Commuters in NSW are being warned to brace for significant delays this week with train services expected to be cut by up to 75 per cent due to industrial action.
Action by the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) has begun, with delays and cancellations expected on the Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink networks.
On Tuesday, the industrial action will see train services restricted to travelling to 60km/h in Sydney.
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“As a result, trains on suburban lines on Tuesday are expected to run on an amended timetable with a reduction of up to 50 per cent of normal services during the peak period,” Transport for NSW said in a statement.
On Thursday, further industrial action could the Sydney Trains network reduced by as much as 70 per cent during peak periods.
“Customers should expect disruption including delays, altered stopping patterns and cancellations,” Transport for NSW said.
“A significant reduction in Intercity and regional services to the Central Coast, Newcastle, Hunter, Blue Mountains, Southern Highlands and South Coast lines is also expected on Thursday 30 June and Friday 1 July.
On Friday, train drivers will refuse to drive foreign-built trains, which make up about 70 per cent of the rail fleet.
Peak hour services may be reduced by as much as 75 per cent and limited train replacement buses will operate in some locations.
The RTBU action is driven by safety concerns over a new fleet of Korean-built trains, which the union maintains need to be modified to keep passengers safe.
Transport Minister David Elliott says he is “open minded about the modifications so long as it doesn’t cost taxpayers unnecessarily” and “so long as it doesn’t void the warrant”.
“At a time when the NSW economy is facing headwinds ... to unnecessarily spend money on modifying or making all the modifications that the union’s asked for I think would be irresponsible,” he told Sydney radio 2GB on Monday.
The week of disruptions comes after the NSW government cancelled a meeting with the union, that was meant to take place on Friday.
“It’s beyond disappointing that the NSW Government is continuing to play political games at the expense of workers and commuters,” RTBU NSW Secretary Alex Claassens said.
“Rail workers have acted in good faith throughout this whole saga. All we want is for the government to deliver on the basic safety and workforce issues that we’ve been talking about for many months.”
- With AAP
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