SYDNEY, 16 February 2026 – Commuters across the Greater Sydney rail network are facing a week of planned disruptions and infrastructure upgrades as Transport for NSW continues its rollout of the new Regional Rail fleet and critical maintenance on the Metro lines.
The network, which serves as the backbone of suburban and intercity travel in New South Wales, is currently navigating a period of significant transition. While long-term projects like Sydney Metro West receive fresh design support, daily passengers are being urged to check schedules due to upcoming trackwork and recent operational delays.
Latest Network Updates
As of mid-February 2026, several key alerts are in place for Sydney commuters:
- Metro Trackwork: A full line closure is scheduled for the Sydney Metro between Tallawong and Sydenham. No services will run on this section from Saturday, 21 February to Sunday, 22 February 2026. Night works are also expected to impact services leading up to the weekend.
- Sydney Metro West: AECOM has been appointed to provide detailed design services for the Sydney Metro West project, a move expected to accelerate the delivery of faster connections between the CBD and Greater Western Sydney.
- Regional Rail Rollout: Transport for NSW has confirmed that the new Regional Rail fleet, consisting of 117 new carriages, is progressing. This includes 10 regional intercity trains designed to replace the ageing fleet currently operating between Sydney, Canberra, and other regional hubs.
- Recent Disruptions: Commuters on the Metro experienced delays last week following an incident at Chatswood, while broader network reliability remains a point of public discussion following reports of high delay counts across Sydney’s transport hubs.
Sydney Trains Fleet Overview
The Sydney Trains network operates a diverse range of rolling stock, identified by specific letter codes on passenger apps. The fleet includes suburban double-decker trains and intercity sets designed for longer journeys to the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, and South Coast.
| Set Type | Common Name | Service Area |
|---|---|---|
| T Set | Tangara | Suburban Network |
| M Set | Millennium | Suburban Network |
| A & B Sets | Waratah (Series 1 & 2) | Suburban Network |
| H Set | OSCAR | Intercity (Outer Suburban) |
| K Set | K Set | Suburban Network |
Public Sentiment and Reliability
Public feedback remains mixed as the city balances heritage infrastructure with modern demands. Recent insights from regular commuters highlight a desire for more consistent “added services” during peak periods to reduce overcrowding. However, some users have expressed frustration with “padding” in the timetable—extended stops at certain stations designed to improve on-time statistics—which many feel contributes to a slower overall commute.
Additionally, there is growing interest in potential track extensions, particularly toward the South Coast, as regional populations in areas like Vincentia continue to expand rapidly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check if my train is running on time?
Real-time data is available through the Transport for NSW website and third-party apps such as TripView, NextThere, and AnyTrip. These apps also display the specific train type (e.g., Waratah or Tangara) assigned to your service.
What is the “Regional Rail” project?
The Regional Rail project is a state initiative to replace the entire ageing regional fleet with 29 new trains. This includes 10 regional intercity trains, 9 short-regional trains, and 10 long-regional trains, aimed at improving safety and comfort for journeys between Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
Are there any major closures this weekend?
Yes, the Sydney Metro will be closed between Tallawong and Sydenham on Saturday, 21 February and Sunday, 22 February 2026. Passengers should use replacement bus services or alternative rail lines where available.