It’s been a rough few months for Sydney’s train system. A series of strung-out disputes earlier in the year led to strike after strike after strike, and it’s not clear whether we’re out of the woods. That being said, Sydney’s train system gets 1.3 million Sydneysiders where they need to go each day.
Transport for NSW and Sydney Trains have set a benchmark to have at least 92 per cent of peak-hour suburban services arrive at stations within five minutes of their scheduled time. So, how did your train line measure up?
Topping the punctuality charts in 2025 was the T8 Airport and South line, with 91 per cent of services arriving within five minutes of their scheduled time – making a good first impression on inter-state and international tourists, we say. Coming in a close second was the T4 Eastern Suburbs line with 90 per cent, followed by the T2 Inner West and Leppington line at 86 per cent punctuality. In news that will surprise nobody, the only time when all six train lines ran on time was during the Covid years.
As more stations become interchanges between train lines and the metro, travelling on public transport across Sydney is getting smoother. For instance, if commuters use the ever-popular Chatswood interchange on the T1 North Shore line and Epping station on the T9 Northern line, they can shave 21 minutes off a trip from Epping to Victoria Cross – very handy for office-goers and school kids.
Yes, we moan and groan every time we see ‘track replacement buses’ signs every other weekend, but our six major train lines are expanding to cope with a growing urban sprawl. Integration with buses, ferries and the new metro – not to mention seamless payment via Opal or your phone – is making public transport more connected than ever.
The Sydney train network is evolving and expanding each year. It might fall slightly short on clockwork precision and punctuality, but with those double-decker compartments and reversible seats, we reckon it’s on the right track.
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