Industrial action continues to disrupt NSW rail customers
NSW rail customers will face major disruptions on Wednesday evening and Thursday morning as the Rail, Tram, and Bus Union (RTBU) begins a new round of protected industrial action.
From midnight on Thursday 28 July 2022, the rail union will start a four-hour work stoppage, which will stop the movement of all trains on the Sydney Trains-operated network, including Intercity, long-distance regional and rail freight services.
Sydney Trains Chief Executive Matt Longland said this stoppage will affect rail customers on both Wednesday and Thursday, with essential workers and tradies expected to be the most impacted.
“While the union action officially starts at midnight, our customers will start to feel the effects from around 9pm on Wednesday evening, with a reduced frequency on all lines” Mr Longland said.
“To ensure the safety of our customers, staff and network overall, trains will need to be taken back to stabling yards and depots before the industrial action starts.
“Although staff will return to work at 4am on Thursday, customers will need to allow plenty of extra time while trains return to the network. The timetable is expected to be fully operational by around 8am on Thursday morning.
“We encourage customers to avoid travelling on the rail network late on Wednesday evening and early on Thursday morning, and to check if other public transport options are available during this period.
“We thank customers for their patience during this industrial action as we continue working with unions to resolve our new Enterprise Agreement."
NSW TrainLink Chief Executive Dale Merrick said Intercity and long-distance regional services would also be affected.
“We expect services will recommence around 5.30am Thursday, with disruptions for customers including changed timetables for several hours afterwards,” Mr Merrick said.
“Our intercity customers travelling to and from the South Coast, Southern Highlands, Newcastle and the Hunter and the Blue Mountains can all expect a disrupted start to the morning peak period.
“Unfortunately, our customers travelling on our North Coast and Melbourne XPT services will be required to transfer to road coaches for much of their journeys.
“NSW TrainLink is encouraging our customers to reconsider any non-essential travel or use alternative transport where possible. Where travel is required, customers should plan ahead, allow extra travel time,and visit transportnsw.info for the latest updates.
“It’s disappointing this industrial action is once again disrupting the travel plans of regional people after another difficult period for their communities with the recent floods.”
Customers should visit transportnsw.info for the latest information and consider alternative transport options.
Road users can download the Live Traffic NSW app or visit livetraffic.com for the latest traffic updates.