A major power failure has thrown Sydney's transport network into chaos during Tuesday's afternoon peak, leaving thousands of commuters stranded and triggering emergency response protocols across the city.
City Brought to Standstill
The incident, described by Transport for NSW as a "significant power supply issue," brought multiple train lines to a complete halt shortly after 3 PM. Commuters reported being trapped in stationary carriages between stations, while platforms at major hubs including Central Station became dangerously overcrowded.
Emergency services were deployed to multiple locations to assist stranded passengers, with reports of some commuters being forced to evacuate trains via emergency exits along the tracks.
Transport Authority Scrambles
Transport for NSW has activated its emergency response team, with engineers working to identify the source of the power failure. Replacement bus services are being organised, though authorities warn of significant delays throughout the evening commute.
"We understand the frustration this is causing for passengers," a TfNSW spokesperson stated. "Our immediate priority is ensuring passenger safety while working to restore services as quickly as possible."
Commuters Face Lengthy Delays
The disruption comes at the worst possible time for Sydney's workforce, with the outage hitting during the critical afternoon peak period. Social media has been flooded with images of packed platforms and stationary trains, with many commuters reporting they've been stuck for over an hour.
Transport officials are advising passengers to:
- Avoid non-essential travel this evening
- Seek alternative transport where possible
- Allow significant additional travel time
- Check official TfNSW channels for updates
The full impact on Wednesday morning's commute remains uncertain, with engineers working through the night to assess the damage and implement repairs.
