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Sydney Trains

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Not to be confused with Sydney's rapid transit system, Sydney Metro.
This article is about the operator of suburban and intercity train services. For an overview of all railway lines in Sydney, see Railways in Sydney.

Sydney Trains
B set trains near Summer Hill station
B set trains near Summer Hill station
Roundel
Roundel
Overview
OwnerTransport for NSW
LocaleGreater Sydney
Transit typeSuburban rail
Number of lines9
Number of stations161
Annual ridership278.1 million (FY 2023–2024)
Chief executiveMatt Longland
WebsiteTransport for NSW: Sydney Trains
Operation
Began operation1 July 2013; 11 years ago (2013-07-01)
Number of vehicles240 8-carriage trains
Technical
System length355.5 km (220.9 mi)
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge
Electrification1,500 V DC from overhead catenary
Suburban lines

Sydney Trains is the brand name and operator of suburban and intercity train services centring on Greater Sydney in New South Wales, Australia.

The metropolitan part of the network is a hybrid urban-suburban rail system with a central underground core that covers 369 km (229 mi) of route length over 813 km (505 mi) of track, with 161 stations on nine lines.[1]

Within Sydney, the network has frequencies of 5–10 minutes during peak-time at most inner-city and major stations, and 15 minutes off-peak at most minor stations. During the weekday peak, train services are more frequent.[2]

The network is managed by Transport for NSW and is part of its Opal ticketing system. In 2018–19, 377.1 million passenger journeys were made on the suburban network, making it the most-used rail network in Australia.

History

Main article: CityRail

In May 2012, the Minister for Transport announced a restructure of RailCorp, the organisation that owned and managed the metropolitan rail network and operated passenger services throughout New South Wales.[3][4][5][6] Two new organisations were created to take over the operation of the services from 1 July 2013. Sydney Trains acquired all suburban services in the Sydney metropolitan area bounded by Berowra, Emu Plains, Macarthur and Waterfall from RailCorp's CityRail division. Intercity and Hunter Line services previously operated by CityRail were taken over by NSW Trains (branded as NSW TrainLink).[7] RailCorp remained the owner of the network infrastructure. When first created as subsidiaries of RailCorp, Sydney Trains and NSW Trains were not controlled entities of RailCorp, but were instead controlled by Transport for NSW.[8] In July, they ceased to be subsidiaries of RailCorp and became independent standalone agencies in July 2017.[9][10]

On 21 August 2023, it was announced that the majority of NSW TrainLink's intercity operations would be transferred to Sydney Trains, including rolling stock, maintenance, operations, stations, and staff. This would also include the modifications, testing, and introduction of the New Intercity Fleet (NIF).[11]

A process of transferring intercity services from NSW TrainLink to Sydney Trains began in 2023.[12] Intercity services were taken under the responsibility of Sydney Trains from 1 July 2024.[13][14]

Operations

In July 2013, Howard Collins OBE, the former Chief Operating Officer of London Underground, was appointed as Chief Executive of Sydney Trains.[15] Stewart Mills was appointed Acting Chief Executive in February 2020, succeeded by Suzanne Holden as Acting Chief Executive in June 2020. In June 2021, Matt Longland was appointed as Chief Executive.[citation needed]

In addition to operating suburban train services, Sydney Trains maintains the New South Wales Metropolitan Rail Area and maintains all but a handful of operational railway stations in the state.

St James station on the underground section of the network

Suburban network

Sydney Trains operates nine electric suburban lines across Sydney.

In conjunction with a new timetable released on 20 October 2013, the Sydney Trains network was reorganised with a new numbering system. The number of lines was reduced from eleven to seven (now nine) by merging several lines.

Network changes

An eighth line was created on 26 November 2017 by splitting the T2 line into two separate lines; T2 and T8. T5 services were also modified to no longer travel to and from Campbelltown, instead starting and terminating at Leppington.[16]

From 28 April 2019, the section of the T1 line between Gordon and Hornsby via Strathfield was renumbered as T9, whilst the portion between Berowra and Richmond or Emu Plains via Chatswood and Parramatta remained as T1.[17]

The first expansion of the Sydney suburban network after the restructuring of CityRail into Sydney Trains occurred in 2015 when the South West Rail Link opened between Glenfield and Leppington.

From 2018, some sections of the network began to be transferred to the city's metro and light rail networks.

The Epping to Chatswood Rail Link between Chatswood and Epping was closed for conversion in September 2018 to form part of the Sydney Metro Northwest project, which opened as the Metro North West Line in May 2019.[18][19]

The Carlingford Line between Clyde and Carlingford closed on 5 January 2020, and is expected to form part of the Parramatta Light Rail network from mid-2024.[20] The adjacent section of track between Clyde and Camellia, including Rosehill railway station, also became disused.[21]

From 19 October 2024, the T6 Line became the Bankstown to Lidcombe shuttle (Lidcombe & Bankstown Line), with commuters interchanging at Regents Park or Lidcombe for connecting services to Liverpool or City Circle.[22]

The section of the Bankstown Line between Sydenham and Bankstown will form part of Sydney Metro City & Southwest project, which is due to open as the Metro North West & Bankstown Line in 2025.[23]

Network summary

Line colour, number and name Between
North Shore & Western Line

Berowra and Emu Plains or Richmond.

Leppington & Inner West Line

City Circle and Parramatta or Leppington via Granville.

Liverpool & Inner West Line City Circle and Liverpool via Lidcombe and Regents Park.
Eastern Suburbs & Illawarra Line Bondi Junction and Waterfall or Cronulla via Central.
Cumberland Line Schofields and Leppington. Limited services continue from Schofields to Richmond.
Lidcombe & Bankstown Line Bankstown and Lidcombe
Olympic Park Line Lidcombe and Olympic Park. Some services operate between Central and Olympic Park, particularly during special events, such as the Sydney Royal Easter Show.
Airport & South Line City Circle and Macarthur via Revesby and either Sydenham (peak) or Airport
Northern Line Hornsby and Gordon via Strathfield and City
The Grand Concourse of Central Station

The main hub of the Sydney Trains system is Central Station, which most lines pass through. Central is also the terminus of most NSW TrainLink lines. After leaving Central, trains coming from the T2 Inner West & Leppington Line, T3 Bankstown Line and T8 Airport & South Line then travel through the City Circle – a ring line beneath the Sydney central business district. After completing the City Circle, these trains pass through Central for a second time and return to the suburbs. The T1 North Shore & Western, T4 Eastern Suburbs & Illawarra and T9 Northern lines pass through the central business district and continue to other areas of Sydney. The T5 Cumberland Line serves Western Sydney and provides access to the major centre of Parramatta from the southwest of the city without requiring a change of trains at Granville. The T7 Olympic Park Line is a suburban shuttle service.

NightRide

Main article: NightRide (bus service)

NightRide bus services established in 1989, replace trains between midnight and 4:30 am, leaving the tracks clear of trains for maintenance work. Such bus services mainly stop near stations operating typically at hourly intervals (some routes depart more frequently on weekends). Many services depart the city from bus stops near Town Hall station.[24] NightRide services are contracted to external bus operators and are identified by route numbers beginning with "N".

Rolling stock

Main article: Sydney Trains rolling stock

Sydney Trains operates a fleet of double-deck electric multiple units. The trainsets are divided into the following classes:

Sydney Trains fleet
Class Image Type Top speed Carriages Entered service Formation Routes
km/h mph
K sets Electric multiple unit 115 71 160 1981–1985 4 cars
T sets 115 71 447 1988–1995
M sets 130 81 140 2002–2005
H sets 130 81 220 2006–2012
A sets 130 81 626 2011–2014 8 cars
B sets 130 81 328 2018–2021

Though primarily operated on intercity lines, some H sets are also used on suburban services, and with the delivery of the D sets for operations on intercity lines in 2024, most of the sets will be transferred to suburban services.

All A, B and M sets are maintained by Downer Rail. Their contract for the M sets was extended by 10 years from June 2017.[25] All other types of trains including the V and H sets are maintained by UGL Unipart. The contract with UGL Unipart was extended for two years from 1 July 2019.[26]

The Sydney Trains network is divided into three sectors, based around three maintenance depots.[27] Trainsets are identified by target plates, which are exhibited on the front lower nearside of driving carriages.[28] Each target plate includes the letter of the class the set belongs to and the number of the individual set. Waratahs do not have a target plate, but instead, have the information written directly on the front of the train. The composition and formations of train sets and the target designations are subject to alteration. M sets and H sets carry green target plates.

Sydney Trains maintenance sectors
Sector # Depot Serviced lines Target plate Sets being
maintained
1 Mortdale T4 Eastern Suburbs & Illawarra Line
Intercity services on the South Coast Line 		Red (T) T, H
Green (H)
2 Flemington T2 Inner West & Leppington, T3 Bankstown, T5 Cumberland, T7 Olympic Park and T8 Airport & South Lines
Intercity services on Blue Mountains Line and Central Coast & Newcastle Line (V sets only) 		Blue K, V
3 Hornsby T1 North Shore & Western and T9 Northern Lines
Intercity services on the Central Coast & Newcastle Line (H sets only) 		Black (T) T, H, A
Green (H)
— Auburn Maintrain UGL Unipart carry out maintenance at the various depots to which the trains are allocated but major work may be carried out at Auburn Maintrain. — All except A, B and M
Auburn All A, B and M sets are stabled at the depot for the sector in which they operate but are maintained at Auburn by Downer Rail. Stickers only (A, B) A, B, M
Green (M)

Intercity services

An intercity service between Sydney and Newcastle
Intercity network (excluding the Sydney suburban portions of lines)

Intercity services operate to a distance approximately 200 kilometres (124 mi) from Sydney, bounded by Dungog in the north, Scone in the north-west, Bathurst to the west, Goulburn in the south-west and Bomaderry to the south.

Electric services extend from Sydney north to Newcastle, west to Lithgow and south to Port Kembla and Kiama. Most electric services originate from or terminate at Central.

Diesel trains serve the more distant or less populated parts of the Intercity network. Hunter Line services operate from Newcastle to Telarah with some extending to Dungog and Scone. Southern Highlands Line services operate between Campbelltown and Moss Vale with a limited number extending to Sydney and Goulburn. Diesel services also operate on the South Coast Line between Kiama and Bomaderry. The Bathurst Bullet provides a twice daily, limited stop service between Sydney and Bathurst.

Lines

Line colour and name Between Electric services Map
Central and Lithgow with limited services to Bathurst to Lithgow Map
Central and Newcastle Yes Map
Newcastle and Telarah with limited services to Dungog or Scone No Map
Centrala and Bomaderry or Port Kembla to Kiama and Port Kembla Map
Campbelltownb and Moss Vale with limited services to Goulburn No Map
^a Some peak services and most weekend services on the South Coast Line run to/from Bondi Junction
^b Some peak services on the Southern Highlands Line run to/from Central. At other times, a change of train is required at Campbelltown

Rolling stock

Class Image Type Service Speed Carriage Numbers Lines Built
km/h mph
V set Electric multiple unit 115 71 196 1970–1989
T set 447 (shared with suburban lines) (between Waterfall and Port Kembla) 1987–1995
Endeavour railcar Diesel railcars 145 90 28 (Bathurst Bullet and between Lithgow and Bathurst)(between Kiama and Bomaderry) 1994–1996
Hunter railcar 14 2006–2007
H set Electric multiple unit 130 81 221 (shared with suburban lines) 2006–2012

The V sets are maintained at Flemington Maintenance Depot.

Future rolling stock

Class Image Type Service Speed Carriage Numbers Lines Built
km/h mph
D set Electric multiple unit 130 81 610 (to be built) 2019–present

A fleet of 610 D set carriages will be introduced to the intercity network. They will replace the V sets and allow the H sets to be transferred to suburban services. The first was delivered in December 2019.[29][30][31] The D sets will be maintained at a new facility at Kangy Angy.

Performance

Intercity services are considered on-time if they operate within six minutes of their scheduled time.[32] The target is for 92 percent of intercity services to operate on-time.[33]

Quiet carriages

Quiet carriages are designated carriages where noise made by passengers is requested to be kept to a minimum. Passengers are asked to place mobile phones on silent, move carriages in order to have a conversation with another passenger and use headphones when listening to music.[34]

Quiet carriages are on Intercity services are located in four carriages on eight car sets, two carriages on four car sets and one carriage on two car sets.[35]

Quiet carriages were first introduced on the Central Coast & Newcastle Line in early 2012 as a three-month trial. On 1 September 2012, quiet carriages were permanently introduced and expanded to all intercity services operating on the Blue Mountains and South Coast Line.[34]

Patronage

A service at the Domestic Airport station

The following table lists patronage figures for the network during the corresponding financial year. Australia's financial years start on 1 July and end on 30 June. Major events that affected the number of journeys made or how patronage is measured are included as notes (for example, patronage was severely affected during the Coronavirus pandemic).

Suburban patronage by financial year
Year 2013–14 2014–15 2015–16 2016–17 2017–18 2018–19 2019–20 2020–21 2021–22 2022–23 2023-24
Patronage
(millions) 		282.2
[a] 		291.9
[b] 		322 340.7
[c] 		359.2 377.1
[d] 		282.0
[e][f] 		186.3
[f] 		135.5
[f] 		259[36] 278.1
References [37] [38] [39] [40] [41]
  1. ^ Opal rollout completed in March 2014.
  2. ^ The South West Rail Link opened in February 2015.
  3. ^ Non-Opal tickets were discontinued in August 2016.
  4. ^ The Epping to Chatswood Rail Link closed in September 2018. Patronage figures includes Station Link but excludes Sydney Metro
  5. ^ The T6 Carlingford Line ceased operations in January 2020.
  6. ^ a b c Patronage was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions in the Greater Sydney area.
2023–24 Sydney Trains patronage by line[n.b. 1] [42]
86,736,689
47,048,199
20,178,194 [n.b. 2]
54,802,802
8,028,853
– [n.b. 3]
1,345,017
37,691,564
22,303,028
  1. ^ Figures based on Opal tap on and tap off data
  2. ^ T3 patronage from former route via Bankstown.
  3. ^ T6 services commenced on 19 October 2024.
2023–24 Transport for NSW patronage in Sydney by mode[43]
Mode Patronage % of total

Metro 		23,297,166 4.02

Train 		278,134,346 47.93

Bus 		220,944,633 38.08

Ferry 		17,270,282 2.98

Light rail 		40,598,539 6.99
Total 580,244,966 100.00

Ticketing and costs

Ticket barriers at Wynyard station

Sydney Trains currently uses the Opal card ticketing system, which was introduced to the network in April 2014.[44] The fare system is fully integrated – trips involving suburban, metro and intercity services are calculated as a single fare and there is no interchange penalty. Students who use the Sydney Trains network to get to and from schools can apply for a free school Opal card. Opal is also valid on bus, ferry, and light rail services but separate fares apply for these modes. The following table lists Opal fares for reusable smartcards and single-trip tickets:[45]

Metro and train
  As of 1 Jul 24		 0–10 km 10–20 km 20–35 km 35–65 km 65 km+
Adult cards & contactless (peak) $4.20 $5.22 $6.01 $8.03 $10.33
Adult cards & contactless (off-peak) $2.94 $3.65 $4.20 $5.62 $7.23
Other cards (peak) $2.10 $2.61^ $3.00^ $4.01^ $5.16^
Other cards (off-peak) $1.47 $1.82 $2.10 $2.80^ $3.61^
Adult single trip $5.00 $6.30 $7.20 $9.60 $12.40
Child/Youth single trip $2.50 $3.10 $3.60 $4.80 $6.20

^ = $2.50 for Senior/Pensioner cardholders

A surcharge is levied when using the two privately operated stations serving Sydney Airport:

Airport station access fee
  As of 1 Jul 24[46]		 Adult cards Other cards
Domestic or International Airport to/from all other stations $17.34 $15.50
Domestic or International Airport to/from Green Square $11.43 $11.43
Domestic or International Airport to/from Mascot $9.03 $9.03
Domestic to/from International $4.70 $4.70

As there are no return or periodical options available, reusable Opal cards include several caps to reduce the cost for frequent travellers:

Fare caps
  As of 1 Jul 24[47]		 Adult cards Other concession
cards		 Senior/pensioner
cards
Daily Mon–Thu $18.70 $9.35 $2.50
Daily Fri, Sat and Sun $9.35 $4.65 $2.50
Weekly $50.00 $25.00 $17.50
Weekly airport
station access fee 		$35.16 $31.51 $31.51


The previous ticketing system was introduced in 1992 and was based on magnetic stripe technology. It was shut down on 1 August 2016.[48]

See also

References

  1. ^ Transport for NSW, Bureau of Transport Statistics (2014). "Train statistics 2014" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 28 February 2020. Retrieved 9 January 2023.
  2. ^ "Routes and timetables". Transport for NSW. Retrieved 3 July 2024.
  3. ^ "RailCorp job cuts first of many: unions" Archived 27 February 2014 at the Wayback Machine Sydney Morning Herald 15 May 2012
  4. ^ "Ruthless RailCorp reforms planned as middle management axed" Daily Telegraph 15 May 2012
  5. ^ Corporate Plan 2012/13 Archived 25 March 2013 at the Wayback Machine RailCorp
  6. ^ 700 jobs to go as RailCorp gets the axe Daily Telegraph 16 November 2012
  7. ^ About the Reform Sydney Trains
  8. ^ "Railcorp Annual Report 2013–14" (PDF). Transport for NSW. p. 15. Archived (PDF) from the original on 13 September 2018. Retrieved 21 December 2018.
  9. ^ "Transport for NSW Annual Report 2017–18" (PDF). Transport for NSW. p. 49. Archived (PDF) from the original on 21 June 2019. Retrieved 2 December 2018.
  10. ^ Transport Administration Amendment (Transport Entities) Act 2017 No 12 Schedule 1 Archived 3 December 2002 at the Wayback Machine, Legislation NSW, retrieved 18 December 2018
  11. ^ "Agreement reached for New Intercity Fleet". 21 August 2023.
  12. ^ "Agreement reached for New Intercity Fleet". NSW Government. 21 August 2023.
  13. ^ "NSW TrainLink Corporate Plan" (PDF). Transport for New South Wales. Archived (PDF) from the original on 29 May 2024. Retrieved 24 May 2024. From 1 July 2024, the operation of all 'non-booked' services - including the electric fleet, the South Coast and Hunter intercity diesel services, the Bathurst Bullet and Southern Highlands services, and Moss Vale and Lithgow depots - are proposed to transfer to Sydney Trains.
  14. ^ NSW, Transport for (29 October 2024). "Orange community having a say on rail services". www.transport.nsw.gov.au. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
  15. ^ "Collins moves to Sydney". Railway Gazette International. 13 March 2013. Retrieved 25 June 2024.
  16. ^ "More Trains, More Services for South Western Sydney" (PDF). Transport for NSW. Government of New South Wales. 27 February 2017. Archived (PDF) from the original on 27 February 2017. Retrieved 27 February 2017.
  17. ^ O'Sullivan, Matt (21 February 2019). "A New Red Line Through Sydney's Rail Map". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 20 February 2019. Retrieved 21 February 2019.
  18. ^ "Station Link bus services to connect customers during Metro upgrade". transportnsw.info. Transport for NSW. 7 April 2018. Archived from the original on 8 April 2018. Retrieved 7 April 2018.
  19. ^ "North West opening date announced". Sydney Metro. Archived from the original on 5 May 2019. Retrieved 9 February 2021.
  20. ^ "Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 | NSW Government". www.nsw.gov.au. 19 February 2024. Retrieved 5 June 2024.
  21. ^ "Parramatta Light Rail | Stage 1 – Westmead to Carlingford via Camellia: Environmental Impact Statement" (PDF). Transport for NSW. pp. 5–65, 5–66. Archived (PDF) from the original on 16 June 2020. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  22. ^ "More Trains, More Services". www.transport.nsw.gov.au. 22 May 2017. Retrieved 1 May 2024.
  23. ^ O'Sullivan, Matt (10 April 2023). "'Nightmare': Residents enter fourth year of Metro pain as construction drags on". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 5 June 2024.
  24. ^ Section, Transport for NSW, Customer Experience Division, Customer Service Branch, Customer Information Services. "Late night services". transportnsw.info. Archived from the original on 13 April 2018. Retrieved 14 April 2018.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  25. ^ Millenium maintenance contract extension Archived 30 June 2019 at the Wayback Machine Downer Rail] 28 February 2017
  26. ^ UGL secures $277M extension with Sydney Trains Archived 29 June 2019 at the Wayback Machine UGL 31 January 2019
  27. ^ "Train Fleet Maintenance". CityRail. 1 June 2006. Archived from the original on 13 March 2008. Retrieved 18 May 2008.
  28. ^ Department of Railways, New South Wales: Working of Electric Trains, 1965
  29. ^ New Intercity Fleet Archived 13 January 2020 at the Wayback Machine Transport NSW
  30. ^ NSW Government to invest $2.8 billion in new intercity trains, making all trains air-conditioned Archived 8 May 2014 at the Wayback Machine Transport for New South Wales 8 May 2014
  31. ^ Intercity Fleet Program Archived 29 November 2014 at the Wayback Machine Transport for New South Wales
  32. ^ "Our performance". Sydney Trains. Archived from the original on 8 December 2015. Retrieved 2 December 2015.
  33. ^ "NSW Trains Annual Report 2017–18" (PDF). NSW Trains. pp. 26, 27. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2 December 2018. Retrieved 2 December 2018.
  34. ^ a b Quiet carriages now permanent on the Blue Mountains and South Coast intercity services Archived 10 August 2013 at the Wayback Machine Sydney Trains
  35. ^ Quiet carriages to expand on South Coast line Archived 5 December 2014 at the Wayback Machine Illawarra Mercury 3 July 2013
  36. ^ "Sydney Trains Annual Report" (PDF). Transport for NSW. 22 September 2024. Retrieved 22 September 2024.
  37. ^ "Transport for NSW Annual Report 2014–15" (PDF). Transport for NSW. p. 131. Archived (PDF) from the original on 27 March 2016. Retrieved 1 August 2016.
  38. ^ "Sydney Trains 2015–16 Annual Report Volume 1" (PDF). Sydney Trains. p. 3. Archived from the original (PDF) on 10 May 2017. Retrieved 18 November 2016.
  39. ^ "Sydney Trains Annual Report 2016–17" (PDF). Transport for NSW. p. 4. Archived (PDF) from the original on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 24 November 2017.
  40. ^ "Sydney Trains Annual Report 2017–18" (PDF). Sydney Trains. p. 4. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2 December 2018. Retrieved 2 December 2018.
  41. ^ "Train Patronage – Monthly Figures". Transport for NSW. 8 June 2017. Archived from the original on 30 July 2020. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
  42. ^ "Train Patronage – Monthly Figures". Transport for NSW. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
  43. ^ See Transport for NSW patronage in Sydney by mode for sources
  44. ^ "Trains | NSW Government | Opal". Archived from the original on 3 March 2014. Retrieved 28 March 2014.
  45. ^ "Opal fares". transportnsw.info. Transport for NSW. Archived from the original on 27 March 2023. Retrieved 22 June 2019.
  46. ^ "Getting to and from Sydney Airport". transportnsw.info. Transport for NSW. Retrieved 1 July 2024.
  47. ^ "Getting to and from Sydney Airport". transportnsw.info. Transport for NSW. Retrieved 1 July 2024.
  48. ^ "No more paper tickets | NSW Government | Opal". opal.com.au. Archived from the original on 15 February 2016. Retrieved 20 July 2016.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Sydney Trains.
Preceded by Operator of Sydney's suburban rail network
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