Transport nightmare as Sydney trains are delayed or cancelled as track work continues and maintenance workers STRIKE after flooding disaster
- Train cancellations and delays still occurring across the NSW rail network
- Delays sparked by last week’s storm damage that ripped through the state
- Some trains that are still running have been forced to reduce speed to 40km/hr
Train cancellations and delays are still occurring across the NSW rail network due to last week’s storm damage.
Transport for NSW says ‘crews are working around the clock to assess damage and carry out repairs after wild weather caused extensive damage’.
Sydney commuters are being told to expect more delays and ‘gaps in service and cancellations’ this week.
Cancellations have limited the numbers of services arriving to stations, causing the limited trains that have arrived to be be completely inundated with commuters
Footage and photographs have surfaced online of crowds packed onto train stations desperately waiting for their train to arrive. Pictured: Parramatta station
Some trains that are still running have been forced to slow down and are only travelling at 40kmph.
As of 8.30am, the North Shore Line is only running between Hornsby and North Sydney and services are running at a reduced frequency between Hornsby and Central and Lidcombe and Olympic Park due to last week’s storm damage.
There could be further frustration for commuters on Sydney’s rail network today with new strike action starting tomorrow.
The Electrical Trades Union has notified Sydney Trains it will be slowing critical maintenance and repair work.
Certain maintenance jobs will be off-limits for workers. The Rail, Tram and Bus Union has also refused to do the work in solidarity.
While it’s not expected to cause immediate disruption, there are warnings it could bring delays to the network if action is prolonged.
Sydney Trains chief executive Matt Longland said the ongoing industrial action would mean the ‘network will eventually suffer’.
‘There will be a point where equipment, such as substations, overhead wiring and track points cannot continue to be used if those maintenance activities have not been performed,’ he told Daily Telegraph.
‘If the bans continue indefinitely, this could progressively result in safety issues on the rail network and growing portions of the network unable to be operated.’
Sydney commuters are being told to expect more delays and ‘gaps in service and cancellations’ (pictured, large crowds formed at Erskineville on Saturday)
Transport Minister David Elliott said discussions between industry groups was ongoing (pictured, crowd of commuters waiting for a train over the weekend)
‘At this time we are not expecting any service impacts for our customers next week.’
Transport Minister David Elliott said discussions between industry groups was ongoing.
‘I will continue to meet with (the ETU) but I can’t help being suspicious about the motives as we approach two elections,’ he said.
Commuters were told last week to steer clear of train travel as flood damage impacted the rail network.
Unprecedented rainfall in the Harbour City sparked major delays while flooding on the tracks prompted some trains to travel slower than normal.
The NSW Government said flooding, landslide and trees on tracks were the main contributors to the delays.