Police have charged more than 350 people following a crackdown on the transport network, targeting violent and sexual offenders.
Operation Waratah was established by the Police Transport Command (PTC) in 2024 to safeguard the community through coordinated, intelligence-led policing, with hundreds of offenders arrested for offences allegedly committed against commuters and transport staff.
The operation involves high-visibility patrols, community engagement and the proactive targeting of alleged offenders across the NSW transport and surrounding precinct including trains, buses, ferries and the new Sydney Metro.
It aims to prevent, disrupt and respond to people engaging in violent activity and committing sexual offences.
To date, more than 1800 people have been arrested with more than 3000 charges laid as part of Operation Waratah.
The planning phase of Operation Waratah 6 commenced in May 2026, with an operational phase of more than 400 officers deployed each day between Thursday 9 July to Saturday 11 July 2026 across the public transport network.
Operation Waratah 6 results include,
- 539 trains, 127 buses and 29 light rail trams patrolled
- 645 charges laid
- 28 knives or weapons seized
- 551 people searched
- 323 move-on directions issued
- 137 drug detections made
- 86 bail compliance checks conducted
- 60 people arrested for breaching bail or outstanding warrants, and
- 473 rail infringements issued.