South Australian train network on verge of being returned to public ownership

South Australia's train network is on the verge of being back in public hands three years after the previous government privatised it.

The privatisation of the network was initially touted as a cost-saving measure, but the current government says it failed to deliver on its promises. 

"The idea that a privatised system was cheaper was just simply not true," Transport Minister Tom Koutsantonis said.

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"What was hidden in the privatisation contracts was fewer security officers, $10 million in savings per year that never eventuated."

The Opposition today ruled out sending it back to private owners, if elected.

The government promised train drivers a job should they wish to transfer back to the public sector, and says the majority have now taken it up on the offer.

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Labor brokered a deal with the private operator, Keolis Downer, that it won't pay compensation, although there are tens of millions in logistical costs for the handover, which takes place at the end of the month.

The state's trams are set to follow suit in July.

This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.