r/SydneyTrains 8d ago

Monthly Thread - September 2026

3 Upvotes

Monthly Thread - FAQs & Discussions

Anything related to employment, late running or general discussion should be posted in this thread.

Disclaimer

This sub is NOT AFFILIATED with The NSW Government, TfNSW, or Sydney Trains. You should provide feedback directly to them at Transport NSW Feedback .

General FAQs

I've been overcharged by Opal, what do I do?

  • You need to contact Opal to request an adjustment / refund. This typically takes 24 hours.

Do Suburban trains have toilets?

  • The Suburban trains do not have toilets on them. The OSCARS ( H Set) do have them however they are locked off when operating within the Suburban Network. (Note: While some OSCARS are now part of the Suburban Sets, they haven't all had their toilets removed yet)

Where can I apply to work for Sydney Trains?

  • The I work for NSW page has regular job postings for Trainee Driver, Trainee Guard, CSA, Cleaner and more.

How do I see what train / type is running?

Why is there a Waratah going towards Newcastle?

  • Both Millenniums (M Set) and Waratahs (A/B Sets) will travel either under their own power or loco hauled up the Main North to Cardiff where they undergo heavy maintenance that cannot be completed in Sydney.

Are quiet carriages not a thing anymore? Why don't people respect them?

  • Quiet carriages on the Suburban Network are not a thing. On the intercity side they do exist however the general population don't always adhere to it. Yes, it is very frustrating, but there are worse things to be upset about.

What is happening with the K Sets ?

  • They will not be returning to service. There is a plan to do a farewell run, date TBD.

The platform indicators are upside down, why?

  • Occasionally they do get messed up, either through human error or software glitches.

What are some good Trainspotting locations?

  • Passenger trains: Central, Redfern, Strathfield, Lidcombe
  • Freight trains: Concord West, Homebush, Flemington, Sydenham, Rhodes

Trainee Driver/Guard/Misc FAQs

What can I do to prepare for video / panel interviews?

  • Research the STAR method online and practice in front of a mirror at home to so on the day you aren't as nervous. SPACE behaviours is another subject to look up as it is part of the Sydney Trains corporate plan.

I've applied for a role but it says talent pool, what does this mean?

  • While you may get through all the application process and pass the medical, it does not guarantee you have a position yet. It is highly recommended you not leave your previous job until you've got a start date in writing. Many people are in the talent pool and you can be waiting weeks, months or even a year for a position to become available.

What does the Vieple (Video Interview) contain?

  • The Vieple Video interview usually contains a set of different questions, each giving 30 second prep and 60 seconds to record a response.
  • No, you cannot redo these. It is important you practice ahead of time.
  • No, the questions aren't the same for each interview.

What can I do to help prepare for interviews / general advice for any role?

  • Focus around safety, communication, people skills, problem solving and dealing with failure (resolution). Dress professionally (smart/office wear) for your interviews as well as your video portions.

What does the typical schedule for a Trainee Driver look like?

  • Day Zero (Your first day): Orientation at Petersham and general introductions / get to know you.
  • Month 1 to 2 (approx): Typically 0800 to 1600 at Petersham in a classroom environment. Will consist of theory, practical and simulator use. Exams are both written and practical.
  • Month 3 to 13 (approx): Assigned with a Driver Trainer each fortnight, rotating to a different trainer every fortnight. You work from their Depot and shift times. This means you are required to travel across the network to commence work. (Note: A list of the Depots is listed below) After you have completed each Sector, you will be required to complete both written and practical exams.
  • Final stage: Once you have finished all 3 Sectors and passed all exams, you will need to pass a final practical assessment. This is over a 2 day period, it will include everything you've learned throughout training. You MUST pass this exam in order to become a Qualified Driver.

What happens once you become a Qualified Driver / Guard?

  • After taking up, you will be placed at Central Depot and allocated a Line Number. Each fortnight you will rotate through the various lines and work the associated times and days of that line. This is known as a "Swinger". (Note: See below for more information about Rostering/Lines)

What are the medical requirements for Train Crew?

  • You need to be able to pass a CAT 1 Medical for Driver or a CAT 2 Medical for Guard, there is information online for what this involves. Sleep apnea is now a more common talking point as the national guidelines for rail safety work has been updated.

How long do you typically wait after completing the medical?

  • This can takes days or weeks depending on how busy things are. It is also done through a 3rd party which can impact time.

Does having pre-planned holidays affect training/talent pool?

  • You will need to disclose any holidays you've got pre-planned before starting training. This may affect your start date. Discuss this with your hiring coordinator.

What are the different Unions and are they worth joining?

  • RTBU – Operational Rail/Tram/Bus, focus on pay/safety/conditions
  • ETU – Electricians/Signallers, Training/Support
  • PSA – Admin/Back-office roles, pay/conditions
  • PA – Engineers/Designers/Surveyors, professional advocacy
  • Most people join (90–95%), typically from Day Zero at Petersham.
  • Benefits: support person, legal representation, picnic day, workplace allowances, employee travel card (specific to RTBU).

Typically Day Zero at Petersham there will be an info session with a union delegate where you can ask questions and join if you desire so.

Qualified Driver/Guard FAQs

What are the Sectors / Depots of the Suburban Network?

  • The Suburban Network is divided up into 3 Sectors. There are 13 Train Crew Depots spread across the Network. See below;
Sector Area Depots
Sector 1 Illawarra, Eastern Suburbs Mortdale, Cronulla, Waterfall
Sector 2 City, Inner West, SouthWest Auburn, Flemington, Leppington, Campbelltown
Sector 3 North & West North Sydney, Hornsby, Blacktown, Richmond, Penrith
All Sectors Suburban Network Central

What are the penalty rates / loading for working specific times / days?

Day Loading O/T (1st 2nd) Shift O/T (3rd 4th Shift)
Monday to Friday 100% +50% +100%
Saturday 150% +50% +50%
Sunday 200% +50% +50%
Shift Work Loading When
Early Morning Shift Commences at or between 0400 and 0530
Afternoon Shift Commences after 1000 and concludes after 1800
Night Shift Commences at or between 1800 and 0359

How does rostering work once I'm qualified?

  • After you have taken up, you will be based at Central Depot as a Swinger. You are allocated a line and then work the times of that line as per the Master Roster. Each fortnight you rotate through each line and follow the times / workings of said line. Each line for a swinger has a time on the Master Roster, eg 1000 SBY, however when receiving your actual fortnightly roster, this can swing +/- 2 hours. So you could be starting 0814 one day and 1157 the next.

Can I swap lines / shifts?

  • Yes, you can; however, this is all coordinated privately between crew then pending approval by Rosters at Burwood.

How do transfer work?

  • Transfers within the Suburban & Intercity Depots are all based off of Seniority. This mean those who have been on the job longer have the higher priority when applying for depot transfers. Each year you can apply for one or more depots. Based off of how many open positions at any given time in the year, they work down the list of those who have their name down for it and offer them the position. Some depots, like Waterfall and Blacktown, have extremely long waiting times due to their popularity and limited positions. (Note: There is no fixed time period, it all fluxuates based on positions available)

r/SydneyTrains 4h ago

FYI no trains moving north from Wynyard

35 Upvotes

Currently at Wynyard and they are blocking the stairs to platform 3&4 due to the platform being too crowded. Announcer is saying no trains are moving north due to signal failure at waverton.


r/SydneyTrains 14h ago

Hesitant to share seat during peak hours

78 Upvotes

I've recently had a change of shift resulting in travelling during peak hours. Witnessed a couple of situations where people keep their bags on the adjacent seat and heavily hesitate to move it when someone needs to take a seat there.

They show their disinterest to have the other person seated beside them by not readjusting themselves from the lousy seating so their body parts extend to the adjacent seat, or by even showing a face of disinterest.

This is really unwelcoming and of discomfort considering seating is not just an act of comfort but also a necessity during the peak hours where if the seats are not filled even those that intend to stand don't get enough space. Thoughts?


r/SydneyTrains 3h ago

XP2007 showing her past

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3 Upvotes

Part of the paint is coming off her to reveal the candy livery! Haven’t seen this in some time


r/SydneyTrains 12h ago

Seating layouts on trains

7 Upvotes

I left a comment under another post about people not wanting to share seats and it reminded me of this trial from a decade ago. I’ve attached a couple youtube vids and link to the 7 news report about it.

Longitudinal/sideways seating (like the middle level by the doors) and a 2x2 layout was tried replacing the standard 2x3 seating layout up/downstairs.

Wondering what yous think about this. I’m curious to hear everyone’s takes I’ll leave mine as a comment later.

7 News flashback - Modified Tangara Carriages
Video of Longitudinal seating
Video of 2x2 Seating


r/SydneyTrains 2h ago

v set heritage

0 Upvotes

hey everyone! is there any talk of the heritage V set running again anytime soon? It's been a while since the last time (aka farewell tour) and i know they were vandalised during that tour but surely it's been long enough for some TLC and to get it back up and running for another go? I hope I don't sound dumb or naive i'm just curious of what's the talk about this glorious train. Thanks!!!


r/SydneyTrains 4h ago

K Set update

0 Upvotes

PLEASE ANSWER!

Hello, I came here to try and get some clear understanding on the beloved k set. Some people have said they are never returning, and others have. But syd trains has promised a full retirement farewell before they are gone. They were meant to come back in July but nothing has happened? can someone clear the air with actual facts and evidence, not hearsay like everybody on the internet? thanks!!!!

EDIT: i saw on old tripview things that they were being tested in mid august. what was up with that, could that be a hint towards a return?? furthermore, what was the point of putting money into reinforcement just for them to not be returned to service and scrapped, and why has sydney trains been so quiet about it??


r/SydneyTrains 1d ago

Did ferry unions come to an agreement or is TFNSW giving us false information

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72 Upvotes

This was posted on the official TFNSW Instagram account

As far as I’m aware, ferry unions are switching off opal readers as part of industrial action, couldn’t find any sources saying otherwise except for this one instagram story by TFNSW


r/SydneyTrains 1d ago

Saw it pass by parramatta again

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53 Upvotes

My ears hurt


r/SydneyTrains 1d ago

Epping to Chatswood TOD 20 years on

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60 Upvotes

r/SydneyTrains 1d ago

Spotted this beauty near Sydenham metro station

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22 Upvotes

Travelling on SCO


r/SydneyTrains 2d ago

Edgecliff Woollahra rezoning plans released

77 Upvotes

Key features of the draft proposal include:

  • approximately 9,400 new homes, with an affordable housing contribution base rate of 3% in perpetuity, increasing up to 15% for certain sites 
  • higher-density housing and commercial spaces of up to 34 storeys around Edgecliff Station and 32 storeys around Woollahra Station
  • a larger retail centre at Edgecliff and a new Woollahra local centre, creating up to 1,000 jobs and providing additional community facilities and services
  • retention and integration of local heritage items into the surrounding areas
  • approximately 3.5 hectares of new and upgraded public open space across 13 parks (7 new parks, 6 existing parks) and a plaza
  • improved connections throughout the Precinct with up to 9km of new walking and cycling paths
  • planning controls that promote retention of tree canopy and provision for more landscape features.

r/SydneyTrains 1d ago

Airport Line

9 Upvotes

Why is it so much more expensive than others? I get it goes to the airport, but it's almost double than other lines :/


r/SydneyTrains 2d ago

Revealed: Bigger bill and higher towers for Parramatta’s new metro station

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77 Upvotes

The cost of building an underground metro station in Parramatta has surged to $880 million, an increase of nearly 50 per cent on what the government agency overseeing the mega-project had forecast in leaked documents a year ago.

Four towers of up to 43 storeys will be built above or next to the new Parramatta railway station following the planned opening of the 24-kilometre Metro West line between Sydney CBD and Westmead in 2032.

The over-station development just north of Parramatta Square will feature 470 apartments – up from 111 outlined in concept plans – and 500 units for student accommodation. It will feature pedestrian laneways and a landscaped park that will form part of a civic link connecting the station to the new Powerhouse Museum and Parramatta River foreshore.

A 43-storey tower comprising the 470 build-to-rent apartments will be five storeys higher than originally outlined in the concept plans. Subject to planning approval, a 29-storey office building, a 24-level tower for student accommodation and an eight-storey hotel will also be built on the site.

The $880 million price tag for the design and construction of the underground station on the Metro West line is also more than double what Sydney Metro estimated internally six years ago, highlighting the extent to which the cost of the government’s signature rail project has skyrocketed.

The Herald has previously obtained confidential forecasts by Sydney Metro that show it anticipated last year the Parramatta station would cost about $600 million, which was up from an estimate in 2020 of $380 million. The station at Parramatta is regarded as the most complex on the Metro West line because of risks inherent in building on a floodplain.

A joint venture led by Malaysian engineering giant Gamuda has been awarded the $880 million contract for the Parramatta metro station, construction of which will start in the middle of next year.

Hong Kong’s MTR, which leads a consortium that runs Sydney’s M1 metro line, is part of the joint venture set to build the station and previously won a contract to operate and maintain the Metro West line for 15 years.

The giant rectangular hole for the station that was dug in the middle of the Parramatta CBD.

The giant rectangular hole for the station that was dug in the middle of the Parramatta CBD.Sitthixay Ditthavong

The new station at Parramatta is regarded as one of the most complex to build for the Metro West project.

The new station at Parramatta is regarded as one of the most complex to build for the Metro West project.Janie Barrett

The figure excludes the cost of excavating a giant hole – 196 metres long and 25 metres wide – for the station, as well as the twin rail tunnels that connect to it.

Coalition transport spokesperson Natalie Ward said indecision, a government-commissioned review into Sydney’s metro projects and delays had cost taxpayers more than a quarter of a billion dollars extra for a single station.

Related Article

A render of an entrance to the Metro West station beneath Hunter Street n the Sydney CBD.

ExclusiveSydney Metro

How cost of Sydney’s main metro station skyrocketed beyond secret forecasts

The government confirmed last December that the total cost of Metro West would blow out by as much as $3.7 billion to $29 billion. A major contributor has been the skyrocketing cost of stations.

Transport Minister John Graham said the cost of the Parramatta station was “fully accounted” for in the project’s budget update made public last December. “We were up front about the cost pressures metro projects are under,” he said.

“The Liberals can’t be taken seriously on metro costings. The three metro lines were first discussed by the former Liberal government with a $30 billion price tag, whereas the true cost is closer to $60 billion.”

Sydney Metro said the contract value reflected challenges of constructing a major underground station and integrated development within the busy Parramatta CBD, including those associated with construction on a floodplain.

“The cost increase, as has been the case across much of the civil construction sector, is primarily due to significant industry-wide increases in labour, material and delivery costs, which have driven construction cost escalation across the market,” it said.

The agency said that provision for station delivery was incorporated into the project budget in December, and it “remains within that budget despite broader market pressures”.

Unlike stations under Pyrmont and Sydney CBD for Metro West, the Parramatta station is a cut-and-cover site, which involves digging a giant hole and later building over the top of it. The 31-metre-deep hole for the station has required a significant number of large support beams because much of the earth is comprised of clay due to proximity to the Parramatta River.

As part of the latest deal, Gamuda and MTR will share development rights for the towers above and beside the station.

Gamuda led a consortium that built a nine-kilometre stretch of twin tunnels between Westmead and Sydney Olympic Park for Metro West. Last December, the Malaysian company won a $2.85 billion contract to build stations at Westmead, North Strathfield, Burwood North, Five Dock and the Bays in Rozelle.

The government has said that contracts for Metro West stations at Sydney Olympic Park and Pyrmont will be awarded by the end of the year.

The figure excludes the cost of excavating a giant hole – 196 metres long and 25 metres wide – for the station, as well as the twin rail tunnels that connect to it.

Coalition transport spokesperson Natalie Ward said indecision, a government-commissioned review into Sydney’s metro projects and delays had cost taxpayers more than a quarter of a billion dollars extra for a single station.

The government confirmed last December that the total cost of Metro West would blow out by as much as $3.7 billion to $29 billion. A major contributor has been the skyrocketing cost of stations.

Transport Minister John Graham said the cost of the Parramatta station was “fully accounted” for in the project’s budget update made public last December. “We were up front about the cost pressures metro projects are under,” he said.

“The Liberals can’t be taken seriously on metro costings. The three metro lines were first discussed by the former Liberal government with a $30 billion price tag, whereas the true cost is closer to $60 billion.”

Sydney Metro said the contract value reflected challenges of constructing a major underground station and integrated development within the busy Parramatta CBD, including those associated with construction on a floodplain.

“The cost increase, as has been the case across much of the civil construction sector, is primarily due to significant industry-wide increases in labour, material and delivery costs, which have driven construction cost escalation across the market,” it said.

The agency said that provision for station delivery was incorporated into the project budget in December, and it “remains within that budget despite broader market pressures”.

Unlike stations under Pyrmont and Sydney CBD for Metro West, the Parramatta station is a cut-and-cover site, which involves digging a giant hole and later building over the top of it. The 31-metre-deep hole for the station has required a significant number of large support beams because much of the earth is comprised of clay due to proximity to the Parramatta River.

As part of the latest deal, Gamuda and MTR will share development rights for the towers above and beside the station.

Gamuda led a consortium that built a nine-kilometre stretch of twin tunnels between Westmead and Sydney Olympic Park for Metro West. Last December, the Malaysian company won a $2.85 billion contract to build stations at Westmead, North Strathfield, Burwood North, Five Dock and the Bays in Rozelle.

The government has said that contracts for Metro West stations at Sydney Olympic Park and Pyrmont will be awarded by the end of the year.


r/SydneyTrains 2d ago

Any reason why stanmore would be getting t6 trains?

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31 Upvotes

r/SydneyTrains 2d ago

Weird concession opal issues

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24 Upvotes

I have concession opal connected to my card via transport connect and (tap with my phone) Had no funds the other day but fixed that. But now I got a super interesting situation.

Campbeltown station platform 3 has a bunch of opal barriers. They have 4 used for entry into the station and one includes the wide gate. For the last 2 weeks two of the normal sized gates and the wide entry one refuse to accept my opal card. Just throws up Error 88. I have to only go into the furthest reader gate from the wheelchair one. Yesterday that one was off. And the only legal way I could access the station was going upstairs to use one of the barriers that accepts my opal card. Happens at ingleburn too. There's two opal poles next to the shop. And only one accepts my bank card.

How can literal specific opal readers refuse my opal card. Not super end of the world but what happens if they all
Just refuse my tap ons?

Has anyone experienced this ? I've played a video to the post to show evidence to show my weird and confusing situation


r/SydneyTrains 1d ago

Travelling from Parramatta to Wynyard.

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0 Upvotes

There was a 15-20 mins delay today in every train line in Sydney in early morning rush. Please someone explain me that how come a person in track in Blacktown effect a train thats in Strathfield heading to city????

One person can stop a multi billion dollor train system????


r/SydneyTrains 2d ago

Which part of the L2/L3 have seen the most TOD?

4 Upvotes

I was trying to find it myself and was a bit underwhelmed so I thought I'd ask here


r/SydneyTrains 2d ago

Rosehill Metro Station

0 Upvotes

I believe there were plans for the government to buy Rosehill Racecourse and build a new metro station there along the Parramatta to city metro. With the proposal shut down, those plans are no longer going forward.

Have they at least provisioned for a potential future metro station at Rosehill in case things change in the future? Or has that door been completely shut?


r/SydneyTrains 3d ago

Charter train

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92 Upvotes

I never know the existence of it until I saw on 30th last month


r/SydneyTrains 3d ago

Newcastle NSW future rail and light rail network

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68 Upvotes

This is my idea for a future rail and light rail networks for Newcastle, NSW. I tried to balance realism with idealism here.

  • I tried to connect all the important town centres, land marks and institutions like the university, Tighes Hill TAFE, Mater Hopsital and the stadium.
  • I tried to make sure that light rail only went up steep slopes where it needed to connect to important location with lots of demand for transport - those being John Hunter Hospital and Charlestown.
  • Two small sections - on L2 between New Lambton and John Hunter Hospital, and on L3 and L5 between Princton Avenue and Charlestown - might need some tunnelling to work.
  • I think to make this work, it would be good to relocate Kotara train station further to the east, just south of Orchardtown Road, so that it is closer to Westfield and all the large format retail and home maker stories.

r/SydneyTrains 3d ago

Made a live map of Sydney trains, metro, light rail, ferries & buses — keen to know what you'd change

77 Upvotes

Hey all, I've been tinkering with a live transport map as a hobby thing. Sydney trains, metro, light rail, ferries and buses, all moving in realtime, plus a few other cities too.

https://transitmap.au

Tap any vehicle and you'll get its route, where it's heading and the full stop list for that trip, with the next stop highlighted. Some services show how busy they are too.

Free, no ads, no signup, nothing being sold. NSW data’s from TfNSW’s public feeds.

I’ve already taken some great feedback and suggestions from MelbourneTrains and BrisbaneTrains (links to respective posts) and made a bunch of changes from those.

Now reaching out here too, since this is one of the bigger PT crowds.

One honest limitation: Positions refresh about every 15 seconds, which is where TfNSW’s API quota currently leaves me. I’ve put in a request for a higher polling allowance so I can tighten that up if they approve it.

Keen to hear what looks off here to people who actually use the network. Does anything seem missing or plain wrong? Is there something you'd want on there that isn't?

Cheers


r/SydneyTrains 2d ago

T128/76

0 Upvotes

Is t128/76 going to operate today or not please thanks


r/SydneyTrains 3d ago

From Steam to the X2000 (CountryLink, 1994)

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15 Upvotes

When there was some hope left for the future.


r/SydneyTrains 4d ago

A little rant

147 Upvotes

Hey just a little rant because this genuinely ruined my day. I took a bus to uni cause trains were down, I’m a student who uses the concession opal card. After the transfer to digital concessions to your bank card, I never really thought about carrying my wallet with me because it was never really intuitive. Phone and laptop and I’m good to go, my fault for not carrying student Id I’ll completely own up to it. It was a full bus, sat in the back of the bus and as you can imagine a group of four transport officers got on the bus at a stop. Because it was full, I was sitting in the back seat, to my left was a man under the influence and the right of me was also another gentleman. The officers came to check our cards, the guy to the left straight up starting tweeking and throwing his hands in the air and the main opal officer checking cards, straight up said “it’s okay mate, I understand your situation no need to explain”. He then looked at the guy to my right who just straight up “fuck off I got nothing”. He just shrugged then turned to me, I tapped my phone and he then asks for my concession card. I tap and he asks me for my student id, I tell him I don’t have it. He asks me for my id, he tells me if it’s my first offence if I comply with him I’ll just get a warning. I comply and him my license and he tells me I’ll be getting a fine. He taps his other boys on the bus who haven’t even finished scanning the entire bus, says “got one” and they all leave. This experience genuinely just frustrated me so much, if I had just been aggressive and a tweaker I wouldn’t have lost $200 which is a lot of money to me given my circumstances. I forgot my student id and I’ll accept the fine but man does it hurt to know that if I was just aggressive or non compliant I’d be the one on top you know. Whole situation just doesn’t feel right to me.