Adelaide DIT Digitizes Rail & Tram Ops, Boosts Efficiency

Adelaide’s Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) has successfully completed the full digitalisation of its rail and tram operations, a move that significantly enhances scheduling, operational efficiency, and real-time fleet management across the entire network. This comprehensive digital transformation, achieved in record time, positions Adelaide as a leader in modern public transport management.

Main Body:

Since September 2025, the Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) in Adelaide has been orchestrating all its rail and tram operations through a singular, fully integrated IT system. This ambitious project saw the Australian city undertake a comprehensive digitalisation of its entire rail transport infrastructure, completing the transition in an impressively short timeframe. Following the DIT’s assumption of public ownership of rail transport, tram operations were successfully incorporated into the digital system in September of the same year, marking a significant milestone just five months after the system’s initial deployment.

Operational Enhancements

The newly implemented system now manages over 100 rail and tram vehicles, with all planning, dispatching, and operational control conducted exclusively through the advanced software. This migration signifies a strategic shift from disparate, individual solutions to a unified, standardised IT infrastructure. The integrated processes now encompass critical functions such as network and timetable planning, optimised duty scheduling for personnel, efficient dispatching of staff, and robust mobile support for drivers. This holistic approach ensures seamless coordination and greater control over daily operations.

Strategic Impact

Mohit Sareen, Director of Rail Operations, Public Transport South Australia at the DIT, emphasized the pivotal role of the new system in facilitating this transformation. “The system integrates all aspects of operations, from scheduling and resource planning to real-time service management of the fleet,” Sareen stated. “The system has contributed to improving operational efficiency and decision-making within our network.” This integrated approach not only streamlines workflows but also enhances overall efficiency, providing real-time support for drivers and laying the groundwork for a scalable, future-proof IT framework for future rail and tram management needs.

Industry Context

The successful full digitalisation of Adelaide’s rail and tram operations by the DIT represents a significant advancement in public transport technology and management. This achievement serves as a compelling case study for other metropolitan areas grappling with the complexities of modern public transit. By consolidating planning, dispatch, and real-time management into a single, integrated IT system, the DIT has demonstrated a clear pathway to improved operational performance, enhanced passenger service, and greater cost-effectiveness. For railway industry leaders, this news underscores the critical importance of strategic investment in digital transformation to meet the evolving demands of urban mobility and maintain a competitive edge.