Richmond railway station

Richmond railway station is the terminus of the Richmond branch line, and is 60.7km from Central railway station. It serves the suburbs of Richmond and Hobartville as well as a nearby Western Sydney University campus. The station consists of 1 island (forming 2 platforms), accessed through a single entry at the western end.

The station is staffed from 3:30am to 11:30pm on weekdays (Mon-Fri), and 3am to 12am on weekends.

History
As the Richmond line opened in November 1864, Richmond station was as one of the four rail terminals built along the new track (the other stations were: Riverstone, Mulgrave, and Windsor). During the 1880s most of these stations were upgraded, with Richmond's current platform buildings dating to this time.

In 1926 the branch line was extended west to Kurrajong. This extension was single line and was connected to the platform 1 road. A siding was built next to the platform 1 road at the same time. This extension was closed in 1952, with all tracks lifted, except for the platform road and the siding.

An RAAF Airshow, held at Richmond Air-Force Base (AFB) in 1938, resulted in heavy congestion throughout the rail-line. This was compounded with higher demand since the AFB was built in 1925. In response, platform length for all stations was increased to 450 feet (137m) and Richmond station received additional facilities.

By the 1950s, a cleaners building was constructed behind the platform building.

In 1983, the engine shed was demolished and built over by car park and fast-food restaurant.

Line electrification reached Richmond in 1991, and all rooms within the station building were altered in 1996 (besides the General Waiting Room).

Accident
In January 2018, Waratah set A42 failed to slow down on approach to platform 2, resulting in a crash with the buffer Stop. The station operated at reduced capacity for several weeks as recovery operations and investigation took place. The speed limit was temporarily reduced from 50km/h to 20km/h, as the buffer stop was found to be ineffective and in case a similar accident happened again. The limit was increased to 25km/h after the buffer stop was replaced and low speed train stops were installed.

Platforms and services
Richmond is serviced by T1 Western Line trains, usually with a train every 30 minutes. T5 Cumberland Line trains service the station on early mornings and late nights, in lieu of T1 trains. Trains can arrive on either platform. The siding is occasionally used for train storage.