Out of service: Light rail vehicles have experienced two technical issues this week. File photos by George Tsotsos.
Public transport patrons have been left standing in the cold this morning after light rail vehicles failed to show up on time at their stops due to a “technical issue on the alignment”.
A Canberra Metro Facebook post this morning said due to a technical issue, the service experienced reduced services across the alignment on Thursday morning (30 May). Action buses were sent to various stops to provide people with public transport to their destination.
Canberrans took to social media to vent their frustrations, with one man saying he was left waiting at Macarthur Avenue stop with no communication at all.
Daniel Hooper said he waited over half an hour and only two “jam-packed” LRVs arrived, forcing him to call an Uber to get to work on time. However, he still got charged his fare when he tapped off.
Another person waiting at Mapleton stop in Harrison said there was no announcement at his stop about the delay and it wasn’t clear buses were being provided.
“People were told by a staff member in passing, people ran to the bus stop and then a train came. This was a shambles this morning,” he said.
“How about announcing that at the actual stops? People have no idea what is going on!” another disgruntled patron posted on Facebook.
“Do we get a free ride today after having tapped on early and having to wait for a delay and then cram onto overcrowded trams???” another person posted.
Delays were experienced this morning due to a technical issue on the alignment.
This morning’s delays come just days after a light rail vehicle broke down in the middle of its journey on Tuesday night (28 May).
Around 8:40 pm, a light rail vehicle experienced a “technical issue” near the intersection of Swinden Steet and Northbourne Avenue, a Transport Canberra spokesperson said. The vehicle was unable to continue its northbound journey to Gungahlin, impacting services on the network.
“Maintenance crews supported the vehicle back into operation and successfully reinstated full services,” the spokesperson said.
“During the service disruption a bus replacement service was arranged, however, the light rail service was reinstated before the bus replacement was implemented.”
The spokesperson said the cause of the technical issue experienced by the light rail vehicle was identified and resolved but did not say what the problem was. The spokesperson said it was unrelated to Tuesday night’s weather conditions.
“We regret that our passengers travelling on the light rail system were delayed as a result of this issue and we apologise for any inconvenience caused to our customers,” the spokesperson said. “Passengers were informed through announcements and updates to the passenger information displays at stops and on board the light rail vehicles.
“Canberra Metro is now reviewing our procedures and response to Tuesday night’s disruption with the aim of always improving our service to customers.”
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