THERE have been more than 100 reports of vandalism on board trains on the Hunter, Central Coast and Newcastle lines so far this year.
One woman told the Newcastle Herald of her horror when she boarded a train at Cardiff late last month with eight "rowdy" teenagers.
She described how she watched in fear as the group entered her carriage after passing through Morisset and began smashing seats on the lower deck.
The witness said this continued until the train reached Wyong and the boys hopped off.
She said there were only a couple of other people in the carriage at the time and she was worried about how they were coping after the incident.
The vandalism of seats was reported to Sydney Trains' security team and a call was made to triple zero.
It's understood the group of suspected vandals were captured leaving the train on CCTV at various stations along the line, which was shared with NSW Police, who are investigating the incident.
There have been 109 reports of malicious damage and graffiti on board trains on the Hunter Line and the Newcastle and Central Coast Line this year to September 29.
That is about one report every two-and-a-half days, on average.
Sydney Trains spends about $5 million per year fixing vandalism alone.
The carriage that was damaged in the Hunter incident last week had to be removed from service and repaired as part of the annual maintenance program.
The new intercity fleet of trains, which are on track to be rolled out on the Newcastle Central Coast Line at the end of this year, will have CCTV cameras onboard.
A Transport for NSW spokesperson said anyone who witnessed antisocial behaviour or felt unsafe on a train should inform staff or ask for assistance by using the Emergency Help Points across the network.
Call triple zero in an emergency, make a report to the Police Assistance Line on 131 444, or contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
'We take the safety of our passengers very seriously," the Transport for NSW spokesperson said.
"Threatening, offensive or unsafe behaviour is not tolerated, and fines apply."
Vandalism, graffiti, unattended baggage, or suspicious activity can be reported by calling 131 500 or notifying Transport for NSW staff at the stations.
"Sydney Trains works with the NSW Police Transport & Public Safety Command and uses technology, including more than 13,000 CCTV cameras, to catch offenders," the spokesperson said.
