Public transport in Adelaide, South Australia, is managed by the State Government's Department for Infrastructure & Transport, branded as Adelaide Metro. Today bus services are operated by contractors: Busways, SouthLink, Torrens Connect and Torrens Transit.
Historically bus services in Adelaide were operated by private operators. In the 1950s, the Municipal Tramways Trust began operating buses to replace its trams. In the mid-1970s, the Municipal Tramways Trust took over the services of the private operators. In the mid-1990s, provision of services was contracted out to the private sector with TransAdelaide maintaining responsibility for service levels. The city's transport is now managed by the Department of Planning, Transport & Infrastructure, branded as Adelaide Metro.
Operators
Currently, all public transport modes in South Australia are privately operated. Adelaide Metro trains are operated by Keolis Downer, and trams are operated by Torrens Connect. Regional bus services are operated by several different private operators, and are not run under the Adelaide Metro banner, meaning these services do not accept MetroCARD or Metroticket payments.
Adelaide Metro buses are split up geographically into six regions, each contracted to a private operator:
Train routes
There are 4 main lines and 2 branch lines on the Adelaide Metro rail network, spanning approximately 132km of track. Construction of a third branch line, the Port Dock line, is currently underway, which will bring the total number of railways lines on the network to seven. The Seaford, Flinders and Gawler lines are fully electrified, and are operated by A-City 4000 Class trains. The Outer Harbor, Grange and Belair lines are currently operated by diesel-powered 3000 class railcars.
Main Lines
Branch Lines
Tram Routes
Glenelg Tram Line
Bus Routes
The Adelaide Metro bus network is considered the back-bone of Adelaide's public transport network. The system also features the O-Bahn Busway, which is a Guided bus service that runs on concrete 'guide' tracks.
Through-City routes
TransitLink
TransitLink bus services are limited stop express bus routes, operating to and from the city.