Sydney's rail system is perilously close to "strangulation" because of soaring passenger numbers and recurring track and train faults, confidential reports warn.

The findings, kept secret for more than a year, say "operational paralysis" can be avoided only by adding new lines and up to 80 stations, buying 770 carriages worth $2.2 billion and spending at least $20 billion in the next decade on urgent maintenance.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/0202/25/national/national6.html

Five new train lines - including three Metros styled on the London Underground with trains running every two minutes during peak hour - and nearly 80 extra stations, should be built in the next 40 years to cater for massive passenger growth, claims a confidential report on Sydney's rail needs. More than half of the city would be 'doomed' if the lines are not built, according to the report.

http://www.smh.com.au/