The prospect of serious political competition is coming to NSW, and it is to be hoped that competition will encourage our major parties to better focus on what matters to the state, and to resist, so far as it is possible, the sugared thrills of political point-scoring.

The avoidable breakdown of Sydney's rail system this week has been a blow to the credibility of Gladys Berejiklian's government in an area in which it has done well to win some trust.

The recent breakdown of Sydney's rail system has been a blow to the credibility of Gladys Berejiklian's government. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer

Prior to the introduction of a new timetable, trains had largely been running on time. Customer service on the rail system had demonstrably improved.

But bigger tests loom in the year ahead – the closure of the entire Epping to Chatswood line, for one – and for an electorate leery of the priorities of the Berejiklian government, the prospect of an alternative administration might become increasingly attractive.