THE State Government has named the private operator which will take over Adelaide’s train system, including the Gawler rail line services, from January next year.

Transport minister Corey Wingard announced last week French company Keolis Downer had won the $2.14 billion contract to privately operate the state’s metropolitan passenger train system following a competitive tender process.

It means the company will be responsible for running the public transport system, with the State Government to keep ownership of the assets, including the rail lines themselves and train carts.

Mr Wingard said outsourcing the system’s operation would “deliver better services”.

“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,” he 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.

“As part of the contract, Keolis Downer will implement a new customer experience strategy to enhance customer satisfaction.

“The new system will also lead to the digitisation of work practices for Passenger Service Assistants meaning less time spent in the office doing paperwork and more time out with customers to get a better understanding of their needs.”

The State Government first announced its plans to outsource the operation of Adelaide’s trains in June of last year and was met with immediate pushback by the Labor opposition, which called it a privatisation measure.

Opposition leader Peter Malinauskas has vowed to reverse the deal with Keolis Downer if it wins government at the 2022 state election.

He said it was a “bad day” for public transport commuters.

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

“Under Steven Marshall, Adelaide’s trains will be run for profit, not for people.

“Steven Marshall is handing $2.14 billion of taxpayers’ money to an overseas company to run our own train network.”

The move has also been unpopular with unions, with the Public Service Association SA estimating around 930 employees will be negatively impacted.

Both Labor and the Public Service Association of SA (PSA SA) have accused the State Government of having a “close” relationship with Keolis Downer.

PSA SA general secretary Nev Kitchin said the “privatisation” would lead to higher fares and reduced safety.

"Steven Marshall needs to stop selling off public services that have been paid for over the years by South Australian taxpayers,” he said.

"There will be significant job losses and diminished conditions for workers who remain as a result of this privatisation. Any claims to the contrary by government are absolute nonsense.

"The State Government claims that it will retain control of ticket prices, but this should give no comfort to commuters — similar claims have been made interstate and overseas only for private operators to successfully lobby governments to increase fares soon after taking control."