Industrial action causes a week of disruption for NSW rail commuters

Commuters should prepare for a week of disruption across the NSW rail network with services significantly impacted on some days as a result of ongoing protected industrial action.

On Tuesday 23 August, a heavily reduced timetable will run on the T1 North Shore &Western, T7 Olympic Parkand T9 Northern lines.

There will be no train services operating on the T5 Cumberland line between Richmond and Leppington. Commuters can change at Granville to complete their journey.

On Thursday 25 August, trains on all suburban lines will run to an amended timetable,with a major reduction to services during peak periods.

Sydney Trains Chief Executive Matt Longland said commuters should be prepared for delays and cancellations over the coming week.

“Unfortunately, commuters will experience longer journey times, less frequent services, and changes to stopping patterns due to this industrial action,” Mr Longland said.

“We are working closely with the Rail, Tram, and Bus Union to put an end to the daily delays and cancellations on the train network and minimise the ongoing impact to our customers.

“We want to maintain frequent services across the network for essential workers, school children and other commuters who really need to use the network.

“However, commuters should avoid any non-essential travel this week. If you must travel on the rail network, please plan your journey in advance.

“All commuters should keep up to date with the latest service information at transportnsw.info and on transport social media channels.”

NSW TrainLink Chief Operating Officer Dale Merrick said the industrial action will have flow-on effects on intercity and regional commuters,with delays and cancellations impacting many TrainLink services.

“I’m urging TrainLink commuters to plan ahead, catch alternative public transport services, or work from home, if possible,” Mr Merrick said.

Commuters should monitor the situation and have a back-up plan for essential travel.

Commuters are reminded that they must continue to tap on and off at Opal readers for every part of their journey on the NSW rail network during the months of August and September despite the ticket gates being left open due to industrial action.

Under the Opal Terms of Use, commuters are required to always carry a valid ticket and non-compliance may result in a fine.

The NSW Government and Transport for NSW continue to engage in discussions with unions to progress the new Enterprise Agreement and to minimise the impact on commuters.

We thank our commuters for their patience and apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Commuters should visit transportnsw.info for the latest information and consider alternative transport options.

Road users can also download the Live Traffic NSW App for the latest traffic updates.