Adelaide introduces indefinite bans on violent transport offenders

In a landmark move to improve public transport safety, the South Australian government will soon introduce the toughest penalties in the country for anti-social and criminal behaviour on the Adelaide Metro network.

From July 1, the infrastructure and transport minister will have the authority to impose indefinite bans on passengers charged with violent offences.

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This change means individuals accused of acts such as sexual or indecent assault, carrying weapons, and psychological or physical abuse, whether onboard or at stations and stops, could be permanently removed from public transport.

The crackdown forms part of sweeping reforms to the Passenger Transport Regulations, aimed at bolstering security for passengers, drivers, and public transport workers.

Under these changes, the maximum barring period for a first ban for a lower-level offence will increase from three to six months, and from six to 12 months for a second ban.

If barred for a third time, passengers may face an indefinite ban from travelling on buses, trains and trams.

The maximum court penalty for breaching a transit barring order has also been strengthened, increasing from $2500 to $7000.

Passengers barred under ministerial direction will have the right to apply to a court to have their ban lifted after a minimum of three months.

Currently, only South Australia Police can ban people from travelling on public transport, with approximately 300 barring orders issued each year for offensive, disorderly and inappropriate behaviour.

The decision follows a series of concerning incidents, including 93 assaults on Adelaide Metro bus drivers reported in 2024 alone.

“South Australia is the only state that issues indefinite banning periods, which serve as a stark warning to those engaging in anti-social and violent behaviour – it will not be tolerated,” a Department for Infrastructure and Transport statement reads.

“The state government is committed to improving safety and security on public transport and currently implements a number of regular as well as random security measures to provide a visible deterrent.”

The state government has also ramped up physical safety measures. A $7.5 million program is underway to install protective driver screens on all 940 government-owned buses, with around 140 already fitted and in service. The full rollout is expected to be completed by the end of next year.