Train breakdowns cause concern

Shadow Minister for Transport Ms Gladys Berejiklian has expressed "concern" at the frequency of train breakdowns recently, including two at Woy Woy since the start of April.

The first delay was at 7.58am on the April 2 morning peak train.

The incident involved "major delays" to trains running from Newcastle on the Northern Line, and resulted in a train requiring mechanical repairs at Woy Woy.

The second incident involved a minor five to 10 minute delay on the April 4 morning peak train at 7.49am.

The "operational problem" at Woy Woy affected trains running to the North Shore Line and the City.

"Unreliable services are a daily issue for commuters and it further highlights the Minister for Transport John Watkins' incompetence, and his failure to fix the problems plaguing the network," Ms Berejiklian said.

"...over the past 11 days there have been 23 train breakdowns due to maintenance failures leaving commuters stranded on platforms and running late.

"Two train delays per day is the reason why some people are simply giving up on catching the train to work.

"Of the 23 train breakdowns, 19 were in peak periods, exacerbating the inconvenience caused to commuters.

"Running late for work or arriving home later in the evening has become a daily occurrence for commuters using the CityRail network.

"It is clear John Watkins has failed to address the serious lack of maintenance culture within RailCorp to ensure trains are up to standard and services run on time.

"On average more than two train breakdowns a day is not good enough, John Watkins needs to address the maintenance problems within RailCorp to prevent commuters from being inconvenienced on such a regular basis."

Press release, 9 Apr 2008 Gladys Berejiklian, Shadow Minister for Transport