Industrial action to cause significant disruption for rail commuters on Wednesday
NSW rail customers can expect significant disruption all day on Wednesday 31 August 2022, with trains operating to a reduced weekend timetable for majority of the network, as protected industrial action continues.
Wednesday’s protected industrial action by the Rail, Tram, and Bus Union (RTBU) will impact the ability to use the Waratah, Millennium, and OSCAR trains, which represent around 70 per cent of the rail fleet and 75 per cent of services.
RTBU members also may continue to refuse to operate services if they believe trains do not meet a minimum maintenance or cleanliness standard, causing further disruptions to the network.
Sydney Trains Chief Executive, Matt Longland, said a limited service will be in place for those who need to use the rail network.
“Customers can expect a reduced frequency on Wednesday across most of the suburban network, with at least a 30-minute gap between services. We recommend avoiding all non-essential rail travel where possible,” Mr Longland said.
“Customers should expect disruption including delays, altered stopping patterns and cancellations, with some of these impacts to be felt from around 9pm on Tuesday as we prepare for the reduced timetable. Please plan ahead, check the latest updates, and be respectful of frontline staff during this time.”
“We continue our intensive bargaining with the RTBU this week to minimise the ongoing impact to our customers.”
Buses will replace trains on the T3 Bankstown line between Lidcombe and Bankstown and the T7 Olympic Park line between Lidcombe and Olympic Park.
There will be no train services operating on the T5 Cumberland line. Customers can change at Granville to complete their journey.
NSW TrainLink Chief Operating Officer, Dale Merrick, said Intercity customers can also expect disruptions and are reminded to plan ahead.
“Blue Mountains, Central Coast and Newcastle Intercity services will operate to a weekend timetable frequency,” Mr Merrick said.
“South Coast Intercity services will operate hourly between Kiama and Waterfall and buses will replace trains on the Port Kembla line between Port Kembla and Wollongong.”
The protected industrial action will not have an impact on NSW TrainLink’s regional booked services or the Hunter and Southern Highlands lines.
Customers should monitor the situation and plan their journeys on Wednesday by checking transportnsw.info.
Customers are also 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 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 may be issued a fine if they fail to comply.
All transit lanes will remain open to all motorists on Wednesday to help people get to and from work and school. If you travel in a T2 or T3 lane you will not be fined.
Bus commuters in Sydney’s Inner West are also advised industrial action will impact services on Wednesday.
Members from the RTBU and TWU are planning to hold a series of stop work meetings tomorrow between 4am and 7am and in the afternoon between 2:30pm and 5:30pm.
Customers are advised to check their apps for service disruptions.