Transport Minister John Graham slams ‘idiot’ responsible for cutting train signal cable

Sydney’s major rail lines connecting the western suburbs to the city have been sent into meltdown after an unknown culprit damaged the cable system. Here’s what we know.

Sydney’s major rail lines connecting the western suburbs to the city have been crippled with cancellations after an unknown culprit cut a piece of wiring, throwing the signal system into disarray.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal a snipped signal cable was the source of shut downs and delays along the T2 Leppington and Inner West line, T3 Liverpool and T5 Cumberland lines on Friday morning.

It is understood a person cut the cable overnight just outside of Guildford and the damage was discovered by engineers shortly after 5am.

Signal cables are reportedly cut by people trying to access copper to later sell, but much of the Sydney Train wires are made of fibre-optics – making the theft pointless.

NSW Transport Minister John Graham slammed the “idiot” responsible for the disruption.

“Sydney knows through bitter experience how badly a single track failure can affect services across the network,” he said.

The source of the train delays can be revealed as a cut signal cable near Guilford. Picture: Transport for NSW

“It is galling for everyone when that failure is due to one idiot vandalising a signal wire.

“Sydney Trains is working as fast as possible to rectify this incident.”

Trains have been suspended in both directions between Cabramatta and Granville while services are being diverted via Regents Park to provide an alternative route.

Transport Minister John Graham. Picture: NewsWire / Monique Harmer

Transport has requested 20 buses to replace trains but they are yet to be delivered.

Commuters at this stage are advised to delay travel or take local bus routes between the two stops.

NSW Police confirmed they have launched an investigation into the incident, with the damage estimated to cost $50,000.

“About 2.40am today, officers attached to Cumberland Police Area Command were called to the railway corridor, approximately 200m south of Guildford Railway Station, following reports of an alleged malicious damage,” a statement read.

“As inquiries continue, anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.”

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