The final electric train onto the Gawler rail line hit the track and carried its first passengers just prior to Christmas 2023.
The new electric train is the 12th to join Adelaide Metro’s Gawler fleet and follows the completion of the $842 million Gawler Rail Electrification Project, which was jointly funded by the Australian Federal and South Australian governments.
The project involved the electrification of 42 kilometres of rail from Adelaide to Gawler, the busiest rail service across the Adelaide Metro network with more than 10,500 passengers on average using the line each weekday. From June 2022 to November 2023, around 4.8 million validations were recorded.
Local Member of Parliament, Mr Tony Piccolo welcomed the announcement as it marked the finalisation of the Gawler Rail Electrification project.
Mr Piccolo said as part of the electrification project, 14 railway stations also received a facelift, helping modernise and improve safety along the busy route. The improvements range from new and refurbished shelters, new seating and bins to LED lighting upgrades, painting, and landscaping.
“The entire electrification project supported approximately 675 full-time equivalent jobs per year over the life of the project,” Mr Piccolo said.
“The delivery of the final electric train completes the Gawler Rail Electrification Project – a major undertaking which has electrified more than 40 kilometres of rail and delivered 12 electric trains, providing a cleaner, greener and smoother ride for Adelaide Metro’s busiest rail service.”
“With the launch of the state’s first electric bus late last year the State Government is taking electric transport seriously, with our goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2050.”
Mr Piccolo said that with all the electric trains on track, it is an opportune time for the State Government to review the operations of the Gawler line to explore what needs to be done to attract more passengers.
“The electrification project reflects a major investment in public transport, and we need to ensure that the community gets a return on its investment, by improving patronage.”
“More people using public transport is good for the environment and will help ease congestion on our roads.”
Mr Piccolo said he has written to the Minister for Transport, the Hon Tom Koutsantonis asking that a thorough review of the Gawler Train Line service be undertaken to see what can be reasonably done to increase patronage.
“If any local residents have any views about how patronage can be improved, I would love to hear from them,” said Mr Piccolo.
“Over coming months, I will be asking local residents for their views through a range of activities,” Mr Piccolo added.