A high-voltage wire that fell on a Sydney train in May, trapping 300 passengers and causing widespread disruption, was identified as a risk as early as 2020, a rail safety review has found. The New South Wales government released the 'sobering' report on Tuesday, which was commissioned after the Homebush incident. The review highlighted the need for better care of critical assets on the city's ageing heavy rail network.
The report found that the response to the incident, including a three-hour operation to detrain trapped passengers, was too slow. Communication by Sydney Trains was inadequate, contributing to delays that stretched into a second day. The report noted a 'lack of care' for trapped passengers, with no attempt to take their details or follow up, and water only provided if requested.
NSW Transport Minister John Graham said the report showed the rail system was 'not up to scratch'. 'The missteps and mishandling of the response ensured two days of chaos on our city's public transport system when a well-managed response could – and should – have limited disruption to one day,' he said. The government has committed to implementing all 12 recommendations, including an overhaul of maintenance systems, with an investment of $458.4 million over four years.
The review, led by transport expert Kerry Schott, found that a 630mm section of the wire was first identified as below its operational capacity during an outsourced inspection in 2020. Despite visual inspections every 13 weeks, the wire was not repaired. Inspectors relied on binoculars, which 'cannot get close enough for an adequate view'. A trial of technology in 2020 that detected the issue was not followed up. Sydney Trains has committed to replacing binoculars with handheld laser devices by December.
Sydney Trains Chief Executive Matt Longland apologised, saying the network had 'let passengers down'. 'It should have been picked up in the inspection process, and it could have been avoided,' he said. The review also identified significant issues with the Rail Operations Centre's response, including a lack of management capability. Longland confirmed a 'handful of changes' to leadership. Kerry Schott noted that a protracted industrial dispute with unions may have had knock-on effects on maintenance.
