Rail workers call for urgent safety investigation into Sydney Light Rail fire

Media release, 5 March 2026: Urgent calls for an investigation into Sydney’s light rail network are growing after a third fire this week forced services to shut down near Central Station during peak hour, the Rail Tram and Bus Union NSW (RTBU NSW) says.

RTBU Tram and Bus Divisional President Peter Grech says the incident, which led to the suspension of services between Moore Park and Town Hall, raises serious questions about the safety of the light rail network and warrants an urgent investigation by Transport for NSW and the regulator (ONRSR).  

“Three fires in one week should be setting off alarm bells,” Mr Grech said.

“Without immediate action, there’s a real risk to commuters and light rail workers.”

Mr Grech said there are serious questions about the condition and maintenance of the network operated by Transdev.

“What happened today raises real concerns about whether the fleet is being properly maintained. Once may be an anomaly, but three incidents shows there is a pattern.

“While Transdev are the ones operating the system, the NSW Government ultimately has responsibility for the network and must step in to investigate what’s going on and ensure it is safe.”

Mr Grech said the pattern of repeated incidents must not go ignored by Transdev and Transport for NSW.

“Workers acted quickly to help passengers evacuate to safety today, but they should never have been placed in that situation to begin with.  

“Passengers deserve confidence that the light rail system they rely on every day is safe and properly maintained.”