“This serious safety issue highlights the inherent dangers of overcrowding on the train network,” Mr Debnam said.

“The Iemma Labor Government is putting commuters at risk of serious injury by slashing services making overcrowding of trains an everyday occurrence,” he said.

“It’s amazing no-one fell out onto the tracks and was subsequently run over by a passing train.”

Shadow Minister for Transport Barry O’Farrell said overcrowding on the South Line had been acknowledged by the Labor Government when the Transport Minister admitted on 28 February 2006: ‘We knew there was overcrowding in those areas’.

“In this case basic safety systems have failed,” Mr O’Farrell said.

“The fact passengers were trying to contact the guard via the in-carriage intercom and found nothing was happening is a damming reflection on how seriously commuters concerns are taken by this Labor Government,” he said.

“When the concerned passenger contacted the 131 500 transport line to register the incident, she wasn’t even asked to provide her contact details.

“It’s clear the Labor Government is more concerned with keeping rail safety out of the headlines than following up on the legitimate concerns of train commuters.

“Despite the damning findings of the Glenbrook and Waterfall inquiries, safety issues are still being treated lightly by Labor.

“Until the Iemma Labor Government commits to providing a safe, clean and reliable train service, commuters will continue to be placed at risk,” Mr O’Farrell said.