Rail network access for contractors

Learn what you need to know before working on or near the Adelaide Metropolitan Passenger Rail Network (AMPRN). This includes the train and tram network.

Access process

You must get approval to work in or near the AMPRN train and tram network before starting any works. Our maintenance contractors manage the access process.

First, confirm if the work is being done on the train network or the tram network. This determines how you apply:

Train network: Contact Keolis Downer Adelaide
Tram network: Submit a permit to work to Torrens Connect.

If you are undertaking rail safety work, you must hold a Rail Industry Worker (RIW) card. Non-rail safety workers must complete a rail safety induction.

Contact the respective maintenance contractor to learn more about the:

network access process
safety induction.

Submission times

Some planned work can only happen on our rail network when no trains or trams are running. We refer to these dedicated work periods as:

After Last, Before First (ALBF)
extended ALBF.

You must submit planned work applications with advance notice and follow these submission times:

Type of work	Typical submission deadline	Approval level required
Closure of rail line(s) that requires cancelling revenue services on a business day	6 months (26 weeks)	Minister for Infrastructure and Transport
Closure of rail line(s) that requires cancelling revenue services on a weekend or public holiday	4 months (16 weeks)	Minister for Infrastructure and Transport
An extended ALBF that requires cancelling the first and/or last service(s)	21 days	Rail Commissioner or delegate
An extended ALBF that requires cancelling Fall Ins/Fall Outs	21 days	Rail Commissioner or delegate
Work that requires amending Platform Occupation Diagrams	21 days	Rail Commissioner or delegate
Work that requires revenue services to operate around the worksite, either by bi-directional working or using an alternative track	8 weeks	Rail Commissioner or delegate
All other works	21 days	Rail Commissioner or delegate

Fees and charges

Subject to the nature of the work being carried out, there may be fees associated.

Examples of fees that may apply:

Protection officers – charged according to the rates of our approved supply contractors
Overhead electrical isolation
Track inspections on completion of works.

Advice on fees and a full quote can only be given after you submit the application to Keolis Downer Adelaide or Torrens Connect.

Contact our PTSA Network Access team for more details if required.

Network access times

To keep people moving, we have specific rules and times contractors can access the rail networks.

To find out more, visit Rail network access times for contractors.

Electrical safety

Strict safety rules apply when working on the rail network.

To find out more, visit Electrical safety for contractors.

Contact