Newcastle’s light rail has been halted after a mechanical issue was discovered

Transport for NSW says the issue is not related to the cracking in Sydney’s inner west despite the vehicles having the same manufacturer.

Newcastle’s light rail services have been suspended indefinitely after a “mechanical issue” was identified on the trams.

Transport for NSW said in a statement that operator Keolis Downer was “working to urgently investigate and repair the fleet”.

Newcastle’s six CAF Urbo 100 vehicles were built by the same manufacturer responsible for the cracked services in Sydney’s inner west.

However, the statement said although Newcastle’s machines were the same baseline tram as those operated in the inner west, they were newer and had differing components and systems

Newcastle’s light rail has been suspended after mechanical issues were discovered. Picture: Supplied

“Keolis Downer has been carrying out detailed inspections of the fleet and a mechanical issue has been identified,’’ the statement said.

“The fleet has been suspended temporarily as a precaution until inspections are completed. This issue is unrelated to the cracking issues identified in the Inner West light rail fleet.

“Keolis Downer is working to urgently investigate and repair the fleet to restore passenger service as soon possible and at this stage the aim is to have some trams back in services by Monday.

“Obviously, as investigation works progress over the weekend we will be able to provide customers with a more accurate update in coming days.

“We will keep customers informed as we progress and when services resume. Bus services are replacing light rail services along Hunter and King streets. Customers can also use bus routes 11 and 13 to travel in the Newcastle CBD.’’

It is not the first time the Newcastle light rail has experienced problems since it began service in 2019, with cracks found in the tracks in 2020 halting services for repairs.

Comment has been sought by Keolis Downer.