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Sydney Metro Train Door Malfunction Sparks Safety Concerns
A terrifying incident on the Sydney Metro has raised serious safety questions. Commuters travelling between Chatswood and Crows Nest on Wednesday morning witnessed a train door remain wide open as the carriage sped towards its next station. Videos circulating online show passengers clinging to handrails, a chilling scene given the train's speed (up to 100km/h in tunnels). The incident, described by the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) as one of the worst rail safety incidents in a decade, has prompted calls for a thorough investigation and improved safety protocols.
A Door Left Open: The Incident
The incident occurred around 8:01 am when a "door fault" was identified on a Sydney Metro train. Two staff members, a Customer Journey Coordinator and a Customer Operations Lead, were onboard and attempted to remotely fix the issue. Unsuccessful, they were instructed to manually close the door – a task that wasn't possible until the train reached Crows Nest station. Until then, they stood guard to prevent passengers from approaching the open door. A sign above the door clearly marked it "out of service," yet the train continued its journey.
Union Outcry and Investigation
The RTBU's secretary, Toby Warnes, expressed serious concerns, stating the incident "could have ended in absolute catastrophe." He emphasized the need for a more robust safety culture and called for an immediate investigation. Warnes highlighted the risk posed to both passengers and the staff members who were forced to stand near the open door while the train was in motion. He further advocated for staff to be present on all driverless trains, emphasizing the crucial role they played in this incident.
SafeWork NSW has been notified and is currently investigating. Metro Trains Sydney CEO Daniel Williams apologized for the incident, stating that the matter is under investigation. While acknowledging the incident, he asserted that every Metro train has at least one staff member onboard. The NSW government also confirmed this.
Questions Remain
While the immediate danger has passed, the incident raises serious questions about the Sydney Metro's safety protocols and the reliability of its driverless system. The speed at which the train continued its journey with a fully open door, despite the warning sign, is particularly concerning. The investigation will undoubtedly focus on identifying the cause of the door malfunction and ensuring such incidents are prevented in the future. The call for more stringent safety measures and potentially the increased presence of staff on board driverless trains will likely shape future safety procedures. The experience has undoubtedly left a lasting impression on passengers who vividly remember the harrowing ride.
