An expert panel of three will conduct a review into an overhead wiring incident that caused disruption across the Sydney Trains network on May 20 and take a system-wide look at network maintenance and reliability.
Up to 300 passengers were escorted off a train near Sydney’s Strathfield station after a power cable came down on top of carriages. Disruptions impacted the entire Sydney train network.
Kerry Schott, Transport and Infrastructure expert, Carolyn Walsh, former chief executive of the NSW Independent Transport Safety and Reliability Regulator (ITSRR) and Trevor Armstrong, former Ausgrid Chief Executive Officer, will lead the independent review. Walsh previously led the Sydney Trains’ Rail Infrastructure and Systems Review of 2023.
They will be supported by the Premier’s Department and Transport for NSW in a rapid investigation into three key areas of concern including the cause of the May 20 electrical incident and what can be done to ensure the system is as resilient as possible in future.
Whether the investment in the recent Rail Repair and Fleet Repair plans has improved reliability.
As well as investigating passenger experience and whether communications with passengers, real-time updates and internal communication by Sydney Trains during disruptions are up to standard.
The review panel will meet this week to finalise its Terms of Reference.
Sydney Trains has begun its own internal investigation and metallurgical analysis of the failed wire and will report findings to the investigators.
John Graham, Minister for Transport said the New South Wales Government said the review will assist in making sure the government is focused on the right areas to drive the improvements to the train system that passengers expect.
“A short and sharp independent review into maintenance, punctuality and customer communications will assist in understanding how we can do better,” he said.
“The New South Wales Government is investing record amounts into maintenance and reliability, guided by the Rail Repair Plan and Train Repair Plan. We have driven down delays from temporary speed restrictions, but we know there is much more to do.”
