Sydney Trains’ Rail Repair Plan has reached a key milestone three months ahead of schedule with more than 1,916 high-priority defects and over 29,000 defects in total repaired since the NSW Government launched the work.

The $97 million program kicked off in June 2023 to improve reliability and resilience of the transport network. From September 2023 to March 2024 the seven-month average for peak on-time-running is the best it’s been since 2021.
When the Rail Repair Plan was launched, the target was to remove 75 per cent of high-priority defects (1,916) to get the maintenance backlog under control to "acceptable levels” within 12 months.

Due to the rapid progress of the Rail Repair Plan, Sydney Trains has committed to a revised target to remove 2,116 high-priority defects before the end of June.

Importantly for Penrith, 632 high-priority defects and 6738 total defects have been repaired across the Western Line, ensuring Penrith commuters can expect a safe and hassle-free trip. 53 Temporary Speed Restrictions have also been removed, meaning faster trips for everyone.

Regular maintenance to trackwork is critical for the safety, reliability, and efficiency for the millions of people across NSW who use the rail network to get around.

The Rail Repair Plan has greatly improved the ways trackwork and maintenance are delivered, including utilising additional resources within existing rail shutdown periods. Trackwork will continue after the Rail Repair Plan is complete, over weekends and during school holidays when patronage is reduced.

Quotes attributable to Member for Penrith Karen McKeown:
“I would like to thank Penrith commuters and residents for their patience and understanding, and our hardworking staff for striving to deliver a reliable and safe rail network that the people of Western Sydney deserve.”