The review was commissioned after the 20 May 2025 overhead wiring failure at Homebush, Sydney. It examined the cause of the incident, the impact of recent repair and fleet investment, and whether passenger communications were adequate during major disruptions. The review makes clear the performance of Sydney’s rail system is not where it needs to be. 

Findings

• The overhead wire which failed had been identified as a risk in 2020 but was never entered into Sydney Trains’ defect management system and not repaired.
• The fault caused city-wide disruption, with the impact spreading across multiple lines.
• Recovery of services was far too slow, including a three-hour operation to detrain passengers.
• Communication with passengers and within the Rail Operations Centre was inadequate, contributing to confusion and delay.

The review has made three key areas for improvement by Sydney Trains:

• the maintenance program approach
• critical response procedures
• passenger communication.

The review has also made 12 overarching recommendations which have all been accepted by Sydney Trains and Transport for New South Wales (NSW). In response to the review, Sydney Trains has released its Reliability Action Plan.