NSW trains run red lights while commuters wait

New figures obtained by the Opposition reveal NSW train drivers ran through red lights 224 times in 2024–25 – an average of four times every single week – raising fresh questions about the culture and priorities inside Transport for NSW following the generous new pay deal with the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU).
 
The data, compiled by Shadow Assistant Minister for Government Accountability Matt Cross, shows:

• 224 total red light breaches in FY2024–25 – equal to 19 per month
• 115 separate stations/locations recorded incidents, with an average of 2 per site
• Top lines for breaches included Central Coast & Newcastle, Eastern Suburbs & Illawarra, T9 Northern and the South Coast line.

The poor performance follows ongoing poor service reliability in August with one in four trains late servicing the intercity line and one in every ten trains late on Sydney’s suburban line.
 
For regional commuters from the South Coast and Central Coast travelling on the intercity lines, nearly 40 per cent of services have been late in 2025. For suburban services across Greater Sydney, it’s just as bad with almost two in every five trains running behind schedule.
 
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said commuter concerns are being ignored by this sleepy Government.
 
“Getting the trains to run safely and on-time is basic service delivery, and this Labor Government can’t even do that,” Mr Speakman said.
 
Shadow Minister for Transport Natalie Ward said the findings prove Labor has the wrong priorities and focus.
“Commuters are left stranded by delays and cancellations while drivers are running red lights four times a week,” Ms Ward said.
 
Shadow Assistant Minister for Government Accountability Matt Cross said commuters expect safety to be at the very centre of service delivery.
 
“It shouldn’t take the Opposition to uncover these damning statistics before the Government acts,” Mr Cross said.