Premier of South Australia

The State Government has secured a $36 million deal to deliver six European trams to Adelaide that will boost capacity on our network by 50 percent and help take the light rail network Coast to Coast.

Premier Mike Rann said the trams will begin arriving in Adelaide in November.

“This is another fantastic result for users of our public transport system,” he said.

“These trams can each carry more passengers than our current trams, and will provide extra capacity during the busy morning and evening peaks on the Glenelg and City West tramline.

“They will also service the new $100 million extension to the western suburbs next year.

“Through negotiations with transport authorities in Madrid we have been able to secure a deal that delivers us six virtually new trams.

“While the Opposition was spreading rumours about Cold War era Eastern European trams we were working hard to secure trams for Adelaide that are close to brand new.

“Rather than applying the brakes during tough economic times, we are pressing ahead with our massive $2 billion commitment to revitalise the public transport system.

“Last week’s State Budget built on that promise with an additional $84 million to purchase new electric rail cars for the Seaford extension, increase security for train users at night, more track inspections and quicker graffiti removal.

“Our money comes on top of the Federal Government’s $646 million commitment to extend the Noarlunga line to Seaford, accelerate the Gawler line upgrade by two years and make O-Bahn services into the City faster.”

Sourced from the Spanish capital Madrid, through negotiations with local transport authority Mintra, the six Alstom Citadis model 302 trams will commence shipping to Australia from next month at a cost of around $6 million each.

Upon arrival in Melbourne the trams will undergo minor modifications to tailor them to Adelaide’s requirements.

The first vehicles will be transported to Adelaide in November and trialled on the local network before commencing operation over the Christmas/New Year period.

Transport Minister Patrick Conlon said the trams were originally purchased for use on Madrid’s light rail network but became available for purchase by South Australia following a delay in Madrid’s planned network extensions.

“These trams will be modified slightly to meet the technical needs of our rail operator TransAdelaide but we are very confident they will deliver the capacity improvements we are looking for,” Mr Conlon said.

“Madrid’s weather conditions are very similar to those we experience here in Adelaide so with some minor modifications these vehicles should be a great fit for our city.

“Since we extended the tramline people have voted with their feet and they now use a light rail service that better meets their needs.

“With new trams and further extensions we will deliver an even better service.

“Thursday’s State Budget underpinned the Rann Government’s unprecedented investment in public transport and this result proves again our determination to provide a system that makes Adelaide one of the best cities in Australia to live, work and do business.”