‘Metro all the way’: Daily Telegraph readers overwhelmingly back driverless trains after peak-hour commute test
Daily Telegraph readers have weighed in on Sydney’s rail rivalry and it’s clear most choose a lightning-fast Metro service cramming commuters in like sardines over the heavy rail network.
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Daily Telegraph readers have thrown their support behind the city’s driverless Metro system following a reporter commute test comparing it to Sydney Trains, with many declaring it’s time to move on from the old network entirely.
Dozens of comments flooded in after The Telegraph pitted the two systems against each other during peak hour, revealing that while the Metro is fast and efficient, it often forces commuters to cram in shoulder-to-shoulder.
Meanwhile, Sydney Trains were quiet and comfortable but slow, unreliable and often late.
Despite the sardine-like conditions, readers backed the Metro overwhelmingly, with many describing Sydney Trains as “a disgrace” and calling for driverless technology to replace the old network.
“Metro all the way!! Get rid of train drivers and unions,” one reader, Jethro said.
The sooner they get rid of the trains and replace them with Metro rail lines the better … they are so much more efficient,” Rodney commented.
Other readers took aim at the Minns Government for refusing to commit to any new Metro projects before 2040.
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman accused Chris Minns of lacking vision on transport infrastructure.
“Chris Minns doesn’t have a transport plan, he has a press conference schedule,” Mr Speakman said.
“If you’re stuck waiting for a late train today, don’t expect it to get better. Labor’s planning to leave you there beyond 2040 as they’re not planning any new Metros until then.”
However the Metro’s tightly packed carriages did deter some supporters.
“That crowding on the Metro looks absolutely horrific!” one user wrote.
“But I’d much rather spend a bit more time on the train than travel standing with my nose up some stranger’s armpit.”
Others weren’t as forgiving of Sydney Trains.
“Unions + overpaid and underperforming train drivers = trains that are a disgrace and a waste of subsidised taxpayers’ money,” Ian said.
“Maybe the train trips should have half-price fares,” David commented.
Meanwhile, some readers highlighted the Metro’s strength for short commutes, but questioned its viability for longer journeys.
“Metro trains are fine for short trips,” Michael said.
“But would anyone want to travel like that for up to an hour to the middle and outer suburbs?”
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Originally published as ‘Metro all the way’: Daily Telegraph readers overwhelmingly back driverless trains after peak-hour commute test
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