Keeping commuters safe with stronger barring orders

27 Jun 2025

Tougher powers to crack down on criminal and anti-social behaviour on public transport will come into effect on 1 July 2025.

The Minister for Infrastructure and Transport will now have the power to ban passengers indefinitely from public transport, or for the period in the Order, if they have been charged with offences involving violent acts.

The crack down on inappropriate behaviour will ensure and support safer journeys across the Adelaide Metro network for more than 200,000 people daily.

Barring orders have always existed in South Australia, but the changes will build on existing framework to:

  • strengthen penalties,
  • introduce the concept of barring order for relevant offences,
  • lengthen barring periods,
  • allow the Minister, approved persons, as well as SAPOL, the power to issue the orders.

These changes will ensure everyone who uses public transport, including those who keep it running, feel safe on bus, trains and trams.

Criminal and anti-social behaviour in any form is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated on public transport.

  • If you need urgent help, call Police emergency on 000.
  • For non-urgent police help, call Police Assistance on 131 444.
  • To report suspicious or illegal behaviour, call 1800 333 000 or make a report on the Crime Stoppers website.

More news