New Adelaide Metro data has revealed the number of assaults on passengers and staff dropped by 20 per cent last year, as today marks one year since the Malinauskas Labor Government returned train services to public hands.

Across the Adelaide Metro train, bus and tram network there were 98 fewer assaults reported last year, with 404 incidents in 2025, down from 502 in 2024. The decline follows several major investments made by the State Government to boost transport safety.

Last year, the rollout of new safety screens to all 940 government owned buses began, providing greater protection and security for bus drivers.

So far, around 55 per cent of the fleet have been fitted with the polycarbonate screens as part of the $7.5 million program.

The installations, which are due to be completed by the end of the year, have already helped improve safety on board bus services. Adelaide Metro data reported 208 bus assaults in 2025, compared to 238 in 2024 – a 13 per cent drop.

Security operations also ramped up last year, with 14 conducted at key public transport locations, this was increased from nine in 2024. More than 22,000 tickets were checked and 510 people were cautioned for fare evasion or inappropriate behaviour in 2025.

These measures complement new powers that were introduced last year to crack down on criminal and antisocial behaviour on public transport. The laws allow the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport to ban passengers indefinitely if they have been charged with offences involving violent acts.

The Liberal Opposition sensationally attempted to block these new powers to crackdown on troublemakers.

The maximum court penalty for breaching this ban has also massively increased from $2,500 to $7,000. Last year, SA Police issued 430 transit barring orders.
Other key initiatives include establishing a new security taskforce as part of a $9.6 million 2025-26 State Budget investment.

The unit will see 19 dedicated officers recruited and deployed across services, boosting the overall number of prescribed officers employed by the Department for Infrastructure and Transport to around 200.

Last financial year there were almost 2 million more journeys on public transport with close to 70 million passengers across the train, tram and bus network. The State Government is continuing to invest in better security, affordability and improved accessibility to ensure every journey is smooth and reliable.

Passengers are encouraged to report antisocial behaviour via the Adelaide Metro website or by calling the Adelaide Metro InfoLine on 1300 311 108 (7am-8pm daily).

Quotes

Attributable to Emily Bourke

The Malinauskas Labor Government has invested $2 billion into our public transport network, putting people before profits.

And the results speak for themselves.

It’s been one year since we returned train services to public hands and in that time we’ve had 2 million more journeys across the entire public transport network and a 20 per cent drop in assaults.

These latest stats are a promising sign that recent improvements in security are helping curb antisocial and violent behaviour.

Thuggish and antisocial behaviour is completely unacceptable, and the State Government is taking strong action to stamp it out.

We want people to feel safe travelling on our buses, trains, and trams and this is why we are continuing to review and invest in new ways to support the safety of commuters who travel with us.