The State Government is powering towards its goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Cleaner, greener public transport is a win for South Australians and the environment.
Zero tailpipe emission transport emits far fewer greenhouse gases and other pollutants into the atmosphere, helping create a cleaner and healthier future. Here are just some of the projects we’re working on as we transition to a zero emission public transport future.
Hybrid-diesel train now in service
After a successful testing period, we have converted to a fleet of 50 hybrid-diesel trains. These trains are now running on the Outer Harbor, Port Dock, Grange and Belair lines. You’ll recognise them by their distinctive bright green colour.
Our hybrid-diesel trains are more reliable, produce fewer emissions than traditional diesels trains and reduce fuel consumption by up to 25%, all while providing a more comfortable journey for passengers.
Each railcar is fitted with an energy storage and recovery system that captures excess energy when the train brakes and stores it in a battery for later use. The stored energy can also supply power for lighting and air-conditioning at the Adelaide Railway Station platforms, helping to reduce noise, emissions and air pollution.
Trains on non-electrified rail lines
We’ve engaged transport experts Mott McDonald to develop a full business case for zero emission options for trains on the Belair, Outer Harbor and Grange rail lines, and the Port Dock spur line. This includes looking at traditional electrification as well as battery electric hybrid power to find the most suitable solution.
The State Government has committed $3.5 million to trial a battery electric train on the Belair Line and develop specifications for new trains.
Bus fleet transition
Upgrading all Adelaide Metro buses and bus depots to zero emission by 2050 is a big undertaking. We’ve partnered with WSP to develop the most efficient and effective transition plan to reach this goal. A full business case has been developed for submissions to State and Federal Governments.
100% electric bus now in service
The state’s first 100% electric bus commenced operations on the Adelaide Metro network in late 2023. The battery electric bus supplied by Scania with bus body built by local manufacturer BusTech is fitted with lithium batteries that can provide over 260 kilometres of travel range on a single charge. As well as being better for the environment, the bus offers passengers a quieter, more comfortable ride.
For more information: Breath of fresh air as SA’s first fully electric bus powers up
Additional trials were undertaken of other electric buses across the network. Our bus operators Busways, Torrens Transit and SouthLink all trialed the new Yutong electric bus on Adelaide bus routes, measuring how well electric buses suit the local driving environment, and how they perform compared to Adelaide's hybrid buses which use a diesel motor.
The Department also trialled two hydrogen powered buses in partnership with Torrens Transit over a two-year period.
These trials will inform future energy efficient transport options across the Adelaide Metro network, by allowing us to compare the performance of different types of bus models.
Adelaide Metro electric bus fleet
Adelaide's public transport network reached a major milestone in 2026, with the city's first dedicated electric bus charging hub officially switched on at Morphettville bus depot. The $9 million upgrade transformed the depot into the central charging base for Adelaide Metro’s first 60 battery electric buses.
These 60 buses are expected to remove around 4,500 tonnes of carbon emissions every year. The new generation busses supplied by Scania, with bodies built by Volgren Australia, seat 41 passengers, can travel more than 300 kilometres on a single charge, and promise a quieter and smoother ride than traditional diesel vehicles.
The expansion followed another milestone, with six new electric buses arriving in the Adelaide Hills to fully electrify Mount Barker’s Keoride on-demand bus service, increasing capacity for passengers while reducing emissions.
