Transport for NSW Media Release: 28 September 2021
Trains have resumed operating on the Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink Intercity network after industrial action by the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU).
A stoppage earlier today by RTBU members impacted all Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink services.
While services are resuming, customers will need to allow plenty of extra time while trains return to the network. The timetable is expected to be fully operational around 3:30pm.
“I’d like to thank our essential travellers for your assistance today. Please be patient with us while services come back online this afternoon. The train you catch home may not be your usual train so please check the trip planner.” Transport for NSW Chief Operations Officer Howard Collins said.
Trains are resuming services on all lines on the Sydney Trains network, and the NSW TrainLink Intercity network (Blue Mountains, Central Coast & Newcastle, Hunter, South Coast, and Southern Highlands Lines).
“NSW TrainLink regional customers are reminded that all long distance services have been cancelled today, with limited coach capacity to support customers. Most services will resume again tomorrow,” NSW Trains Chief Executive Dale Merrick said.
“Safety is always our top priority, which is why we need to follow our procedures when returning the fleet to the network. Trains will need to be checked and prepared before they leave the depot and start running on the network again,” Sydney Trains Chief Executive Matt Longland said.
“If you must travel this afternoon, please allow extra time and consider using regular buses or ferries, consider driving or walking and cycling for shorter trips,” Mr Collins said.
Customers are reminded that stop work action will affect Transdev Sydney Light Rail services on the L1 Dulwich Hill Line between 3pm and 5pm today.
Buses are replacing trams during the afternoon peak between 2pm and 6pm.
“Customers who usually travel on the L1 Dulwich Hill light rail will need to find alternative travel options and expect delays this afternoon. L2 Randwick and L3 Kingsford light rail lines are not affected and will be running as usual,” Mr Collins said.
Regular route buses, Sydney Metro, L2 Randwick and L3 Kingsford Light Rail services and ferries will continue to run as normal but are expected to be busier than usual.
“Please continue to practise good COVID safe etiquette - wear a mask and sit or stand only on a green dot. If you feel unwell, stay home and get tested.”
Customers can plan their journey ahead by visiting transportnsw.info
For the latest traffic updates visit livetraffic.com or download the Live Traffic NSW App or call 132 701.
Transport for NSW Media Release: 24 September 2021
NSW TrainLink customers and essential travellers are being urged to plan ahead as regional rail and Intercity services will be heavily impacted by planned industrial action on Saturday 25 September.
Chief Executive NSW Trains, Dale Merrick, said as a result of this action all regional rail services will be cancelled and delays of around one hour will be seen on all intercity lines, due to trains travelling no faster than 60 kilometers per hour.
“We urge anyone who needs to use the network on Saturday to please plan ahead as your trip will be heavily impacted,” Mr Merrick said.
“We are working to minimise impacts to customers, including replacement coaches, but we do encourage customers to find alternative travel arrangements at this time.”
The following lines will be affected by these disruptions, including a reduced speed and frequency and cancellations;
· Blue Mountains Line
· Bathurst services
· Central Coast and Newcastle Line
· South Coast Line
· Southern Highland Line
· Hunter Line
· All regional rail services
There will also be major service changes to all lines on the Sydney Trains network, with a reduced timetable in operation for the duration of the day. All services on the T5 Cumberland Line have been cancelled.
“It is disappointing customers are paying the price during what is an already challenging time for the State and I thank customers for working with us throughout the pandemic,” Mr Merrick said.
“NSW TrainLink is committed to negotiating an enterprise agreement tailored to our workforce’s specific needs and the needs of the customers and the communities we serve.
“The RTBU wants to see bargaining roll out exactly as it has in the past but we want our people to have a louder voice in deciding their future and how we serve regional NSW.
“NSW TrainLink employees tell us they are excited about the chance to have a say and we will stick by our commitment to this process.”
The RTBU has also notified us of planned industrial action which will disrupt the network again on Tuesday 28 September. Customers and our communities will be provided with updated service impacts early next week.
Please continue to practise good COVID safe etiquette - wear a mask and sit or stand only on a green dot. If you feel unwell, stay home and get tested.
Customers can plan their journey ahead by visiting transportnsw.info
PLANNED SERVICE CHANGES for Saturday 25 September:
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Blue Mountains Line |
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Cancelled, buses replacing trains due to planned track work |
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Bathurst services |
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Cancelled, buses replacing trains due to planned track work |
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Central Coast and Newcastle Line |
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Reduced frequency, services to stop all stations and terminate at Hornsby
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South Coast Line |
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Reduced frequency, Services to stop all stations and terminate at Waterfall |
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Southern Highlands Line |
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Cancelled |
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Hunter Line |
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Reduced frequency, trains replaced by buses between Maitland Singleton, Scone and Dungog.
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Regional rail services |
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A single return coach service for North Coast, North West, Canberra, Griffith and Albury journeys. |
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