Sydney commuters faced another frustrating morning as technical issues disrupted Metro Sydney services, leading to major delays and cancellations. Thousands of passengers were left stranded on platforms, with many forced to seek alternative transport options or return home.
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Unannounced Delays Cause Commuter Chaos
Sydney Trains announced progressive cancellations and rescheduling during the morning peak as Metro services stalled on Wednesday. A statement from Metro explained, “Due to a technical issue with a metro at Cherrybrook, customers will need to change at Epping or Castle Hill to continue their journey. We apologise for the inconvenience.”
Due to a technical issue with a metro at Cherrybrook, customers will need to change at Epping or Castle Hill to continue their journey.
We apologise for the inconvenience.
Plan your trip at https://t.co/aVhgEhws31 pic.twitter.com/WCNHrRNUpC— Sydney Metro (@SydneyMetro) February 25, 2025
As a result, passengers crowded onto platforms, struggling to find alternative routes. Many commuters were advised to return home or prepare for significant delays.
A frustrated passenger called into Ben Fordham’s Breakfast Show on 2GB, saying, “I’m heading home because I am lucky that I can use email and the phone, but there are so many people standing arguing with staff on the platforms and at the station because they don’t know what to do.”
Sydney Metro Restores Services, but Delays Continue
Metro later posted an update on social media, stating that services were returning to normal but warned that delays could persist. “Metro services are now returning to normal operations. Please allow extra travel time. We apologise for the inconvenience.”
Metro services are now returning to normal operations.
Please allow extra travel time.
We apologise for the inconvenience. pic.twitter.com/egUc5UQtNN— Sydney Metro (@SydneyMetro) February 25, 2025
Despite services resuming, the morning disruptions had already caused a ripple effect across the network. Many commuters were forced to wait longer than expected, with some reporting overcrowded trains and additional delays due to high passenger demand.
Sydney Metro’s Future Plans and Infrastructure Projects
Sydney Metro remains Australia’s largest public transport project, aiming to transform the city’s rail network. With construction ongoing for the Sydney Metro Southwest, West, and Western Sydney Airport lines, thousands of workers are needed to complete these ambitious projects.
Since 2017, Sydney Metro projects have employed more than 9,922 women, aiming to increase female participation in construction. The organisation is trialling new workforce targets, aiming for 4% of trades workers and 7% of the total workforce to be women in non-traditional occupations.
Sydney Metro’s Try a Trade Day Encourages Women in Construction
Sydney Metro recently hosted its first-ever Try a Trade Day to encourage women to explore careers in construction and trades. More than 50 women jobseekers attended the event at TAFE NSW’s Institute of Applied Technology Construction campus.
Participants gained hands-on experience in carpentry, electrical work, civil construction, and plumbing.
- Carpentry: Participants used laser and spirit levels to achieve precise timber alignment.
- Electrical: Attendees learned to use multimeters for electrical testing and compliance.
- Civil Construction: Jobseekers operated heavy machinery, including skid steers and excavators.
- Plumbing: Participants worked with sheet metal tools like guillotines and sheet metal folders.
The event also provided networking opportunities with 30 organisations actively recruiting for 45 job vacancies across various trades and non-traditional occupations.
Upcoming Trackwork and Service Changes
NSW Government has announced upcoming service changes from Friday, 28 February to Monday, 3 March. Passengers should prepare for adjusted schedules and potential delays.
- From 10pm Friday to Sunday, 2 March: Metro services will only run between Tallawong and Martin Place, and between Martin Place and Central.
- Sunday, 2 March (2am – 4pm): No trains will operate between Central and Wynyard, or on the City Circle.
- Monday, 3 March: Metro services will operate at a reduced frequency, with trains running every 8 minutes between 7am and 7pm.
The NSW Government has warned that driver shortages could affect replacement buses. “We are doing all we can to minimise the impact to your journey and provide a safe service, however cancellations or delays may occur.”
Commuters Advised to Stay Updated
With ongoing technical issues and upcoming trackwork, Sydney Metro has urged commuters to plan their journeys in advance. Passengers can check real-time updates via the Sydney Metro website, BOM Weather app, and Transport NSW channels.
While Sydney Metro remains committed to improving services and expanding infrastructure, unexpected disruptions continue to challenge daily commuters. Passengers are advised to allow extra travel time and explore alternative transport options when needed.
