Sydney Light Rail Safety Sensor Trial Allegedly Scrapped Over Costs Before Second Fatality
A whistleblower has claimed that the operator of Sydney's light rail system investigated and trialled safety sensors after a fatal incident in 2023 but abandoned the project due to high costs before a second person died in 2025. Transdev, the company responsible for operating the network, has firmly denied that the assessment of sensor technology was ever shelved or put on hold.
Details of the Alleged Safety Project
According to a former Transdev employee who requested anonymity, the company initiated a "coupling project" following the death of 17-year-old Kyra Loreto Dulguime in May 2023. Dulguime was tragically killed after becoming trapped underneath a tram while attempting to cross between two coupled carriages in Sydney's central business district.
The whistleblower stated that Transdev successfully trialled sensors designed to detect individuals entering the coupling area between joined trams. These sensors were adapted from technology used in cars for reversing, with discussions held with manufacturer Bosch in Germany and concept trials conducted in Australia. The estimated cost to develop a working prototype for one tram was $500,000, with plans to roll it out across the entire fleet of 60 single units that form 30 coupled trams.
The ex-employee emphasised that there were no technical or engineering issues, describing the project as a "no-brainer" that would work effectively to enhance safety.
Decision to Halt the Project
The whistleblower alleged that Transdev and Altrac, the private consortium managing the light rail on behalf of the government, decided not to proceed with full development and implementation due to financial constraints. They approached Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW), which owns the assets, to discuss cost-sharing, but TfNSW declined to contribute.
Subsequently, Transdev and Altrac reportedly presented a case to the national rail safety regulator (ONRSR) arguing that the expenses outweighed the safety benefits. The whistleblower claimed that ONRSR accepted this argument, leading to the project being shelved, despite internal staff believing it could prevent further deaths.
"That was really painful for all of us involved," the former employee said. "We were very vocal at the time, and I kind of feel even the senior management at Altrac and Transdev felt the same, that they felt the pressure of spending money outweighed this whole project."
Second Fatality and Project Restart
In June 2025, a second fatality occurred when German-born Osmaro Orellana died after becoming trapped under a tram at a light rail stop in Surry Hills. Following this incident, the whistleblower asserted that the coupling project was restarted after ONRSR faced criticism from senior officials.
However, the whistleblower expressed frustration over the delay, noting that the technology could have been implemented earlier, potentially saving lives. They also highlighted ongoing concerns among tram drivers about pedestrian safety without urgent fixes.
Responses from Involved Parties
Transdev has confirmed that it is currently trialling sensors in the coupling area but rejected the whistleblower's claims. A company spokesperson stated that the assessment of sensor technology was never shelved, emphasising that it is a complex innovation not yet retrofitted on any other light rail network worldwide. They cited questions about feasibility and integration with existing safety systems as reasons for thorough testing.
Transdev did not deny that cost was a factor in the decision-making process. The company has implemented other safety upgrades since 2023, including improvements to CCTV, stop line markings, and warning signs.
ONRSR provided a statement indicating that after the 2023 death, it was satisfied with engineering controls implemented by Transdev to address safety risks "so far as is reasonably practicable." Following the 2025 fatality, the regulator reviewed the operator's safety management system and continues to monitor performance, noting that the contributing factors in the two incidents were very different.
TfNSW reiterated that safety is its highest priority and stated that it has engaged with Transdev, ONRSR, and other stakeholders to consider safety improvements deemed reasonably practicable and effective.
Ongoing Investigations and Future Steps
The New South Wales coroner is expected to conduct a joint inquest into both the 2023 and 2025 light rail deaths, although hearing dates have not yet been set. This development follows reports of drivers feeling silenced by Transdev after Orellana's death, with internal communications warning staff against discussing the incidents.
As the community awaits further outcomes, the allegations raise critical questions about balancing cost considerations with public safety in urban transport systems. The whistleblower's account underscores a pressing need for transparent and proactive measures to prevent future tragedies on Sydney's light rail network.
