consortium of Transdev and CAF.

[ozbob]

The Advertiser --> SA Government names private operator Keolis Downer will take over train network

The State Government has announced the company that will take over the operation of Adelaide's train system from the end of January, promising better, safer and more frequent services. But the Opposition and the train union says it is a bad day for commuters.

Keolis Downer will operate Adelaide's train network from the end of January 2021, the State Government has announced.

The Government says passengers can expect better, safer and more frequent services as a result of privatising the operation of Adelaide Metro's rail services.

However the Opposition says Keolis, Keolis Downer's parent company, has a "poor track record" of running public transport.

The Government last year announced it would move to privatise the operation of the tram and train networks, but stressed infrastructure and ticket pricing would remain under its control.

Transport Minister Corey Wingard on Friday said Keolis Downer would operate the train system for an initial eight-year period under a performance-based $2.14 billion contract.

Under the contract, the company is, among other things, expected to deliver faster and more services upon completion of the electrification of the Gawler line; create more than 2200 new services per year to the new Flinders line; and extend a security trial on platforms.

"We're all about getting people from A to B faster so they can spend more time with their families and doing what they love," Mr Wingard said.

"Keolis Downer has an exceptional track record of running successful public transport systems across Australia and around the world.

"From Melbourne to the Gold Coast and Newcastle, Keolis Downer is heavily focused on customer service and ensuring the journey for rail users is simple, easy and efficient."

Mr Wingard said the company had a "good reputation in South Australia with the former Labor Government outsourcing bus services in 2005 and 2011 to private providers including Keolis Downer".

He aid no one will lose their job as a result of the privatisation.

"There are roughly 200 train drivers in the system, 12 are non-operational...so Keolis Downer will be taking forward 174 train drivers," he said.

"Let me make this really, really clear...we've made the commitment that everyone will have a job at the end of this process.

"We'll transfer these train drivers across to Keolis Downer. Those that don't go over still have the option of working within the government and they'll be worked through the redeployment program into other positions."

Keolis Downer chief executive officer David Franks welcomed the deal.

"Under this new contract with (the transport department), there will be a strong focus on customer service, for example by providing more channels to access real-time information," he said.

"Customer Service staff will receive new tools to better engage with customers, share real-time information, gather feedback and advise passengers of any disruptions and alternative options when needed."

Mr Franks said Keolis Downer had a strong "zero harm" culture and would introduce initiatives to improve safety on the network.

"As a local public transport operator in South Australia for the past 20 years, we are excited to continue our partnership with (the transport department) to deliver better train services in Adelaide," he said.

"We are committed to partnering with local stakeholders and organisations to create value in South Australia and deliver the Government's vision of a sustainable, revitalised train service for the people of Adelaide."

However, Opposition Leader Peter Malinauskas described it as a "bad day for Adelaide's public transport commuters".

"We know what will happen next – privatisation always means cuts, poorer services and higher fares," he said.

Mr Malinauskas said when Keolis took over Newcastle's bus network in 2018, on-time services dropped from 95 per cent to 75 per cent; in Wales, Keolis Amey were fined 2.3 million pounds for poor performance of its train services; and the company was also caught out providing fabricated quotes to the Government to help it convince the public that privatisation was a good idea.

He said he understood the company won the contract because its bid was significantly cheaper than others due to it promising to cost-cut and outsource train maintenance to a third party.

The Advertiser has put this to Keolis Downer.

Mr Malinauskas reiterated a previous pledge that Labor would, if elected, put the train and tram network back in public hands.

The Rail, Tram and Bus Union SA/NT has slammed the contract announcement.

"Steven Marshall was elected as Premier on the promise that he did not have a 'privatisation agenda'," RTBU SA/NT secretary Darren Phillips said.

"Today he is exposed as a cheap hustler who says one thing, but does the opposite."

Mr Phillips said privatisation was "reckless in good times, but in a global pandemic it is downright dangerous".

"Outsourcing rail operations will put safety at risk, and inevitably lead to job losses – right in the middle of the first recession for 30 years," he said.

"This is a sad day for South Australia, but we will not give up fighting to protect jobs and protect services."

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/9NewsAdel/status/1306864021329510400

[ozbob]

Rail Express --> Services to increase on extended Tonsley Line


An artist's impression of the new Tonsley Station. Credit: South Australia Department of Infrastructure and Transport.

Services on the Tonsley Line in Adelaide will be increased once the Flinders Link is completed, expected in December 2020.

Today, the Tonsley Line only operates on weekdays and until 7pm. Frequency is 20 minutes in the peak and 30 minutes at all other times.

When the Flinders Link extension opens, services will run until midnight and at 30 minute frequency at times outside of the peak. Peak frequencies of a service every 20 minutes will remain.

South Australian Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Corey Winegard said the new services would increase capacity by 2,200 services per year.

"We're all about getting people from A to B faster so they can spend more time with their families and doing what they love. Public transport should be a convenience."

The under-construction Flinders Link will extend the Tonsley Line to connect with Flinders University and the adjacent heath precinct. Two new stations are part of the project, Flinders and Tonsley stations.

Local member for Elder Carolyn Power said the services would be welcomed by the local community and those studying and working in the area.

"Residents have long called for increase services to help connect them to employment, education, community resources, medical care and recreational opportunities," she said.

"Extended services will help reduce road congestion and travel times while also making the area more accessible for those in, and outside, the region."

[dancingmongoose]

Very much looking forward to the Flinders link opening

(I live down this way now)

[ozbob]

Hope you enjoy it DMG.  I really enjoy visiting Adelaide.  Hope to get back there next year ......

[ozbob]

The Advertiser --> Opposition calls on State Government to release the contract for Keolis Downer to run train network

The Opposition argues that the Government's figures on savings from train privatisation don't add up – and they've asked for a public release of the contract.

The State Government is refusing to publicly release the $2.14 billion contract it awarded to a private company to run Adelaide's train network.

The Opposition is calling on the Government to make public the rail contract to prove taxpayers will be better off under the privatisation.

Transport Minister Corey Wingard rebuffed the request in State Parliament on Tuesday, saying the contract was commercial in confidence.

Six contracts awarded in March this year to private companies to run the Government's bus services have been published online, with some redactions.

The Government in September announced it had awarded an eight-year $2.14 billion contract to Keolis Downer to operate the train network from the end of January 2021.

It said that while Keolis Downer would run the network, the Government would continue to control the infrastructure and ticket pricing.

Mr Wingard's office on Tuesday clarified that the contract period was for an initial eight years with a possible four-year extension, meaning the $2.14 billion contract covered a 12-year period.

This equates to an average cost of $178 million a year.

"Last year, the operating cost of our train network was $133.6 million," Mr Wingard told Parliament.

"That is excluding GST and excluding those maintenance costs.

"Maintenance costs are around $12 million to $15 million a year and that includes, of course, maintaining rolling stock, engines, bogies, wheels, and also rail tamping and signal replacement, so it's a big operating system."

Labor argued these figures – which equalled between $159 million and $162 million a year – showed it was more expensive to outsource the operation of the trains, based on the average saving of $178 million a year.

The Opposition further said it believed the cost of running the trains in-house was much less than the figure stated by Mr Wingard.

However, the Minister's office said the amount quoted in Parliament did not include other costs which could not be disclosed for commercial reasons.

It also warned against drawing comparisons using an average yearly figure, saying it did not take into consideration undisclosed costs and inflation.

Mr Wingard stressed the deal would save taxpayers $118 million over 12 years.

"At the end of the day, when I sit down with the Treasurer and he works through the contract as well and says, 'There is a $118 million saving for the South Australian taxpayer', trust me, he's looked at it very closely – It's $118 million," Mr Wingard said.

Opposition Leader Peter Malinauskas said the figures "simply don't add up".

"Corey Wingard must come clean and tell South Australians exactly how much it cost to operate Adelaide's train network in 2019/20," he said.

"I am very concerned (Premier) Steven Marshall and Corey Wingard's privatisation plan does not represent value for money for taxpayers.

"Worse, I fear commuters will face higher fares and poorer services."

The Opposition also asked if Keolis Downer would receive a share of the ticket revenue while it runs the train service.

Mr Wingard's office confirmed the company would not get a cut of the ticket sales.

The old ' commercial in confidence ' sham bullsh%t.  I don't think the constant hiding of Government contracts and the like is in the public interest.  The public are the ones wearing the costs and should be properly informed. 

[ozbob]

The Advertiser --> Keolis Downer reveals its plans for Adelaide's train network

Cruise-ship passengers could travel from Outer Harbor to Adelaide on a dedicated train service as part of a bid to "always put customers first", new train operators say.

In his first interview since Keolis Downer was awarded a $2.14bn contract to operate Adelaide's train services, chief executive David Franks has also addressed an infamous "loser payment", former minister Stephan Knoll's failed public transport plans, shareholders' concerns after his company lost two major bus contracts and Labor's threats to rip up the contract.

Mr Franks said improving the customer experience for Adelaide train passengers was his No 1 priority.

"The key issue is the ethos 'to think like a customer'," Mr Franks said.

"Cultural change takes time but it is something that we will begin."

To improve the customer experience, Mr Franks said the company would:

INTRODUCE an app that will allow customers to see in real time the impact train issues will have on their commute.

ADD "roomier and more comfortable" electric vehicles to the fleet.

CREATE a "customer panel" to share ideas, receive ideas and test things before they are actually implemented.

EXPAND the opening hours of the control centre to ensure better customer service.

Mr Franks said the electrification of the Gawler line and the new Flinders link would give the company options to expand services.

Outer Harbor – and what to do with cruise ship passengers – were also part of its bid, he said.

He indicated inspiration for a fix could be drawn from overseas, where there were dedicated train services for cruise ship passengers and tourism packages were offered by public transport providers.

"One thing that vast numbers of people getting off the cruise ship all at the same time does is cause overcrowding," Mr Franks said.

"And so we did talk about this in our bid, because they want to get on at the same time but they don't come back at the same time."

The Advertiser understands that because the State Government sets fares and travel times, a decision on the extra service would have to be made by the state's Transport Department.

The Opposition has vowed to rip up the Keolis Downer contract after raising a raft of concerns about the probity of the deal – which has been disputed by the government.

In August, The Advertiser revealed that a $1m loser payment was offered to unsuccessful bidders after negotiations on the contract started.

Mr Franks said shareholders had raised concerns after the company lost two lucrative bus contracts.

He believed the bus contracts were awarded to competing bids because they had factored in a major overhaul, spruiked by former minister Mr Knoll, that would have resulted in hundreds of bus stops being scrapped for more regular services.

"It was a bit frustrating for us ... they took a contract off us based on a plan that isn't going to be delivered," Mr Franks said.

He said the company was committed to Adelaide.

David Franks on...

Labor's threats to rip up the contract: "We have entered into the contract understanding the risks. We believe the contract will survive and we think we can put a very good case together for the contract to stay."

The effect on customers: "Over time, we want to get a lot more interaction with customers. The speed and accuracy of information to the customer will be a big focus for us."

The $1 million loser fee: "The negotiation period was extended because of the problems with the COVID crisis. When it needed to be extended, there was a recognition that it was important that they demonstrated that they really wanted quality bids."

Workers when Keolis Downer take over: "For train drivers and frontline staff there is no argument in my mind. But even if you didn't want to come across to Keolis Downer, the government has reassured people that they will retain a job and I think that is an incredible offer."

====

PRIVATE OPERATOR TO FACE SCRUTINY
By Miles Kemp

South Australia's new private train operator will be kept on track every six months by passenger feedback which will be used to maintain the level of service.

Transport Minister Corey Wingard said a new Adelaide Metro customer satisfaction survey, open for comment for three weeks from Friday, would set a benchmark for when Keolis Downer took over running the trains from January.

Tram and bus services would also be included in the survey, but the train passenger responses would provide a snapshot before private operations began.

Mr Wingard, pictured, said the survey would assess the behaviour of drivers and other staff, cleanliness and appearance of buses, trains, trams, stations and interchanges and the availability and accuracy of information at stations and interchanges.

It would also include drivers' "driving manner". "We're focused on modernising and improving our public transport system to help increase public transport patronage," Mr Wingard said.

"This survey will establish a baseline so that when Keolis Downer takes over the running of our train network in January, we can track the improvement in customer service sat­isfaction under their customer-focused delivery model."

Meanwhile, Mr Wingard said Torrens Connect, which took over tram services in July, was "exceeding" its punctuality benchmark.

From July to September, peak trams were punctual 99.4 per cent of the time.

Off-peak services were on time 98.6 per cent of the time, more than 3 per cent above the benchmark.

[ozbob]

Rail Express --> December opening date set for Flinders Line extension

Teams are closing in on the completion date for the new Flinders Line in Adelaide.

An extension of the existing Tonsley Line, the re-named line will connect the Adelaide train network to the Flinders health and education precinct when it opens in early December.

Once open, the new line will increase services along the line, with an added 12,000 trips to the new timetable and weekend services from December 26. Tonsley Line services previously only ran Monday-Friday.

South Australian Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Corey Wingard said the project will enable more people to use public transport.

"This extension of the railway line to Flinders health and education precincts will create new connections for not only the residents who live in the area, but all those who work or study at the university and hospitals," said Wingard.

Services on the current line will be suspended for two weeks from the last service on Friday, November 20, to allow for testing and driver training before the extension opens.

"The closure is critical to ensure the new track is tested and our train drivers are familiar with the line before it opens," said Wingard.

Local federal member Nicolle Flint said the new line would be a catalyst for further development in Adelaide's southern suburbs.

"The extended train line will help local residents get to and from the city, and also help people get to Flinders Medical Centre and Flinders University safely and easily without the pressure of finding a car park," Flint said.

"The Flinders Link rail line will also help the University unlock investment for their $1.5 billion Flinders Village redevelopment, as well as linking their main campus at Bedford Park to the new Tonsley Innovation Precinct."

The joint federal-state funded $141 million extension project has involved an elevated track over Sturt Road, Laffers Triangle and Main South Road, two new stations at Flinders and Tonsley, and a shared pedestrian/cycle path adjacent to the rail line.

Tonsley station will replace Clovelly Park station, which will be closed.

[ozbob]

The Advertiser --> State Government to pay train drivers, other rail workers, $15,000 incentives to transfer to private operator Keolis Downer

The State Government is paying its train drivers and other rail staff $15,000 each as an incentive to work for a private company it chose to operate Adelaide's rail network.

About 350 workers are eligible to receive the "transfer payment" to move across to Keolis Downer, under a pay deal struck on Tuesday.

If all workers transfer to the company, it will cost taxpayers about $5.2 million.

Of this, more than $2.6m in payments will go to 174 train drivers.

It is understood about another 100 rail staff may also be offered cash payments to move to Keolis Downer.

It is unclear exactly how much they will be paid, but sources say it could also be as much as $15,000 each.

If that was the case, it would bring the potential total outlay to $6.6m.

Expressions of interest to transfer to Keolis Downer close on Friday.

Treasurer Rob Lucas said the payment of incentives was consistent with previous practice under the Labor Government.

"I'm advised that no train drivers or rail staff have received the payment yet as the Government's offer has only just been accepted," he said.

Opposition transport spokesman Tom Koutsantonis described the payment as "another example of waste".

"It seems to me that this privatisation is costing South Australians a lot more than the government is telling us," he said.

A Keolis Downer spokesman said "this is a matter for the Government".

The government announced in September that it was handing over the operation of the train network to Keolis Downer.

The company will run the network for up to 12 years from the end of January next year, under a $2.14bn contract.

The Government has stressed that while Keolis Downer will operate the rail system, infrastructure and ticket pricing would remain under the Government's control.

It also says the privatisation will save taxpayers about $9.8 million a year.

As part of the contract, the company is, among other things, expected to deliver faster and more services upon completion of the electrification of the Gawler line; create more than 2200 new services per year to the new Flinders line; and extend a security trial on platforms.

The agreement comes after similar State Government deals were struck with tram drivers, nurses and teachers.

[ozbob]

The Advertiser --> Rail workers accept smaller 2 per cent pay rise, ending standoff

South Australian train drivers and other rail staff have voted overwhelmingly in favour of the a pay increase of 2 per cent per annum over the next three years.

Treasurer Rob Lucas welcomed the result as a "victory for common sense" and a "huge show of support" with 85 per cent of 221 train drivers and other rail staff voting in favour.

"We are delighted that our train drivers and other rail staff have accepted what is an exceptionally fair and reasonable offer of 2 per cent per annum pay rises over the next three years, particularly at a time when other jurisdictions are freezing pay rises for public sector employees," he said.

"We value the work of our rail staff and welcome their overwhelming show of support for the Government's enterprise agreement offer."

The vote came after the Rail, Tram and Bus Union last month ended a pay rise campaign of 4 per cent each year for four years.

The union cited fears by workers they would be treated less generously if the pay deal continued until January, when private bosses Keolis Downer take over as their employer.

The rail agreement follows similar State Government deals with tram drivers, nurses and teachers.

The Government has applied to the Fair Work Commission for the agreement's formal approval.

[ozbob]

The Advertiser --> New details show how Adelaide's new train operator will get rewarded and penalised $

New train operators will get a cash bonus, on top of a lucrative $2.14 billion contract to run Adelaide's services, if they increase patronage and keep customers happy, documents reveal.

A report to parliament by Transport Minister Corey Wingard shows Keolis Downer can make extra money for delivering improved customer service and increased patronage.

On the other side of the ledger, the company can be financially penalised for trains running late, not checking tickets and cancelled services. ...

[ozbob]

ABC News --> Gawler train line electrification work delayed again amid $100 million budget blowout

The budget to electrify Adelaide's Gawler rail line has blown out by $100 million and commuters will spend more time on substitute buses while work continues.

Substitute services for northern suburbs commuters are now planned to run from Boxing Day this year until April 2021.

The electrification project, which has faced repeated delays over the past decade, is now expected to be completed by the end of 2021 at a cost of $715 million, instead of the $615 million previously announced.

Transport Minister Corey Wingard said the current Government inherited a poorly planned project from Labor.

Key points:

Adelaide's Gawler train line is going from diesel to electric
After repeated delays, the project has been pushed back again
The Government says it will not give affected commuters free bus transport

[verbatim9]

It's good that they a doing a longer shut down to get it right. Less or minimal incremental shutdowns in the future. I hope this is the case with CRR from Park road to Yeerongpilly. It just makes sense to get the bulk of work out of the way. It also ensures certainly for commuters, as they know what the transport arrangements will be for a significant period, instead of suprise weekend and evening shutdowns.

Sent from my moto g(6) plus using Tapatalk

[verbatim9]

[verbatim9]

^^SA Transport infrastructure achievements for 2020. Including PT projects

[ozbob]

The Advertiser --> More than 1000 people apply to join Adelaide's new rail operator, Keolis Downer $

More than 1000 people have applied to become train drivers with Keolis Downer, the State Government has revealed.

Transport Minister Corey Wingard said he was confident Keolis Downer would hire enough drivers by the time the private operator takes over Adelaide's train network on January 31.

"They've had more than 800 applications for people who want to do this job," he said on Monday. The number has since grown beyond 1000.

Mr Wingard said these "new" applications were a mix of qualified train drivers and some who wanted to make a fresh move into the industry.

Keolis Downer needs about 170 drivers.

"They see this is a great and exciting job and they've put their applications in," Mr Wingard said. ...

[red dragin]

The most recent Queensland Rail guard recruitment (July 2020) had 6500 applications. Several ex pilots made the cut. 1000 isn't much in comparison.

[SurfRail]

The Flinders extension opens next week.

[verbatim9]

The most recent Queensland Rail guard recruitment (July 2020) had 6500 applications. Several ex pilots made the cut. 1000 isn't much in comparison.

Makes sense, pilots would be getting a better base rate with QR than the airlines. It would ensure they can retain their current lifestyle.

[verbatim9]

The Flinders extension opens next week.

Good.

[red dragin]

The most recent Queensland Rail guard recruitment (July 2020) had 6500 applications. Several ex pilots made the cut. 1000 isn't much in comparison.

Makes sense, pilots would be getting a better base rate with QR than the airlines. It would ensure they can retain their current lifestyle.

The big question is 'will they hang around once demand for air travel increases'.