Major delays on Sydney train network after power outage

Tuesday, 20 May 2025 16:34

Sydney's train network has been hit with massive delays at peak hour, due to a power outage near Strathfield.

The outage triggered delays on every city line and services to the Central Coast and Bathurst, with only the T4 South Coast line spared.

Part of a train's rooftop power connector became tangled with overhead powerlines near Homebush just before 2.30pm.

Trains were delayed on the tracks, with massive crowds forming on the platforms.

Part of the power lines were brought down and the train was stopped with about 300 passengers on board.

Transport for NSW (TfNSW) head Howard Collins said power to the train would be isolated so that passengers could be safely evacuated.

The 300 passengers were later seen walking on the tracks towards the station, escorted by staff members.

TfNSW advised travellers to allow extra time for travel.

A train was stopped near Homebush after a live wire broke, landing on the roof, triggering a power outage and trapping commuters inside.Credit:

With disruptions across train lines, some commuters turned to the Metro, with large crowds seen at Victoria Cross.

Queues were also seen at Central, with cones and tape set up to control crowds.

Limited buses are replacing trains between Ashfield and Lidcombe.

"Stops and platforms may change at short notice and you may need to change to continue your trip," they said.

"Consider using Metro services between Epping, Chatswood and Central.

Crowds turned to the Metro line instead of the heavily delayed trains.

Queues for the trains at Central Station.

"Please delay all non-essential travel, use local bus routes or arrange alternative transport where possible.

"If travelling, listen for announcements, check information screens and transport apps for updates before getting on trains."

Transport for NSW has activated an agreement with Uber to stop unreasonable surge pricing.

Transport Minister John Graham apologised on behalf of the government.

"This is a very serious incident in a critical part of the rail network and we apologise to all train passengers affected and trying to get home tonight," he said in a statement this evening.

"The position of the train at Strathfield is a major artery of the network and has caused huge disruption.

"Passengers have now been taken off the stranded train that was entangled in wiring, as well as three other trains that were stopped with passengers onboard.

"Teams are now working to cut the entangled train away and an assessment made of recovery work needed. We will update on how that work progresses tonight and any flow-on impacts into tomorrow morning.

"Sydney Trains is running shuttle services that avoid the Strathfield - Homebush area to the north, west and south-west."

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