Two train staff members were allegedly assaulted on a Sydney-to-Canberra service on Tuesday evening, prompting the train to stop at Queanbeyan where all passengers were forced to disembark. NSW Police confirmed they were called to Queanbeyan station around 8:30pm following reports of an assault on board the train.
Incident Details
According to a Transport NSW spokesperson, the incident occurred on the NSW TrainLink XPT service that departed Sydney Central at 4:27pm. The train was scheduled to arrive in Canberra at 7:15pm but was halted at Queanbeyan, about 15 minutes from Canberra, after the alleged assault. Police said two staff members, a 54-year-old man and a 49-year-old woman, were treated for minor injuries at the scene. No arrests have been made, and investigations are ongoing.
Passenger Impact
Passengers were forced to wait at Queanbeyan station while police interviewed witnesses. A replacement bus service was arranged to take them to Canberra, arriving approximately two hours late. A passenger, who asked not to be named, described the scene as "chaotic" and said staff were visibly shaken. Transport NSW apologised for the disruption and said they are assisting police with their inquiries.
Broader Context
The incident comes amid increasing concerns about safety on regional rail services. According to the Rail, Tram and Bus Union, assaults on public transport staff have risen by 20% in the past year. The union has called for more security measures, including CCTV upgrades and increased police presence on trains. A spokesperson for the union said, "This incident is a stark reminder of the risks our members face daily. We urge the government to take immediate action to protect staff and passengers."
