Torrens Connect is a public transport operator in Adelaide, Australia that began operating bus and tram services as part of the Adelaide Metro network under contract to the Department of Planning, Transport & Infrastructure in July 2020. It is owned by a consortium of Torrens Transit, John Holland and UGL Rail.
Torrens Connect no longer operates the tram services since August 2025, but will continue to maintain the tram fleet and infrastructure until 2035. Torrens Connect will also continue to operate bus services until the end of contract. , Torrens Connect has a fleet of 200 buses.
History In July 2019, the Government of South Australia announced its intention to privatise the Adelaide Metro tram services operated by the Department of Planning, Transport & Infrastructure.State Government to privatise Adelaide train and tram services Railway Digest August 2019 page 18Privatisation of Trains and Trams in Adelaide Catch Point issue 255 January 2020 page 4 In March 2020, the Torrens Connect consortium of Torrens Transit, John Holland and UGL Rail were awarded the North-South contract.Adelaide Bus and Public Transport Contracts Announced Australasian Bus & Coach 10 March 2020Welcome to a new era for public transport in South Australia Department of Planning, Transport & Infrastructure 20 March 2020UGL and John Holland to operate Adelaide trams Metro Report International 12 March 2020
The contract began in July 2020 and will run for eight years with a two-year optional extension. As well as tram services, the contract includes bus services, Torrens Transit already operated as an established Adelaide Metro contractor. As part of an election commitment made by the South Australian Labor Party, the government announced in 2023 that tram services would return to public ownership in July 2025. Operation of tram services returned to the state government on 31 August 2025. However, Torrens Connect will continue to maintain the tram fleet and infrastructure until 2035.
References
External links Torrens Connect