$35m plan unveiled to fix rattly old Sydney trains as 595 services cancelled in last year

Action has been taken to fix old trains on Sydney’s network, as trains faults soar by 28 per cent.

A plan to fix rattly old train carriages on Sydney’s train network will be launched today, with a series of upgrades to take place on 2000 carriages across the city.

The move comes as issues with trains soared by 28 per cent over the last year, with faults on aged trains – some of which have been in service for five decades – resulting in 595 service cancellations and 2,445 delays.

Old trains will get new airconditioning, deep cleans, revamped CCTV, and unblemished windows as part of a $35 million Train Repair Plan which will fix carriages that make up 372 trains.

Minister for Transport Jo Haylen, addresses the media in a press conference at Crows Nest Metro Station. Picture: Newswire / Gaye Gerard

The announcement comes at the completion of a pledge to fix Sydney’s torrid record of train delays and track issues, with the NSW Government heralding the completion of its rail repair plan.

Using 2,500 workers, Sydney Trains fixed 2,116 rail defects, resurfaced 468km of tracks, replaced 1,163 train stop rams and removed 193 temporary speed restrictions.
Transport Minister Jo Haylen said the new plan to tackle dodgy old trains would take a year to complete.

“Fleet defects are a significant driver of delays. We need to make sure our existing trains are healthy, strong and reliable, which is why we’re accelerating two years of work into the next 12 months,” she said.

Some of the trains on Sydney’s network have been in use for 50 years. (Photo by Jenny Evans/Getty Images)

“Around 800 Sydney Trains staff will be working around the clock – 24 hours, 7 days a week – on the Train Repair Plan and I want to thank every one of them for undertaking this massive job.”

Premier Chris Minns said keeping the trains running was a priority.

“On a rail network the size and complexity of ours, carrying millions of people every day, it’s critical we continue to focus on essential upgrades to minimise headaches for commuters,” he said.