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A panel of experts is set to examine three major issues surrounding the Sydney Trains network after an incident with overhead wiring led to widespread disruptions and delays last week.
A 1500-volt wire came down at Strathfield Station during peak-hour on Tuesday and affected 80 per cent of the network until issues eased by Thursday.
Unrelenting wet weather caused floodwaters over some tracks, which also hampered services later in the week. 
This week, a three-member panel will meet to finalise their terms of reference for the independent review they are leading.
The investigation will be headed by Kerry Schott, who is the chair of the Sydney Metro and Sydney Light Rail Advisory Board. Joining her are Carolyn Walsh, the former head of the NSW Independent Transport Safety and Reliability Regulator, and Trevor Armstrong, the previous chief of Ausgrid, who will conduct an independent review.
Their focus will be on determining the root cause of last week’s electrical incident, assessing if recent investments in rail and fleet maintenance have actually enhanced reliability, and evaluating the effectiveness of customer communication during such delays.
In the meantime, Sydney Trains has also begun its own internal investigation of the failed wire at Strathfield and will report their findings to the review.
Transport Minister John Graham acknowledged there was more the government could do to improve the rail system.
”We have heard loud and clear the frustration of the commuting public and this expert and independent panel of three reviewers is going to assist in making sure we are focused in exactly the right areas to drive the improvements to the train system that passengers expect,” he said.
“A short and sharp independent review into maintenance, punctuality and customer communications will assist in understanding how we can do better.”
Premier Chris Minns admitted that his government was on a “very short leash” with disgruntled commuters while announcing the review.
“I want to say from the get-go that rail performance for Sydney Trains in New South Wales has not been good enough,” he said last week.
“For many people who rely on the public transport system, we’ve let them down.”
Minns also gave commuters a fare-free day on Monday to compensate for the network-wide disruptions. 
“Frankly, that’s the least we can do. I don’t expect it to make up for the chaos of the last 24 hours,” he said.
