Transport Minister backs trains boss Josh Murray but only if reliability improves

As more than one million commuters enjoy a fare-free day, Josh Murray, the head of Sydney’s train and metro network, is facing calls to step down following last week’s chaotic network shutdown.

As more than one million commuters enjoy a fare free day the head of Sydney’s train and metro network is facing calls to step down.

NSW Secretary of Transport Josh Murray yesterday conceded that his organisation needed to do better after a single downed power cable brought the train network to a standstill and disrupted timetables for most of last week.

He said today’s fare free day is not payback. “This isn’t making up for what happened. This is an acknowledgment that we are listening and we are striving to do better across the network,” he said.

But Deputy opposition leader and transport spokeswoman Natalie Ward said Mr Murray, a former journalist and political spin doctor, was not qualified to run the network and should quit.

“Commuters are not the focus when you have a spin doctor running the transport network,” she said.

Josh Murray, Secretary of Transport for NSW, is under pressure to resign. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

Mr Murray was a captain’s pick for the top job by former transport minister Jo Haylen two years ago despite revelations he had donated $500 to her campaign and was a close friend of NSW Premier Chris Minns. Documents revealed he was given the job over more qualified candidates.

“Josh Murray was hand picked by the Labor Government despite being independently evaluated as a significant risk due to his lack of operational experience,” Ms Ward said.

“The least he could do is resign to give commuters and Sydney trains a fresh start with someone who actually knows how to run a public transport system. Commuters have had enough excuses, it is time for change,” she said.

Transport Minister John Graham backed Mr Murray on the proviso the trains start running on time.

“I certainly have confidence in Mr Murray and the rail agencies. But be very clear, we expect reliability to improve,” he said.

Mr Minns has called for a short sharp review of the rail network and said “we are looking at bringing someone in from the airline sector” to run it with fresh eyes.

Ironically Rob Sharp, the Transport for NSW secretary Mr Minns sacked two years ago, was an aviation expert having run both Virgin and Tiger Airways after spending 16 years at Qantas. He is now running the nation’s airspace as acting CEO of Airservices Australia.

Before him trains had Chief Customer Officer Suzanne Holden in the role of Acting Chief Executive who had previously worked for British Airways and Qantas as its General Manager of Airport Operations.

Frustrated commuters during last week’s rail network crisis. Picture: Thomas Lisson

It is not clear who will be brought in to assess the network but business leaders want whoever it is to ensure the trains run reliably.

Business Sydney executive director Paul Nicolaou said the network needed investment to prevent failures that shake commuter confidence and keep them out of the city.

“We need to give commuters a rail network they can rely on — trains that turn up on time, real-time updates when things go wrong, and clean, comfortable journeys that make public transport an easy choice,” he said.

“Every investment and improvement is about rebuilding confidence,” Mr Nicolaou said. “The way people use our wonderful city has changed. Hybrid work, weekend travel, and event days all play a role now — and transport has to adapt.

“We’re seeing strong demand when the network delivers, and that tells us commuters are willing to come back if the experience is dependable, affordable, and easy to navigate.”

Originally published as Transport Minister backs trains boss Josh Murray but only if reliability improves