Oldest Sydney Suburban Trains Taken Out Of Service Amid Safety Concerns

Sydney’s oldest suburban trains have been taken off the network after repeated break-ins and vandalism incidents, with Sydney Trains confirming the temporary suspension of K set services while security arrangements are reviewed.

Sydney Trains chief executive Matt Longland said the decision followed a series of recent incidents involving the fleet. He said there had been several recent “issues” on the trains, mainly involving “young people doing silly things”.

The suspension affects K sets, which have operated on the Sydney suburban network for almost 45 years. The trains, introduced in the early 1980s, are among the oldest still in service and have been progressively phased out in recent years.

According to Sydney Trains, the move was made after multiple incidents last week that included unauthorised access to train cabs, misuse of onboard equipment, and disruption to services. In one case, two teenagers allegedly entered a restricted train cabin and used the horn and other controls.

NSW Police said those involved were later arrested nearby. A 13-year-old and a 15-year-old boy were released pending further investigations.

Transport for NSW said the incidents also included alleged assault on a staff member at Summer Hill Station after the teenagers were asked to leave a train. The disruption led to service delays on parts of the T2 Leppington and Inner West Line for around two hours.

Sydney Trains said the decision to withdraw the K set fleet from operation was made to reduce the risk of further disruption while security measures are assessed. Services were removed from the timetable this week.

A Transport for NSW spokesperson said options being considered include “potential short-term improvements to security” before the trains are returned to service.

The K sets were built in the early 1980s and were the first suburban trains in NSW to feature air-conditioning when introduced. A number of sets have already been retired as part of a broader fleet replacement program, with remaining units previously operating on selected inner and outer suburban lines.

Sydney Trains said it will provide further updates on service restoration after the security review is completed.