source : the age
Light rail services between central Sydney and the eastern suburbs were suspended for about four hours on Thursday while the private operator assessed a small fire that broke out on one of its trams during peak hour and the risk to the rest of its fleet.
The fire on the roof of the tram forced the suspension of services about 8.20am. Firefighters responded and climbed on top of the vehicle at the Chalmers Street stop near Central Station.
The Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU), which represents drivers and other staff, claimed it was the third tram fire in a week and demanded an urgent investigation.
Private operator Transdev said it had suspended services on the entire L2 and L3 lines between Circular Quay and Randwick and Kingsford as a precaution “given recent similar events”.
“This pause allows us to complete a thorough risk assessment and ensure all appropriate safety controls are in place before we resume operations,” the French company said in a statement.
Services resumed again between Central Station and Randwick and Kingsford about 1pm.
Earlier, a witness posted on social media that he saw the fire on the tram’s roof when it was at a Surry Hills stop and banged on the “driver’s cubicle to tell him to stop, but he ignored us and continued on to Central”.
RTBU divisional president Peter Grech said the latest incident raised serious questions about the safety of the light rail network and warranted an urgent investigation by transport officials and the state’s safety regulator.
“Three fires in one week should be setting off alarm bells. Without immediate action, there’s a real risk to commuters and light rail workers,” he said.
Grech said there were serious questions about the condition and maintenance of the network operated by Transdev, and whether the tram fleet was being properly maintained.
Transdev said the incident on the tram at Chalmers Street on Thursday morning was “quickly contained”, and there were no injuries to customers or staff.
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Matt O’Sullivan is transport and infrastructure editor at The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect via X or email.
