South Australian Government appoints Mott MacDonald to support zero emission passenger rail plans

The South Australian Government has appointed Mott MacDonald to deliver a detailed business case to transition to zero emission operations across their passenger rail network.

Mott MacDonald has been selected based on its technical expertise and experience in helping governments globally transition their public transport networks towards zero emissions operation.

The work to be undertaken by Mott MacDonald will consolidate the large body of planning and feasibility studies already completed by the State Government into a detailed business case for achieving zero emissions operation across Adelaide’s passenger rail network.

The State Government is committed to an emissions reduction target of at least 60 percent of 2005 levels by 2030 and net zero by 2050.

Transport is the largest single source of emissions in South Australia, with the operation of public transport vehicles being a major contributor to emissions generated by the South Australian Government.

Adrian Jones, managing director for Asia Pacific, New Zealand and Australia said: “Decarbonising our transport networks has a significant role to play in reducing emissions in urban areas and improving air quality for local communities. Working alongside the South Australian Government, we are well placed to deliver on this important initiative having already successfully delivered business cases for major projects like River Torrens to Darlington project, Tram Grade Separations and the Gawler rail line electrification."

The Adelaide Metro railway network is already partially decarbonised. The Gawler and Seaford Lines, including the Flinders spur line, have been electrified. However, the Belair and Outer Harbor line, including the Grange and Port Dock spurs, are operated by hybrid-diesel railcars.

The business cases are expected to be completed in early 2026.