Tram fire forces services to stop on Sydney light rail lines for hours

Light rail services between central Sydney and the eastern suburbs were suspended for about four hours on Thursday while the private operator assessed a small fire which broke out on one of its trams during peak hour and the risk to the rest of its fleet.

At about 8.20am, the fire on the roof of a tram forced the suspension of services as firefighters responded and climbed on top of the vehicle at the Chalmers Street stop near Central Station.

The Rail and Tram Union (RTBU), which represents drivers and other staff, claimed that it was the third tram fire in a week and demanded an urgent investigation.

Private operator Transdev said it had suspended services on the entire L2 and L3 lines between Circular Quay and Randwick and Kingsford as a precaution “given recent similar events”.

“This pause allows us to complete a thorough risk assessment and ensure all appropriate safety controls are in place before we resume operations,” the French company said in a statement.

Services resumed again between Central Station and Randwick and Kingsford at about 1pm on Thursday.

Earlier, a witness posted on social media that he saw the fire on the tram’s roof when it was at a Surry Hills stop and banged on the “driver’s cubicle to tell him to stop, but he ignored us and continued onto Central”.

RTBU divisional president Peter Grech said the latest incident raised serious questions about the safety of the light rail network and warranted an urgent investigation by transport officials and the state’s safety regulator.

“Three fires in one week should be setting off alarm bells. Without immediate action, there’s a real risk to commuters and light rail workers,” he said.

Grech said there were serious questions about the condition and maintenance of the network operated by Transdev, and whether the tram fleet was being properly maintained.

Transdev said the incident on the tram at Chalmers Street on Thursday morning was “quickly contained”, and there were no injuries to customers or staff.

Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.