The controversial Parramatta Light Rail is facing fresh drama with problem trams taken out of service, track issues forcing speed restrictions and passengers abandoning the troubled network.
Insiders have told 7NEWS that wheels and track problems have forced drivers to slow down on the western Sydney network, which cost $3 billion and hasn’t yet been open a year.
Of the 13 trams in the Parramatta fleet, three are currently out of action receiving repairs.
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“Sometimes we have to put in speed restrictions because of some temporary defect,” a source revealed, describing serious wear and tear on the tracks.
Speed reductions are in place to help with wheel grinding and flat spots, which drivers say is “due to a design issue.”
“A couple of them at the moment are receiving minor body repairs,” officials confirmed about the sidelined trams.
The latest problems add to what sources describe as “a litany of fails” on the light rail project.
7NEWS previously revealed trams were being held together with cable ties and Velcro, while secret pictures showed ceiling panels falling down during testing.
“I understand the engineering solution for those cable ties has been sorted, and they are looking at a permanent fix,” an insider said.
The ongoing issues are inevitably impacting patronage, which remains well below projections. Just 9500 passengers use the service daily on average — about a third of the 28,000 target for next year.
Commuters aren’t impressed with the service. “I don’t use it very often. They can walk faster,” one passenger said.
Repairs and inspections continue on the troubled network as authorities work to address the mounting problems.
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