rail review sydney trains

The 2025 reviews and reports of Sydney Trains reveal a mixed picture with significant challenges in reliability and communication. Many passengers complain of frequent delays, cancellations, and dirty trains, causing frustration and added costs for alternative transport. However, some praise the services outside peak times and find new train carriages comfortable. An official 2025 Independent Rail Review highlights three main areas for improvement in Sydney Trains: maintenance programs, incident response procedures, and passenger communication. The review was prompted by a major incident in May 2025 that caused widespread disruption. Sydney Trains has responded with a Reliability Action Plan focused on new technology, overhauled crisis management, better public communication, and increased maintenance efforts. Overall, while Sydney Trains offers aspects of convenience, the system currently suffers from reliability issues, poor communication during disruptions, and maintenance challenges that are being addressed through government-led reform efforts.