Major NSW transport projects behind schedule and over budget

A spate of problems has plagued light rail, intercity train and ferry projects in NSW, leaving a $2.7 billion overspend across public transport infrastructure.

More than ten major public transport projects are “not on track” for delivery and the department is facing a multi-billion blowout in infrastructure costs.

A spate of problems has plagued a series of projects including industrial disputes between Transport for NSW and a number of unions.

It is understood that there is a $2.7 billion overspend across public transport infrastructure projects that have blown out over budget.

The cost overruns and ongoing delays have forced Transport Minister David Elliott “surgically” examine projects in his new portfolio in a bid to “get the budget back in order”.

Projects deemed to be “not on track” by bureaucrats include the Parramatta Light Rail, the state’s new Intercity trains, a new regional rail fleet, and changes to ferry services.

Light rail construction in Church St in Parramatta in October 2021.

The delivery timetables of other projects have also been deemed to be “at risk”.

Industrial disputes are to blame for a number of projects not yet being delivered, including the New Intercity Fleet, which is more than two years late.

“To date, NSW Trains has not been able to achieve agreement with the RTBU on the operating model of the new train,” a Transport for NSW spokesman said in a statement.

The Daily Telegraph can also reveal that ferry operator Transdev has been slapped with multiple “notices of noncompliance” over a series of faults, setting a May deadline for the problems to be addressed.

One fault has been fixed, Transdev found a solution to a problem preventing the River Class vessels from operating at night.

The new Mariyung train that is part of the new intercity fleet train. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Damian Shaw

But the new Emerald Class ferries serving the Manly route still can’t sail in large swells due to delays in testing the boats in rough seas.

“Transport for NSW is working with Transdev to ensure services are operating in line with the Ferry System Contract requirements,” the agency’s spokesman said.

Mr Elliott has started going through the multiple problems in his portfolio line by line to get major projects back on track, after being appointed as Minister in December.

“I reserve the right to terminate contracts based on noncompliance in an effort to ensure that as we come out of Covid, public transport isn’t a handbrake on our recovery,” Mr Elliott said.

The new Manly Ferry "Fairlight" leaving Circular Quay in November last year. Picture: Adam Yip

Tensions are also mounting between Mr Elliott and Transport for NSW Secretary Rob Sharp over the number of problems which need to be fixed in the portfolio.

Union sources yesterday criticised Mr Sharp for being “missing in action” in crucial meetings.

Sources said Mr Sharp is taking a “hands-off” approach and leaving the heavy lifting to chief operating officer Howard Collins.

Transport for NSW did not directly address questions about cost blowouts and project delays.

“Transport for NSW will continue to successfully deliver a record $71.5 billion infrastructure pipeline while directly and indirectly supporting more than 130,000 jobs,” a spokesman said.

Originally published as Major NSW transport projects behind schedule and over budget