Hong Kong’s MTR Corporation risks losing future contracts for Australia’s largest public transport project after dozens of disruptions on Sydney Metro Northwest
- New South Wales minister hints penalties could apply for 40 incidents such as cancellations, including missing out on new projects
- MTR Corp’s operation of the US$5.7 billion Sydney Metro Northwest under review, but company says services on the line have ‘significantly improved’
Hong Kong’s embattled MTR Corporation could lose future rail contracts in Sydney after Australia’s largest public transport project, operated by the company, experienced at least 40 disruptions since its opening in May.
New South Wales transport minister Andrew Constance reportedly warned there would be penalties if the operator behind the A$8.3 billion (US$5.7 billion) Sydney Metro Northwest – Metro Trains Sydney (MTS) – did not meet expectations in a review this month.
According to Australian media, Constance also hinted the operator might lose future contracts for the A$12 billion city and southwest project, an extension of the Sydney Metro network, if no improvements were made.
The northwest line of Sydney Metro, run by driverless trains and automatic platform screen doors, has been hit by at least 40 passenger disruptions since May.
MTS was found not to be running to minimum standards and a review of operations would be conducted this month, Australian media said.