Sydney train line makes tracks despite teething problems

New 36km, 13-station driverless line aims to reduce congestion in a city of 5m people

A Sydney Metro Northwest train. Within a week of the rail line's opening, there have been reports of rogue trains, malfunctioning doors and a power failure. However, the New South Wales state government has insisted that such issues are "to be expect
A Sydney Metro Northwest train. Within a week of the rail line's opening, there have been reports of rogue trains, malfunctioning doors and a power failure. However, the New South Wales state government has insisted that such issues are "to be expected on a new major railway". PHOTO: AUSTRALIAN ASSOCIATED PRESS

One of Australia's biggest ever public transport projects - a A$7.3 billion (S$7 billion), 36km driverless train line - has finally opened in Sydney, but much of the attention was on an embarrassing series of teething problems.

The long-awaited 13-station single-deck line opened last weekend and drew some 140,000 people on its first day, but encountered problems when a train ran past its stop, causing delays across the network.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on June 02, 2019, with the headline Sydney train line makes tracks despite teething problems. Subscribe