An independent panel will examine Sydney Trains after a May 20 incident disrupted the network and forced 300 passengers off a train due to a fallen overhead cable. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

An independent panel will examine Sydney Trains after a May 20 incident disrupted the network and forced 300 passengers off a train due to a fallen overhead cable
Image: John White Photos/stock.adobe.com

Sydney Trains Review to Investigate Maintenance and Safety

Transport and infrastructure expert Kerry Schott will lead the review, joined by Carolyn Walsh and Trevor Armstrong. Walsh previously led a major Sydney Trains systems review in 2023.

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The team will evaluate the cause of the May 20 outage, determine system weaknesses, and recommend strategies to prevent similar failures. Officials expect the Terms of Reference to be finalized this week.

They will also assess whether the Rail Repair and Fleet Repair plans have actually improved the network’s reliability. If needed, recommendations will target operational or investment changes.

Sydney Trains Communication and Passenger Experience in Focus

The review will analyze how Sydney Trains handles disruptions, including real-time updates and internal coordination. Panelists aim to improve both passenger communication and operational transparency.

Sydney Trains has already begun its own internal investigation, including a metallurgical study of the failed wire, and will share results with the review team.

John Graham, NSW Minister for Transport, said the review will help the government make better infrastructure decisions based on real system performance and customer expectations.

“This short, focused review will show where we’re falling short and what must improve,” Graham said. “We’ve cut delays linked to speed restrictions, but stronger communication and reliability are essential.”

Backed by Transport for NSW and the Premier’s Department, the review is set to deliver clear, actionable solutions that restore public confidence in Sydney’s rail services.

Source: www.railexpress.com.au

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